Coaching Hires, Draft Thoughts, Tampa’s Impact on Chicago’s Future, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Cubs were hard at work today in Mesa, Arizona, and it featured Shōta Imanaga pitching live batting practice to a range of hitters. For the most part, Imanaga did what you expect pitchers to do at this point in the spring, with them usually being far ahead of the hitters. But Kevin Alcántara was the very loud exception: Kevin Alcántara took Shota Imanaga deep during live BP 🤯 pic.twitter.com/AfXf5cqL7J—...

I have shoveled twice already today, and I hope that's enough. Let's start with something to warm your heart on this otherwise chilly day: Mark Grace and Shawon Dunston surprise Ryno at spring training 💙 pic.twitter.com/ZorxVTVvfE— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 15, 2025 This could be one of those subtle improvements as you go into a second year with a manager (not just with Seiya Suzuki, but communication with all...

Very sad news to share this evening for Chicago baseball fans, as former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks revealed that he is battling stage four stomach cancer. We stand with you, Bobby Jenks. Thinking of Bobby as he is being treated for Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. https://t.co/47VIPnIq7V pic.twitter.com/jH4R9KN4cx— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 15, 2025 Jenks, 43, was dominant in the mid-2000s, and closed out the...

I love when a possible injury issue gets an almost-immediate positive update. Yesterday we learned that top Cubs prospect, and likely big league third baseman to open 2025, Matt Shaw was dealing with an oblique issue that had him unable to hit the last three to four days. But, hopping on 670 The Score, Shaw said that he will be cleared to start doing some light hitting again today: #Cubs...

Taking a gaggle of teenage girls to the mall today as part of our daughter's birthday activities, and honestly I just think it's nice that kids still want to do this kind of thing. Ope, that was a very Old Guy sentence, wasn't it? Nico Hoerner offers an update from his October 11 flexor tendon surgery, and at the highest level, he says if he'd been told back then that...

The first full day of work for the Chicago Cubs was today in Mesa, Arizona, as the team prepares for the 2025 season. That means we got a lot of clips of work on the field, and comments from the players. I thought I'd round them up for you here, kicking it off with a couple guys who say this is the best iteration of a Cubs team they've been...

DYLAN CEASE — Aside from some clarity at the ownership level, I have no idea what changed for the Padres over the past week. All winter long, we heard rumors that they would have to subtract, perhaps significantly, from their payroll before they could consider adding even a single penny to the bottom line. And for most of the winter, that has proved true. Indeed, that reality was seemingly supported by...

I GUESS DEY SHOULDA SIGNED ADAM BERGMAN MY FRENT! Here's hoping today's injury update is legitimately a very minor one, with the feel of something bigger only because of the recent Alex Bregman decision and the buzzy additional interest right now in Matt Shaw: https://bsky.app/profile/mmontemurro.bsky.social/post/3li5xgxfthk2w Given that it happened five days ago and I've seen Shaw at least getting in some work on the field since then, it must not...

I don't always love what the Cubs go with, but I'm always interested to see what a given season's marketing slogan is going to be. Last year's 'You Have to C It' was a bit of a mixed bag, though I understand what the team was going for. This year's iteration is similar, with a heavy emphasis on ticket sales: Some things are just better at Wrigley Field.BE HERE FOR...

CUBS PAYROLL — Tom Ricketts and the Chicago Cubs can sing any song they want about the reality of their annual revenues, losses, and failed attempts to sign free agents. That's the perk of keeping your bookkeeping private. You want to claim that you're only breaking even or even weathering losses each year? No one can dispute it (or even simply ask why certain indirect team revenues are excluded from your...

It's Day 42 of the Chicago Bears offseason. Did you know that Sid Luckman, widely acknowledged as the greatest quarterback in franchise history, wore No. 42? Well, if you didn't, then you do now! Chicago Bears Assistant General Manager Ian Cunningham is one of five finalists for the vacant Jacksonville Jaguars general manager's gig. Cunningham interviewed with the team on Friday and was among those set to advance to the...

The 2025 NFL Draft is 68 days away. As of right now, the Chicago Bears have eight picks — including four in the top 75. How this team goes about using its picks remains to be determined. And while what happens in free agency will go a long way toward determining how the Bears move on NFL Draft Weekend, it is never too early to look at what league insiders, analysts,...

The Jacksonville Jaguars' interview process as their search for a new general manager continues. And it will include Chicago Bears Assistant General Manager Ian Cunningham. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero has the latest on the Jaguars' GM search: The #Jaguars are lining up in-person second interviews for their GM job next week, with #Packers VP of Player Personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan and #Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham among others on the...

It's Day 41 of the Chicago Bears offseason. I began watching Taylor Tomlinson's stand-up comedy routines around this time in 2023 at the suggestion of a friend who thought I could use a laugh. The suggestion came at a time when I was dealing with depression and anxiety. I wasn't eating or sleeping. I was straight up having a bad time in life. But that Netflix special made me laugh...

The Chicago Bears are reportedly set to bring on another coach with college ties to Ben Johnson's new staff. Oregon State Offensive Line Coach Kyle DeVan is reportedly taking his talents to Halas Hall: The #Bears are expected to hire Oregon State offensive line coach Kyle DeVan, sources tell @CBSSports/@247Sports.DeVan, who was an NFL offensive lineman from 2008-12, was as an assistant offensive line coach in 2015 with the Saints,...

The Myles Garrett Sweepstakes will be one of the NFL offseason's biggest stories and a fascinating follow, to be sure. And it will be far more interesting if the Chicago Bears finagle their way into the action. Over at ESPN, Bill Barnwell offers up Myles Garrett trade fits and unearths, which teams make sense as partners who could do business and cut a deal for the Cleveland Browns star pass...

Chicago Bears Assistant General Manager Ian Cunningham has successfully completed his interview for the vacant Jacksonville Jaguars general manager position. The Jags sent this out to make it officially official: We have completed an interview with Ian Cunningham for our General Manager position. pic.twitter.com/Ls7BrwtFyD— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 14, 2025 Jacksonville has officially finished interviews with the following general manager candidates: Chad Alexander, Los Angeles Chargers Assistant GM Brandon Brown,...

The Ben Johnson era is here. And nothing ushers in a new era of Chicago Bears football like a fresh installment of 1920 Football Drive, the YouTube web series from Chicago's football team that provides behind-the-scenes footage of the happenings at Halas Hall. There is no need to extend the intro any further. Check out the video: https://youtu.be/7vTGU4do7to?si=pRcSN6YxtLXn46Fc Behind the scenes of Ben Johnson's arrival at Halas Hall as Bears...

It's Day 40 of the Chicago Bears offseason, and I've written a poem: Roses are red,violets are blueRebuild the offensive line,or I'm gonna boo How can you not be romantic about pass protection? The more I read about the draft-eligible offensive linemen, the more I want the Bears to take multiple shots at the position in the 2025 NFL Draft. Early and often? Yes. But most definitely early. Even if...

If you're trying to piece together what the Chicago Bears offseason will look like, then turn your attention to what new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had to say at his introductory press conference. Video via Bears Marquee on Twitter/X: “I think we’re always looking for talent acquisition, player acquisition ... that can help us grow as a defensive line.”Dennis Allen on potentially acquiring defensive linemen. pic.twitter.com/X0auBfJ5GM— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) January...

I remember sitting in my parent's basement in 2011 when Blake Griffin watched a Kia roll onto the hardwood in Los Angeles. The suspense was perfectly built to both his and the broadcast's credit. Ominous music blared through Staples Center speakers as Griffin watched the car move into position with a motivated stare. Baron Davis popped his head out of the sunroof to let us know we were moments away....

Matas Buzelis struggled to leave his mark on the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Taking the floor after fellow rookie Stephon Castle, the Chicago Bulls' forward didn't play it safe. Buzelis lined up underneath the rim and attempted to bounce the ball through his leg and into his same hand for the flush. While he got close, Buzelis ultimately failed to complete the dunk in the allotted 1 minute and...

Mac McClung held nothing back in his first dunk of All-Star Weekend. Trying to become the first player in NBA history to win three consecutive dunk contests, McClung walked onto the court and immediately snatched a pair of car keys. The Orlando Magic two-way contract guard waved in a Kia, immediately providing fans with flashbacks of Blake Griffin's famous 2011 dunk contest slam. However, McClung raised the bar. Stationing the...

The NBA will have some words for Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama. The two Spurs tipped off All-Star Saturday Night as teammates for the annual Skills Challenge. A timed obstacle course that features passing, shooting, and dribbling drills, the youngster and the veteran thought they found a loophole. When it came time to shoot the three different jump shots, they each chucked the three balls at each rack into the...

Michael Jordan, Dominque Wilkins, Vince Carter, Zach LaVine ... and Matas Buzelis. When he completes a between-the-legs 720 from the free throw line tonight at the Chase Center, the rookie will join an elite club of all-time dunkers. The world isn't ready for what they're about to see! Oct 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) drives to the basket in the fourth quarter against the...

There may not be many things for Bulls fans to get excited about right now, but Matas Buzelis is absolutely one of those things (ok, maybe the only thing). Tonight, Buzelis will compete in the Slam Dunk Contest after being in the Rising Stars game on Friday night. To get ready for tonight's event when the Bulls' rookie forward will take center stage, it felt like a good time to...

Happy NBA All-Star Weekend, folks! Unfortunately, there are not any Bulls in the actual All-Star game this year (though, ex-Bull Zach LaVine should be there). But the organization isn't without a little bit of representation! At the very least, we get to watch probably the brightest member of the franchise at this point, Matas Buzelis, compete in multiple events. First offered a spot in the dunk contest, Buzelis was also...

Despite one Eastern Conference Finals appearance since Michael Jordan called it quits, the Chicago Bulls remain one of the NBA's most profitable franchises. CNBC released their 2025 team valuations this week, and owner Jerry Reinsdorf has to be pleased. The Bulls are currently the fourth-most valuable franchise in the NBA and worth an estimated $5.8 billion. CNBC also lists them as generating roughly $402 million in revenue during the 2023-24...

Matas Buzelis' All-Star Weekend just got a whole lot busier. Already in San Francisco for the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, the Chicago Bulls youngster received a pretty big phone call on Friday morning. With fellow rookie big man Yves Missi dealing with a knee injury, Buzelis received an invite to tonight's Rising Stars Event. Better late than never! © Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Buzelis will suit up for Mitch Richmond's squad...

Matas Buzelis has officially been added to the NBA's Rising Stars event. Tipping off All-Star Weekend Friday night at the Chase Center, the Chicago Bulls rookie was initially left off the 21-man roster. The NBA also invited four other players as injury replacements before giving Buzelis the call. However, with Yves Missi joining the list of injured players, Buzelis has finally been added to the big event. The rookie will...

It's been a while since the Blackhawks played in emotionally charged, meaningful hockey. It had been a decade since the US and Canada faced each other in an international best-on-best tournament. The good people at Disney opted to put the 4 Nations Face-Off on ABC in prime time last night, and lemme tell you the viewing audience got their money's worthy. With all due respect to the hot garbage the...

I would absolutely love to have a whole lot of exciting, earth-shattering Blackhawks content for you on a Saturday morning but... they haven't played in a full week. However, tonight we get the big one: USA vs Canada in Montreal with the top spot in the 4 Nations Face-Off on the line. It's on ABC and ESPN+ and the puck drops shortly after 7 PM CT. I can't wait! Now...

The United States blew the doors off of Finland last night in the 4 Nations Face-Off, scoring six unanswered goals -- four of which came in the third period. Brady and Matthew Tkachuk led the way with two goals each; Matthew was named the game's No. 1 star. For Blackhawks fans, Teuvo Teräväinen was minus-one and skated only 10:34. His line with Erik Haula and Joel Armia didn't get on...

Since the NHL is taking a couple weeks off in the middle of February for the 4 Nations Face-Off, why not take advantage of no Blackhawks games to chase and update our full two-round 2025 mock draft! With the calendar flipping to 2025, we're getting an increasing number of draft rankings and projections from folks who spend a great deal of time digging into take and profiles. Lots of things...

The NHL world is on pause for a couple weeks while we enjoy the 4 Nations Face-Off, but that doesn't mean there isn't news being made around the game. Indeed, there was some important news that came from the NHL/NHLPA press conference before the game on Wednesday night that's notable. The World Cup of Hockey is coming back, the CBA negotiations sound like they're in a good place, there might...

It's been a little less than a month since we took stock of the Blackhawks' prospect pipeline but it's been a busy time. Chicago's pool was ranked fourth in the NHL by Scott Wheeler at The Athletic. The Blackhawks have five (5) prospects nominated for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. They have the AHL All-Star Classic MVP in the fold. And they claim the first 50-goal scorer in the CHL...

Before we get into the fantastic hockey in Montreal last night, I'm going to start with some Blackhawks focused stuff because Scott Powers at The Athletic shared a terrific Q&A with Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson on Wednesday. They talk about a lot of topics, from Connor Bedard's development to finding him a running mate and how they're approaching spending money this summer and the draft. A couple items stood...

For the first time in a while, all ten of the Blackhawks' college prospects are in action this weekend. And, for those tuning in, we'll only have to search for four games on Friday and Saturday night because we've got some head-to-head action in Hockey East and the NCHC. Ryan Greene and Boston University will look to build off their huge win in the Beanpot championship on Monday night as...

It's Wednesday, Feb. 12 and there hasn't been a Blackhawks game in (counts on fingers) too many days. But there will be professional hockey to watch tonight! The 4 Nations Face-Off begins this evening with Canada in action against Sweden. Unfortunately for Blackhawks fans, there's only one current Chicago player involved in the tournament. Teuvo Teräväinen is skating for Finland for a week. The games on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday...

On Wednesday, the NHL opened the ballots for the league's All-Quarter Century Team for fans to participate. You can vote for ten (10) players from across the NHL. Fans can vote online or on the artist formerly known as Twitter, using the hashtag #NHLQCTeam AND one of the following: Full player name (with or without spaces) Player #firstandlastname Player's Handle on X The Chicago Blackhawks who are eligible for fan...