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Why Chicago Is The Front-Runner For Garoppolo If They Want Him

By
Erik Lambert
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jimmy garoppolo chicago bears

The Jimmy Garoppolo Chicago Bears hype is finally starting to gain momentum. Late to the part as always, nonetheless this team never ceases arriving with a bang. Word is the Bears are hot on the trail of the New England Patriots backup according to CBS Sports insider Jason La Canfora. They’ve done their homework on him and seem to believe he’s one of the best options available this 2017 off-season.

The problem is they are likely not the only team that has reached this conclusion. Rumors have also come from places like Cleveland and San Francisco, stating the Browns and 49ers might be in on the Garoppolo chase. Adding to that is the fact each of those teams have more picks both of value and volume than the Bears do.

It certainly looks like Chicago would never be able to get into a bidding war with them. They don’t have the ammunition for it. Then again, they are by no means toothless either. In fact when compiling certain notes on the situation, one might even say the Bears could be considered the favorite in the running. How is that possible?

Here are some key factors to consider.

10 Best Moments Of David Ross’ Cubs Career

By
Gus
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It’s crazy to think that David Ross only played two seasons as a Chicago Cub. I remember when they signed him I was still riding my ‘Jon Lester’ high but I knew that Rossy would be a great fit in the city of Chicago.

I didn’t really expect much from him at the plate because I was still under the assumption that Kyle Schwarber was the answer at catcher.

We all saw how that worked out.

Ross’ time spent with the Cubs will undoubtedly be remembered by his role in helping the team win their first World Series championship in over a century and for that, Cubs fans will be forever grateful.

Ross turned into a fan favorite due to his humility, work ethic, and overall genuineness as a person and now that he’s moved on to the next chapter in his life, I thought I’d send him off with a nice farewell present:

A top ten list of the best moments of his Cubs career.

Realistic Price For Jimmy Garoppolo Based On Other QB Trades

By
Erik Lambert
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jimmy garoppolo

It took longer than other teams but the Chicago Bears finally have a major quarterback rumor on their hands. They’ve become the latest team attached in trade speculation to New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo. Jason La Canfora revealed in a lengthy CBS Sports piece that the team has been doing their homework on the 25-year old. It’s felt they will try to make a play for him before the draft over the next couple months.

There is still so much to sort through and it’s not clear if this rumor is true. All that can be said at this point is it makes plenty of sense. Garoppolo is experienced, so John Fox wouldn’t have to start a rookie. He’s also young, so Ryan Pace would be able to build around him. An Illinois-native, he grew up watching the Bears in Arlington Heights and made a name for himself at Eastern Illinois University.

To top it off he’s been groomed by some of the best coaching minds in the game. If he’s not ready now, he’ll never be ready. The only question left is what will it cost to get him?

REPORT: Chicago Bears Will Make Jimmy Garoppolo “Top Priority”

By
Erik Lambert
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jimmy garoppolo

The Chicago Bears aren’t under any illusions. This 2017 off-season begins and ends with one primary mission. That’s to find a quarterback who can help this organization win more football games. Simple in theory but highly difficult in practice. Thus far GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have betrayed zero information on what their plans might be. Will it be the draft? Free agency? All they’ve done is explain certain traits they’ll be looking for.

Well it seems they may have found somebody who fits their ideal description. For the past couple months, speculation has tied the Bears to a possible trade deal for New England Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Thus far there hasn’t been any fire with that smoke. Seems that has changed according Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

“THE CHICAGO BEARS WILL MAKE A STRONG, CONCERTED EFFORT TO ACQUIRE QUARTERBACK JIMMY GAROPPOLO FROM THE PATRIOTS, ACCORDING TO SOURCES WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE SITUATION. THE ILLINOIS NATIVE IS FAR AND AWAY THEIR TOP OFFSEASON PRIORITY.”

Garoppolo is considered one of the primary names on any market this off-season. He’s 25-years old and entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Patriots have no reason to suspect Tom Brady is approaching an imminent decline after his seventh Super Bowl berth. So if they wish to avoid losing him for nothing to free agency, then a trade is their best option.

THE CONNECTION

It’s impossible to know for sure when the Bears became interested in Garoppolo. Then again it may have started back during the preseason. Chicago traveled to the east coast where they held joint practices with the Patriots prior to their week two meeting. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune explained how Pace made sure to meet with Garoppolo. Both because the young man was an intriguing talent, but also because they shared a unique bond.

“HE SPENT A SOLID 15 MINUTES VISITING WITH FANS WHILE RYAN PACE, A FELLOW EASTERN ILLINOIS FOOTBALL PRODUCT, STOOD PATIENTLY BY A GOAL POST ON THE LAST FIELD TAKING IN THE CHANTS OF “JIMMY! JIMMY!” JUST AS THEY WERE ABOUT TO MEET, GAROPPOLO ENCOUNTERED SOME SPECIAL-NEEDS CHILDREN AND SPENT EXTRA TIME WITH THEM.

FINALLY, THE BEARS GENERAL MANAGER AND THE QUARTERBACK WHO LIKELY WILL BE A TRADE COMMODITY THIS OFFSEASON GOT TOGETHER.

“WE GOT TO TALK ONE-ON-ONE AND IT WAS JUST A COUPLE OF EASTERN GUYS HANGING OUT,” SAID GAROPPOLO, WHO IS PLAYING THE ROLE OF FALCONS QUARTERBACK MATT RYAN IN PRACTICE THIS WEEK AS THE PATRIOTS PREPARE FOR SUPER BOWL LI. “THERE ARE NOT MANY EASTERN ILLINOIS GUYS (IN THE NFL), SO IT’S A SMALL GROUP AND WE LIKE TO STICK TOGETHER.”

It’s no secret that Garoppolo went to Eastern Illinois University in college. He wanted to stay close to home where he went to Rolling Meadows High School. What many might not recall is that Ryan Pace also went to EIU. He played defense during his time there before becoming a scout for the New Orleans Saints after graduation. It’s such an easy connection to make.

THE FIT

For starters there is of course the nativity angle. Come on. A born and bred Illinois native returns home to help pull his childhood franchise out of the muck. The story practically writes itself. Garoppolo was a local hero even before he was drafted. He broke every passing record set by Tony Romo, who also went to Eastern Illinois. Beyond that he looked quite good is his brief audition at the beginning of 2016 when he started for the suspended Brady.

Garoppolo is said to mirror the future Hall of Famer in many ways from body type to style and throwing motion. The accurate passing is certainly something that stands out. This makes him a fit for the Bears from a schematic standpoint as well. Keep in mind the best performer at quarterback in 2016 for the Bears was Brian Hoyer. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains worked well with him. Hoyer of course was an undrafted free agent of New England back in 2009.

Garoppolo is both younger and more talented than Hoyer is. If they are similar, then it stands to reason Jimmy and Loggains would be an excellent fit.

AUTHOR’S REACTION

There are plenty of emotions running through the mind with this. After what just happened with Jay Cutler, it’s easy to imagine many Bears fans are wild about the idea of another expensive quarterback trade. It’s fair to feel that way. At the same time one must ask the question. Is there anybody in the 2017 NFL draft class who is better than Garoppolo? One or two might be more talented, but not better at this point.

Don’t forget the situation at hand. This Bears regime is running out of time. They are 9-23 in their first two seasons. John Fox cannot afford another down year. Otherwise he could be fired and Pace might not be far behind him. This team needs to win more games, and it must be sooner than later. That’s not going to get accomplished with Hoyer or a rookie quarterback.

Garoppolo is both young and experienced. He’s the best of both worlds in that respect. He gives Pace and Fox somebody ready to start now and he is also somebody they can build around for the next five years. The cost of course will be the major talk. Predictions have ranged from a second round pick to a first round pick and more. Especially if other teams get involved. It’s hard to believe the Bears can afford getting into a bidding war with other teams when they still have so many other roster needs to address.

One thing not to overlook? Chicago and New England have already done business over the past two years. First it involved a trade of linebacker Jon Bostic and then again with tight end Martellus Bennett. That familiarity could help streamline the process.

David Ross Expected To Kick Ass At ESPN

By
Gus
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There will be a lot of different things that I remember about the 2016 World Series run of the Chicago Cubs. One of them will be the emergence of David Ross as arguably the most popular player on a team that was littered with budding superstars. What makes Ross’ rise more impressive is the fact that he was primarily a role player throughout most of the season (and his career) but since 2016 would be his last, the rest of the team made sure that Ross went out with a bang.

And that’s exactly what happened.

Looking at Ross’ past, it shouldn’t really surprise anyone why the 39-year-old quickly captured the hearts of an entire city. Hell, he was liked by all of his former teams but we forget those times because of the cult-like following he developed in Chicago.

Now that Ross has hung up his spikes for good, he’s moved on to the next chapter in his life which is working as a baseball analyst for ESPN. Even though he’s no longer playing, Ross’ popularity has not dropped one bit. His new colleagues explained exactly why the beloved former catcher will continue to kick ass now as an analyst and not a baseball player.

Texas Rangers Are Reportedly Dark Horses For Jose Quintana

By
Dan Fappiano
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Jose Quintana has been arguably the most coveted pitcher on the trade market this offseason. As front-line starting pitching becomes a premium in the MLB, teams are looking to add Quintana to bolster their rotation.

While Quintana and his modest $7 million salary could fit on any roster, there have been three main players in the pursuit. At one point or another this offseason the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates or New York Yankees have been the favorite to land the White Sox ace.

As the offseason rages on it appeared that if Quintana were to be traded, it would be to one of those teams. That was of course until a new report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

Nightengale reported that the Texas Rangers have begun to show interest in Jose Quintana.

Ranger Danger

The Texas Rangers are one of the most dangerous teams in the American League. They have a potent offense featuring the likes of Carlos Gomez, Adrian Beltre, Normar Mazara, Jonathan Lucroy and others. They have the bats to go toe to toe with any offense in the MLB.

What makes them even more scary is their pitching rotation. According to Roster Resource the Rangers are set to enter the year with Cole Hamels, Yu Darvish, Martin Perez, Andrew Cashner and A.J Griffin in the rotation. Texas recently signed Tyson Ross, and he should be ready to join the team at some point prior to the All Star Break.

Adding Quintana would give the Rangers a three headed monster atop their rotation. Hamels, Darvish and Quintana are all aces. Come playoff time, where the importance of starting pitching reaches an all time high, the Rangers will have one of the deepest units in all of baseball. If Ross is able to capture his former glory, the Rangers could realistically have four aces on their pitching staff.

A pitching rotation with that much talent, coupled with an already electric offense could lead the Rangers to the American League Championship. While the Red Sox and Indians are currently the favorites, the Rangers would be right up there by adding another ace in Quintana.

Why Now?

Realistically, the Rangers had a pretty weak offseason. While the team added Ross, they haven’t made any more Major League signings. Texas has been connected to Mike Napoli and others, but for now Ross remains as their only major addition.

They have watched as the Red Sox added Chris Sale and the Indians added Edwin Encarnacion. Texas knows just how good those teams could be. If they do not make a major move, there’s a chance they won’t be able to compete come October.

Texas also saw the consequences of weak starting pitching during the playoffs as they got swept by the Blue Jays in the ALDS. Game One saw Hamels give up seven runs in 3.1 innings, Game Two saw Darvish give up five runs in five innings and Game Three saw Colby Lewis give up five runs in two innings.

The Rangers know that come playoff time, starting pitching becomes even more valuable. Quintana would give the team a consistent option to pitch early on in the postseason.

The hope would be that a mix of their three aces and Ross would be able to help lead the team to the World Series.

What Would It Take?

Late in December, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reported that the White Sox asked for Jurickson Profar and “a lot more” when the teams discussed Quintana.

Profar is a former top prospect who has the ability to play every infield position. While the Rangers used him more as a super utility player, Profar would be a cornerstone offensive weapon for the White Sox and potentially their third baseman of the future. In 184 MLB games, Profar has hit .235 with 12 home runs, 48 RBIs and four stolen bases.

Outside of Profar, it’s hard to tell what the White Sox could receive for Quintana. Texas doesn’t have the deepest farm system but they do have two top 100 prospects in Leody Taveras (55th) and Yohander Mendez (56th).

The Rangers also have players such as Nomar Mazara and Joey Gallo who they could offer in a Quintana deal.

Mazara had a breakout campaign in 2016 hitting .266 with 20 home runs and 64 RBIs over 145 games. It seems unlikely that the Rangers would be willing to trade Mazara after he proved he could hit MLB pitching. Perhaps if the team becomes desperate at the trade deadline they could move their rising star.

Gallo has dominated minor league pitching but has yet to find that same stroke in the major leagues. He has hit .254 with 152 home runs and 375 RBIs at the minor league level and .173 with seven home runs and 15 RBIs at the major league level. Gallo has a ton of potential, but the White Sox may be unwilling to take on a player that is so hit or miss.

Overall, the Rangers couldn’t comprise the same trade package as a Pirates or Astros. However if they were to include Mazara, the White Sox would have to listen.

Author’s Reaction

I think it’s very unlikely that the Rangers and White Sox match up on a deal for Jose Quintana. In fact, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News already debunked this rumor.

I don’t doubt that the Rangers and White Sox have had talks in the past. The Rangers have been known to make bold moves, and adding Quintana would classify as one.

The Rangers just don’t have the type of farm system that Rick Hahn covets. The only thing that would get a deal done is Mazara, and there’s about a 0% chance the Rangers do that.

I think this trade rumor is more posturing from the White Sox rather than an actual rumor. The Red Sox increased their offer for Chris Sale once they saw that the Nationals “were making a big push”. If a team like the Astros, the Rangers rival, sees the Rangers are showing interest, it may force them to up their offer. In this specific case, it may force them to include top prospect Francis Martes; something they’ve been reluctant to do.

Even if this is an actual rumor rather than posturing, it doesn’t make much sense for the White Sox to deal Quintana to the Rangers. The team could get much more value out of the Pirates or Astros. If Hahn is able to fetch just Meadows/Glasnow or Martes, he is getting a much greater value than he would from Texas; assuming Mazara isn’t involved.

The White Sox are much better off holding out for a “real offer” from a team with a deep farm system. At this point, the Rangers are not this team.

At this point it seems unlikely that Jose Quintana is traded prior to the start of the 2017 season. If he is, it seems more likely that it’ll be to the Houston Astros or Pittsburgh Pirates rather than the Texas Rangers.

 

Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14

Latest Evidence Shows Ryan Pace and John Fox Face Inevitable Breakup

By
Erik Lambert
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bears draft target

Since the beginning of 2015, Ryan Pace and John Fox have been joined at the hip. It seemed like such a great idea at the time. The young, rookie GM paired with the veteran head coach. Each one should be able to to compliment the other and together pull the Chicago Bears out of a half-decade quagmire of total NFL irrelevance.

Both knew it wasn’t going to be easy. They’d inherited the oldest roster in the NFL. Not to mention one of the most dysfunctional. It was going to take some pretty invasive surgery in order to fix this decaying body. So they set to work, making difficult cuts and trades and setting about building a culture they felt would set a winning precedence.

To their credit the two have never questioned each other, remaining steadfast and loyal. At least based on their own words. That said, after two years it’s starting to look like a separation may be unavoidable. Curious as to why that is? Well there are some obvious reasons, and a few not-so-obvious as well.

5 White Sox Prospects Outside Of The Top 100 That Can Make A Future Impact

By
Emmet McClain
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With Spring Training right around the corner, White Sox fans will soon be able to see prospects such as Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito and Michael Kopech in action. Obviously these three, along with Reynaldo Lopez, Zack Collins, and Carson Fulmer, will get the most attention, and rightfully so. They are expected change the direction of the franchise in just a few short years, with many fans and experts expecting them to contend for a title as soon as 2020.

While these headliners are going to gain the most attention, the Sox also have a plethora of talented prospects that fall outside of the top 100 that can still contribute in major ways down the road.

Let’s take a look at the top 5 underrated prospects in the White Sox farm system.

5. Dane Dunning

Dunning was one of the throw in pieces in the Adam Eaton deal that brought top prospect Lucas Giolito to the South Side. Attending the University of Florida, he never had a real chance to prove himself as the rotation was so incredibly deep. More often than not he was used as a long relief bullpen piece. However, many scouts feel that he has the stuff to become a back-of-the-rotation starter in the MLB.

Dunning possesses a plus fastball with late running life, and a solid changeup. While his breaking ball is below average as of now, it has shown glimpses of becoming an average third pitch. If things go smoothly for Dunning, he could be a very solid anchor for the rotation as soon as 2019.

Five Reasons The Bears Should Avoid Jimmy Garoppolo

By
Erik Lambert
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jimmy garoppolo bears

Quarterbacks. Quarterbacks. It’s always about the quarterbacks these days. In the eras where it was about running the football or playing great defense, that was when the Chicago Bears were great. Now the storied franchise is like a middle-aged parent still using a fax machine in an age of e-mails, snapchats and text messages.

Why can’t the Bears figure this position out? Is it really that difficult? It seems like every other NFL franchise has done. Hell, the Bears have a Hall of Fame quarterback in their history. Sid Luckman. He was a pioneer at the position Chicago should’ve been at the forefront of those changes. Instead they’ve lost their way and are left grasping for straws.

The 2017 off-season represents their latest attempt to climb out of this endless bog onto green, dry meadows. Options are being listed and ranked. Among the names at the top is New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo. Most consider him the best trade candidate available. One with the skill set to become a starter in the NFL.

What he’s accomplished to this point offers a ray of hope, but in reality there are also some red flags the Bears can’t ignore.

Jerry Krause Spills All, Shares Gross & Amazing New Stories About Michael Jordan

By
Matt Peck
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jerry krause stories michael jordan bulls

There are good interviews, and there are great interviews. Earlier today, The Vertical‘s Adrian Wojnarowksi dropped his latest podcast with guest Jerry Krause, general manager and architect of the Bulls during the 1990s dynasty. A few weeks ago, Wojnarowski posted a video essay on Twitter, arguing that Krause’s omission from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is the worst omission in professional sports. They talk about that and much more, as Krause shared stories and insights about Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson and the rest of the pieces that went into making one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

Let’s dive into some of the best material, starting with one of Krause’s more famously disputed decisions relating to Jordan.

“I Was Afraid”

Just three games into his second NBA season (which was Krause’s first full season as the team’s GM) Michael broke his foot. He missed 64 games, but was eager to come back. Jerry, following the advice of the five different doctors he consulted, urged Michael not to come back that season. In Krause’s mind, that marked the beginning of the disconnect between himself and his franchise player.

“All five [doctors] said, ‘Don’t play him. Jerry, don’t let him play.’ …I didn’t want him to play. Michael, being Michael, said. ‘That’s nuts. I’m going to play.’ …There was a line between Michael and I at that point. I said, ‘Michael, you work for this team. I work for this team. We are employees of this team.’ He didn’t like that. He got mad when I said that.” – Jerry Krause

When Jordan insisted on coming back, the same doctors told Krause to limit him to 10-15 minutes per game. Krause relayed those instructions to coach Stan Albeck, who followed orders and eased Michael back into action. To this day, Krause is relieved that MJ didn’t re-break the bone in his foot.

“Thank God. If Michael had broken that foot again, today [we’d be saying], ‘Who was that guy, he played a year or two with the Bulls? Yeah, I remember him. But he never played after that.’ And that’s what I was afraid of. I was afraid that he’d break that thing again. And I was afraid that I would be the guy who gave him permission to break it. And I didn’t want to be that human being. Because I could see greatness in the young man.” – Jerry Krause

Something Special

Krause expanded upon that last point about greatness, and highlighted the competitive drive he saw in Michael from the beginning.

“I could see a drive in him that was different. There are very, very few people I’ve ever known who had a drive in them like Michael had…The arrogance that he carried with him was a plus, because he knew that he could do things that other people couldn’t do.” – Jerry Krause

Bulls fans know all about the magical things Jordan could do on the basketball court. Sure, skill and athleticism were key to his greatness. But people often overlook just how physically tough he was. Krause told one story in particular that really shed light on exactly how tough the guy was. And guess what? It’s also a foot story. Weak stomachs beware…

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