Earlier today, President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein jumped on ESPN 1000 to discuss the Cubs’ Spring Training results, the roster, the upcoming season, and much more with David Kaplan and Jesse Rogers straight from Mesa, Arizona.
Just before Epstein came on the air, Rogers reported that the Cubs were in a position to sign Darvish to a deal worth $125 million over five years instead of $126M for six. But apparently, near the end of the negotiations, the Cubs starting pushing to add a sixth year in order to reduce the overall average annual value by $4M/year. Obviously, in the new-CBA world, where luxury tax implications matter more than ever, that was a significant move. And to that end, when he joined the conversation, Epstein suggested that his team, like most, plan out at least five years down the road for roster and payroll commitments. Given the Cubs’ soon-to-be-pricey core of young players, saving that extra $4M might prove crucial.
Epstein thinks the Cubs have had a great Spring Training so far this season, and even admits that they’re looking sharper and playing more consistent, fundamental baseball than he remembers seeing in past camps. Some of the credit is given to the players, who’ve shown a renewed sense of commitment and hunger, but Epstein identifies the new coaching staff as a big driver of that.
As for the individual performances, Epstein is pleased with the steps the team has taken offensively. With all of the normal caveats attendant to Spring Training, Epstein has seen the team use the opposite field more often, make a lot more contact than usual, have better situational awareness and execution, and, as a compliment to Chili Davis, batters stepping up to the plate with a plan. Davis has spoken about the mental half of the game a lot since he’s joined the Cubs, so it’s good to see Epstein support and acknowledge the success of his vision for a more well-rounded hitter.
On the cusp of potentially losing two of their best relievers (Wade Davis and Brian Duensing), the Cubs knew they had to improve the bullpen this winter and they feel they’ve done just that. Specifically, they knew they wanted to target strike throwers – and, as we explored, they’ve done that well – but the Cubs also wanted to make sure to have guys who’ve had closing experience before. Obviously, they did just that with free agents Brandon Morrow, who’s currently slated for the role, and Steve Cishek, who comes to the Cubs with 121 career saves, but Epstein went out of his way to point out the 2017 addition of Justin Wilson for the same purpose.
Sticking with the bullpen, Epstein points out that some of their second-tier guys haven’t been getting the credit they deserve this Spring and that they are, collectively, looking better than past camps. Specifically, Epstein complimented left-handed reliever Randy Rosario as someone who could make an impact on the big league team at some point this season. Apparently, Epstein has been particularly impressed with his sinker and slider and thinks he’s someone to keep an eye on. For what it’s worth, Rosario has thrown 6.1 scoreless innings this spring, including a couple yesterday, allowing just three hits and four walks against four strikeouts – opposing batters are hitting just .142 off him.
Asked about whether this infield defense could be the best he’s had in Chicago, Epstein pointed out that, for the most part, it’s the same guys. HOWEVER, he does acknowledge that they’re all coming in with a lot more experience than they ever have before. I’d also add that Javy Baez is expected to get more starts at second than any other season so far, which will improve the defense. But more importantly, Epstein also mentioned that Addison Russell has never looked better at shortstop than he does right now, and think he’s in for a really good season defensively. More specifically, after working with coach Brian Butterfield a lot this Spring, Russell’s throws have looked sharper and harder and even more accurate than usual. Russell’s shoulder health will play a big role in how strong his throws are, but Epstein seems to think he looks and feels good, and I’m inclined to believe him.
On the tent/alderman drama that Brett discussed earlier today, Epstein said that he usually stays out of those disagreements unless/until the business side of the organization asks him to get involved. In short, he seemed to believe that the Ricketts family will find a compromise that’ll make all parties (the players, their families, and the neighbors) happy. Wrigley’s location inside a neighborhood makes problems like this arise more than any other stadium, but the location is also part of the charm. No one wants to lose that, so sometimes compromises (on all sides) need to be made.
Epstein wished Jake Arrieta the best, acknowledged that the Cubs wouldn’t be wearing rings without him, and added that he’s glad Arrieta landed a deal with which he was content (he started to say “happy,” but stopped himself and switched to content). When asked about why the Cubs weren’t involved at that price, Epstein pointed out that they’re very happy with the pitching additions they made, and also hinted towards some past attempts at extensions, but didn’t really give too much away.
On the idea of putting the captain’s “C” on Anthony Rizzo’s chest, Epstein was reluctant. He mentioned that they did it once before with Jason Varitek in Boston, but didn’t seem to think it was necessary. In fact, according to Epstein, a captain’s influence is more powerful when it arises organically, not when some guys wearing suits in the front office pin a letter to someone’s chest (even if it’s someone everyone agrees on). “We don’t have to put a C on anyone’s chest to know who our leaders are.” Epstein concluded by complimenting Rizzo’s off-field leadership.
And finally, Epstein suggested that the decision to add power-pitchers like Yu Darvish, Tyler Chatwood, and Brandon Morrow were very calculated. Although the Cubs pitching has been very good in recent years, they’ve not necessarily focused on elite “stuff.” Instead, as Epstein put it, the team has been focused on having the best timing/movement/game-planning/execution (and they’ve done that well), but it sounds like he didn’t want them to become too one-dimension. Thus, the nasty power pitchers.
Well, that's that. Alex Bregman is not joining the Chicago Cubs this winter and is instead reuniting with his former Astros coach (and current Red Sox Manager), Alex Cora, in Boston. And while I'm not particularly surprised by his choice of team - Boston has long been in the running for Alex Bregman (as well as other third basemen) - I am a little shocked at the deal. Alex Bregman...
One of the last two remaining qualified free agents is now off the board, leaving only Alex Bregman. Starting pitcher Nick Pivetta, whom many thought should have taken his Qualifying Offer from the Red Sox, is signing with the Padres. That sentence should surprise you greatly, given that the Padres, yes, have a need for starting pitching but also reportedly have no money. How are they doing this? Well, as...
Not very long ago, during his first full season in the Cubs organization (2022), Alexander Canario was kind of the hottest thing around. As a 22-year-old outfielder and legitimate prospect, Canario swatted 37 homers across three levels, eventually reaching Triple-A and destroying the level immediately (143 wRC+). As one of the primary pieces in the 2021 Kris Bryant trade, Canario seemed like a potential impact contributor at the big league...
A few health notes today from Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, with two days to go before the full crew officially reports for Spring Training: https://bsky.app/profile/bastianmlb.bsky.social/post/3lhywujv5f22f As expected, Counsell is not going to make his Opening Day starter officially official until much closer to the date (but we all kinda know who it is going to be): https://bsky.app/profile/mmontemurro.bsky.social/post/3lhyz4quawk23 Counsell also said that everyone who has started will get stretched out...
It's not anything too terribly different from what he said earlier in the week, or what the front office said for that matter, but I thought it worth sharing Craig Counsell's latest comments on the state of the Cubs' offseason maneuvering. It's not quite over as far as Counsell is concerned: “No we’re not done. I don’t think you ever consider yourself done building a roster … I think we...
In case you forgot, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers will open up the 2025 MLB regular season well before the rest of the league. While most teams gear up for a March 27 Opening Day, the Cubs and Dodgers will square off in a two-game series on March 18 and 19 in Tokyo, Japan. But which pitchers can we expect to start for either team? The Cubs have...
The latest from the Alex Bregman rumor mill ... Just as we are obsessing about the possibility of an Alex Bregman signing, a whole lot of other constituencies are doing the same. The Cubs clubhouse, for one, but also Bruce Levine of Marquee and 670 The Score. Levine was on with Mully & Haugh today, saying that the reporting on this whole story has been bad, and he includes himself...
Whenever we contemplate a deal for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, we mention how close it would bring the Cubs payroll to the first tier of the MLB luxury tax in 2025 ($241M). In short, absent a salary-shedding trade, any realistic Bregman contract would push the Cubs right up against the threshold, potentially leaving literally no room for mid-season maneuvering. But that's just for this season. Beyond 2025, and especially...
Took The Littlest Girl to Special Olympics basketball last night. We had fun. She wasn’t judged. I wasn’t judged. She simply got to be herself, welcomed by a community designed to support and include our family. Our experiences with Special Olympics have always been excellent, so if you ever have a chance to participate or volunteer, you should check it out. The Cubs have outrighted lefty Rob Zastryzny at the...
Today, the Chicago Cubs announced their 2025 promotional schedule, which you can find right here. For the announcement, the Cubs crafted a promotion Hall of Fame video, which actually did take me back to some of my favorites. Bonus appearance from Dansby Swanson, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Dansby Swanson's hair at the end: We'll take five Dansby hair headbands pls and thank you. 😂Your 2025 Promo Calendar is here: https://t.co/xl9NjjhTM7 pic.twitter.com/95k9Zd6K6t—...
For all the discussion surrounding the Chicago Bears' needs along the offensive line, one player who does *NOT* need to be replaced is right tackle Darnell Wright. Moreover, I'd go as far as to plant my flag and say that Wright is a building block for this offensive line. Sure, the rest of the group is a mess. The Bears have to add three new starters to the offensive line,...
Travis Kelce will take some time before deciding his future, and the City of Brotherly Love will celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory on Friday—that and more in today's NFL Notes. Travis Kelce will take some time to decide his future Travis Kelce was visibly upset when he walked off the field at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday following a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl....
The day that Dane Brugler drops his first NFL Draft board should be a holiday, if only because I need it to fully get a grasp on which prospects rank where in the eyes of one of The Athletic's analysts. We haven't reached that point just yet. But I found myself digging into Brugler's 2025 NFL Draft Big Board yesterday and emerged thinking: Dang, there are a whole bunch of...
We are three days into the post-Super Bowl NFL offseason schedule and I have already learned one thing — it is never too early to include the Chicago Bears in a hypothetical scenario. ESPN's Adam Schefter shares his belief that the Bears would make a compelling case and be an ideal opponent for the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1. Check out the video from Schefty: When the NFL sits down to...
It's Day 38 of the Chicago Bears offseason. Does anyone want to call their shot and predict the Super Bowl Halftime Show performer for next year's game? I don't think anyone would've predicted Kendrick Lamar this time last year, so take that for whatever it's worth. Just let it be good and culturally relevant. Having Kendrick perform at the peak of his powers and hitting the stage one week after...
Even though the NFL coaching carousel has come to a stop now that the New Orleans Saints have hired a head coach, there is still one prominent opening to be filled — and it could belong to Ian Cunningham. The MMQB's Albert Breer reports that the Chicago Bears assistant general manager will interview Friday for the Jacksonville Jaguars open GM gig: Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham will interview for the...
With Super Bowl LIX in our rear-view mirror, it is time for us to fully immerse ourselves in the Chicago Bears' offseason plans. Sure, the Bears (and their fans) have been in offseason mode since early January late November after the firing of Matt Eberflus as the team's head coach. But now that the postseason is over, all 32 NFL teams have their sights set on building out their rosters....
Kellen Moore is extending his stay in New Orleans. Two days after the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX at the Superdome in New Orleans, the team's offensive coordinator is flying away to become the Saints' new head coach: Eagles OC Kellen Moore is finalizing a deal with the Saints to be their new head coach, per The Insiders. What was expected for more than a week will be official...
It's Day 37 of the Chicago Bears offseason. I can't believe the Justin Fields vs. Caleb Williams discourse is still happening online. It is absolutely unnecessary, friends. The Bears have bigger and brighter things ahead. And if the cards fall in his favor, so does Fields. Chicago's former starting QB proved to be a quality starter during his time in Pittsburgh and the Steelers could run it back with him...
If you watched Super Bowl LIX and wondered what it would take for Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears to reach the mountaintop, know you are not alone. The day after the Super Bowl always puts me in a reflective headspace. I think about what the Bears did well, explore options for improving their roster, consider what dead weight could be cut from the team, and more. Paths to improvement...
The Chicago Bulls had one goal tonight: Do not lose by 40 points. Mission accomplished! After a couple of sloppy turnovers and wide-open shots at the rim for the Pistons gave me deja vu, the Bulls finally started to act like enough was enough. Ayo Dosunmu did a great job setting an early tone, pushing the tempo in transition and prioritizing shots at the rim. Combined with some very solid...
The Chicago Bulls will finish Wednesday night's game without Patrick Williams. The team ruled out Patrick Williams in the third quarter of their matchup with the Detroit Pistons due to a knee injury. According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network, Williams walked to the sideline, threw his towel to the ground in frustration, and left to the locker room. https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1889870368602779747 When and how Williams sustained the injury is...
As if you needed confirmation, yes, the Chicago Bulls made franchise history when they walked into the locker room down 71-29 on Tuesday night. After scoring a mere 11 points in the second quarter and shooting 1-23 from downtown in the first half, the Bulls tied their largest halftime deficit in franchise history. They matched their infamous outing against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 29, 2018, when Klay Thompson...
One of the Chicago Bulls' biggest trade deadline moves wasn't a trade at all. Instead of entertaining multiple reported suitors for Lonzo Ball, Arturas Karnisovas opted to extend the veteran point guard. Ball reached a two-year, $20.0 million deal with the franchise, which Klutch Sports officially announced on Tuesday afternoon. For Ball, it put an exclamation point on what has been an emotional and borderline historic comeback season. He missed...
Things might not get much worse than the Bulls' 40-point home loss to a team that's two games over .500 – I'll start by saying that. But, if I were a 76ers fan right now, I might be every bit as fed up and angry with my team. The Bulls are at least (kind of) embracing the tank life after the trade deadline. It's going to get really bad, and...
Do you think Arturas Karnisovas will use the word rebuild now? The Chicago Bulls front office leader said he doesn't like the word following another underwhelming trade deadline for his franchise. Yet, his team continues to show this is exactly what they need to pursue. What unfolded at the (legitimately) Madhouse on Madison on Tuesday night was one of the most embarrassing performances in franchise history. Even by tanking standards,...
Let's play two! Well, two nights in a row. https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1889310301960519866 Game Info Detroit Pistons (27-26) at Chicago Bulls (22-31) – 7:00 p.m. CT on Chicago Sports Network (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio) Lineups Chicago Bulls Lonzo Ball Coby White Josh Giddey Ayo Dosunmu Nikola Vucevic Detroit Pistons Cade Cunningham Malik Beasley Tim Hardaway Jr Ausar Thompson Jalen Duren Feb 2, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles...
The Chicago Bulls will play their third straight game without Lonzo Ball. The veteran point guard sat out the team's matchup with Minnesota, as it was the backend of a back-to-back. An illness forced him to remain sidelined for Chicago's battle with Golden State, and Ball has entered this week still dealing with that sickness. With that being the case – and the Bulls staring at another back-to-back set before...
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...
Another day without Blackhawks hockey to watch, but we did get an update on the voting for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. The Blackhawks have five (5) prospects nominated, and Chicago knows how to handle voting (often, people... multiple emails... let's go). So when I saw Boston University co-captain Ryan Greene is the only Blackhawks' prospect in the top ten, I was both surprised and disappointed. Let's go here, people!...
Because there's no Blackhawks hockey this week and we're waiting for the games to begin at the 4 Nations Face-Off, I wanted to dig in with some prospects and catch up on their development this season. I've shared some of the conversations I had with Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel from Minnesota thus far this week. Without question the hottest name in the Blackhawks' training camp this fall was a...
On Tuesday, Scott Wheeler at The Athletic released his mid-season updated top 100 drafted NHL prospects rankings. I'll throw this breakdown in here right up front from Wheeler: 28 players from the 2024 draft, 32 from 2023, 29 from 2022, eight from 2021 and three from 2020. It’s made up of 69 forwards and 31 defensemen (of which 13 are lefties and 18 are righties). The Blackhawks were tied with...
Earlier this week I chatted with Minnesota's two Blackhawks prospects, Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore. I shared some of what Rinzel had to say about his game, the Hobey Baker, turning pro and more on Monday evening. I enjoyed the conversation with Moore, one of the first-ever repeat World Junior Championship gold medal winners for USA Hockey. Let's start right there with the World Juniors because, as you know, I'm...
The only hockey game on the calendar on Monday was the championship of the Beanpot. And ya know what? Boston University handled their business and won it! Blackhawks prospect and BU co-captain Ryan Greene was credited with two shots on net and won 11 of 20 faceoffs for the Terriers in the win. https://twitter.com/terrierhockey/status/1889152694394278093?s=51&t=ESwYjOKcGL_TWWx-NV4tsw Teuvo Teräväinen is going to rep the Blackhawks for Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off in...
Right now, all of the trade talk around the Blackhawks is focused on Ryan Donato -- and rightfully so. He's having a career year with 19 goals, has a lovely $2M cap hit in a walk year and is a great, energy, character player. Donato is the kind of guy contenders overpay for at the deadline every year. Whether the Blackhawks move him or not is going to be an...
It's bye week(s) time for the Chicago Blackhawks, so let's catch up with some of the team's prospects. I had a chance to chat with Minnesota's Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel about how they feel their seasons are going, where they've improved, winning at the World Junior Championship and more. The guys were great to chat with. I'll have more from Moore later, but wanted to start with Rinzel. When...
As we continue to focus on the Blackhawks' rebuild, it's important to recognize that there were some pieces in the cupboard before the organ-I-zation changed general managers. And one of the draft classes that's stacking up to be one of the more intriguing in the immediate future took place at one of the most awkward times in the history of the NHL. Because of the COVID pandemic, the 2020 NHL...
Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL.
In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy.
You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami
Well, that's that. Alex Bregman is not joining the Chicago Cubs this winter and is instead reuniting with his former Astros coach (and current Red Sox Manager), Alex Cora, in Boston. And while I'm not particularly surprised by his choice...
One of the last two remaining qualified free agents is now off the board, leaving only Alex Bregman. Starting pitcher Nick Pivetta, whom many thought should have taken his Qualifying Offer from the Red Sox, is signing with the Padres....
Not very long ago, during his first full season in the Cubs organization (2022), Alexander Canario was kind of the hottest thing around. As a 22-year-old outfielder and legitimate prospect, Canario swatted 37 homers across three levels, eventually reaching Triple-A...
A few health notes today from Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, with two days to go before the full crew officially reports for Spring Training: https://bsky.app/profile/bastianmlb.bsky.social/post/3lhywujv5f22f As expected, Counsell is not going to make his Opening Day starter officially official...
It's not anything too terribly different from what he said earlier in the week, or what the front office said for that matter, but I thought it worth sharing Craig Counsell's latest comments on the state of the Cubs' offseason...
In case you forgot, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers will open up the 2025 MLB regular season well before the rest of the league. While most teams gear up for a March 27 Opening Day, the Cubs and...
The latest from the Alex Bregman rumor mill ... Just as we are obsessing about the possibility of an Alex Bregman signing, a whole lot of other constituencies are doing the same. The Cubs clubhouse, for one, but also Bruce...
Whenever we contemplate a deal for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, we mention how close it would bring the Cubs payroll to the first tier of the MLB luxury tax in 2025 ($241M). In short, absent a salary-shedding trade, any...
Took The Littlest Girl to Special Olympics basketball last night. We had fun. She wasn’t judged. I wasn’t judged. She simply got to be herself, welcomed by a community designed to support and include our family. Our experiences with Special...
Today, the Chicago Cubs announced their 2025 promotional schedule, which you can find right here. For the announcement, the Cubs crafted a promotion Hall of Fame video, which actually did take me back to some of my favorites. Bonus appearance...
The Lindenwood (MO) Lions (16-7) will host the Morehead State Eagles (8-16) after winning eight home games in a row.Lindenwood (MO) won its most recent game versus Tennessee State, 81-70, on Saturday. Mya Skoff was its top scorer with 18...
The Iona Gaels (9-14) will look to end a four-game road slide when they square off against the Rider Broncs (6-16) on February 13, 2025 at Alumni Gymnasium.In its previous game, Rider fell to Siena on Saturday, 68-49. Its high...
ACC play on Thursday will see the the No. 23 Florida State Seminoles (19-5) host the Louisville Cardinals (17-7) at Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, tipping off at 6:00 PM ET.In its previous game, Florida State lost to NC State...
The Old Dominion Monarchs (14-11) will attempt to break a four-game losing streak when they visit the Marshall Thundering Herd (7-17) on February 13, 2025 at Cam Henderson Center.In its most recent game, Marshall lost to Central Michigan on Saturday,...
The Bellarmine Knights (14-11) will attempt to break a three-game losing streak when they visit the Lipscomb Bisons (15-8) on February 13, 2025 at Allen Arena.Lipscomb won its most recent game versus Austin Peay, 65-59, on Saturday. Jalyn Holcomb was...
America East play on Thursday will see the the NJIT Highlanders (9-15) host the Bryant Bulldogs (13-11) at NJIT Wellness and Events Center, beginning at 6:00 PM ET.NJIT won its previous game against New Hampshire, 71-63, on Saturday. Alejandra Zuniga...
The James Madison Dukes (21-4) will attempt to build on a six-game home win streak when they take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers (13-10) on February 13, 2025 at Atlantic Union Bank Center.In its most recent game, JMU topped Ball...
The Western Carolina Catamounts (11-13) hope to end a seven-game losing streak when they host the Wofford Terriers (14-7) on February 13, 2025 at Ramsey Regional Activity Center.In its most recent game, Western Carolina lost to Chattanooga on Saturday, 74-59....
The Little Rock Trojans (13-11) will attempt to extend a three-game winning streak when they host the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (18-5) on February 13, 2025. The Golden Eagles have won nine games in a row.On Tuesday, in its last...
The Eastern Illinois Panthers (14-9) aim to build on a nine-game home win streak when they host the Tennessee State Tigers (7-17) on February 13, 2025.In its previous game, Eastern Illinois lost to Tennessee Tech on Saturday, 65-54. Macy McGlone...