Rizzo Streaks, Abbott’s Stuff, Happ’s Production, Wisdom’s Development, and Other Cubs Bullets

The kiddos are still settling into their summer rhythms, which means I am also settling into a summer work rhythm. I love you so much, but also let me write in peace

• Anthony Rizzo made the very rare biff last night, awkwardly dropping a foul pop up from Manny Machado, who immediately followed with a homer. It happens, and it’s been a little rough stretch offensively for him, too, but you wouldn’t start to worry about Rizzo (physically (i.e., coming back from the back injury)) for a little while yet. He hasn’t homered in over a month, but again, I don’t know that I would attribute that to the back at this point, rather than to Rizzo being unbelievably streaky when it comes to homers. He’s been this way for years, and although he goes through long stretches where his production wanes, he then goes through long stretches where he’s unstoppable.

• The dinger came on a hanging slider above the zone by Cory Abbott, not a pitch you usually see sent out, but also about four feet higher than it was supposed to be. That was kinda the story with Abbott last night, where he was wild out of the zone, and then got crushed on a pitch that missed its location badly. Like I said in his first outing – and has kinda been the scoop on him for a couple years now – you can clearly see how he gets a lot of swings and misses with a funky delivery and great movement on his pitches (and perfectly solid velo). But he does a lot of north-south work, which exposes him to risk if he misses his spot up (hence a ton of strikeouts and also a ton of damage in the minors), and the pitch movement can mean that when he misses his spot, he misses it by A LOT. If the command is off, it kinda makes his great stuff play down more than you might expect when evaluating his pitches in isolation (reminds me a bit of how Tyler Chatwood wouldn’t just walk guys when he got wild, he would also get crushed, despite having absurd movement on his pitches).

• The center fielder totally thought he had an easy catch right up to the final moment:

• I know it became vogue to dump on Ian Happ earlier this year for some reason, but he is once again doing what he has done every single year in the big leagues: hitting at an above-average level. Since that big game in Cincinnati, Happ is hitting .244/.340/.524 (136 wRC+) with great peripherals across the board. He was off to start the season, without question, and you don’t get to just throw that out. But he’s a guy with a pretty decent track record of success now, and more importantly, a great track record of continuing to adjust to improve his game. Still a big Ian Happ fan right here. Maybe not as much as Michael, but that’s because his Happ fandom is borderline unhealthy

• It’s been interesting to read about Patrick Wisdom’s evolution as a hitter, including having more comfort hitting with two strikes, and continuing to do his usual thing hunting drivable pitches and trying to drive them. Conceptually, that right there is a reminder that the ‘B hack’ is not necessarily the right approach for every hitter – some guys will have more overall success if they simply proceed normally with two strikes (Kris Bryant, for example), whereas other guys will have more overall success if they choke up and shorten the swing with two strikes (Anthony Rizzo, obviously). None of that is new information, but what’s kinda hitting me with Wisdom’s comments: what if it takes years to figure out which kind of hitter you are? What if you try for years to adjust your approach with two strikes, and it succeeds in fits and spurts, but then doesn’t, and it just kinda mucks you all up in realizing your best process up there? The one that works best, overall, for you? Everyone wants contact and the ball in play, but what if that approach just wrecks your overall production? Heck, what if trying to implement the approach actually makes you strike out even more because it’s not natural for you? One size does not fit all.

• Taking it back to Wisdom, specifically, the split data we have available is really not enough to draw hard and fast conclusions, but it does track: prior to this year, with two strikes, Wisdom struck out more often, hit the ball on the ground way more often, and made much softer contact. Again, maybe that’s just an artifact of the small samples or other development in his game, but it does make you wonder. Maybe the key for him, personally, was almost ignoring the count altogether. Either they give you a great pitch to hit, or they don’t.

• But anyway, what started me down this path was the intention to note that, yes, Wisdom is striking out a ton so far – 37.5% after another couple Ks last night, which is roughly what you’d project based on his career in the minors (maybe even a bit higher in the current environment). If he had enough PAs to qualify, that would be the highest strikeout rate in baseball. Indeed, there are just three qualified hitters in all of baseball who are above a 30% K rate but are still producing a wRC+ over 100: Justin Upton, Joey Gallo, and Javy Báez. That gives you a sense of what you have to do to make it work: you have to hit for a shitload of power and/or take a shitload of walks and/or post a holy-shit BABIP. Without at least two of those three things working for you, it’s just not possible to be productive while netting so many outs that never had a chance to be anything else.

• I’m happy that the sport has these bright stars, but it does make me reflect on the Cubs’ 2015-16 class (when they blew out their bonus pool), which has produced some nice prospects (Miguel Amaya, Brailyn Marquez, Christopher Morel), just not remotely close to this tier:

• Desks, clothes, exercise bands, and bidets(!) are among the Deals of the Day at Amazon. #ad

• May tonight bring brighter fortunes:

• City Connect dropped:

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 14, 2025

Spring Training Miscellany: The First Full Squad Day

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...

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
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Dylan Cease

Sounds Like We Shouldn’t Count on a Dylan Cease Trade

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 14, 2025

Matt Shaw Dealing With an Oblique Issue

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 14, 2025

The Chicago Cubs Have Unveiled Their 2025 Marketing Slogan

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
Feb 14, 2025

The Cubs Payroll Ranks Embarrassingly Low Relative to the Rest of the League

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...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 14, 2025

Seiya Suzuki Confirms He Will Do Whatever the Cubs Ask When It Comes to DH’ing

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 14, 2025

No, I Do Not Think the Cubs Are Now Going to Target Nolan Arenado

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 14, 2025

The Full Squad Reports on Valentine’s Day, An Offseason of Improvement-Ish, Lesser Offer, and Other Cubs Bullets

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Chicago Cubs
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Cubs MLB Draft

The Cubs Are One Piece Short and I Think They Kind of Know It

Whether you're bullish (like PECOTA) or more conservative (like FanGraphs), the 2025 Chicago Cubs are probably your pick in the NL Central this season. By pretty much every measure — both data-driven and subjective — the Cubs are the class of their division. And yet, I believe they're one piece short of where they should have aimed to be. And I think they know it. First, let's discuss that "where they...

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Chicago Cubs
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Cubs Sign Infielder Dixon Machado to a Minor League Deal

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Chicago Bears
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Feb 14, 2025
halas hall bears

REPORT: Bears to Hire Oregon State OL Coach to Ben Johnson’s Staff

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 14, 2025
myles Garrett browns trade bears target

NFL Analyst Says Bears Are in a “Sweet Spot” to Trade For Myles Garrett

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...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 14, 2025
bears assistant gm ian cunningham

Ian Cunningham Completed His Interview For the Jacksonville Jaguars GM Job on Friday

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,...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 14, 2025
Ben Johnson Halas Hall Ryan Poles

WATCH: A Behind-the-Scenes Look Inside Ben Johnson’s First Days as the New Chicago Bears Head Coach

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...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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bears qb Caleb Williams

Happy Valentine’s Day! A Bears-Inspired Poem, Tush Push Backlash, and Other Bears Bullets

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...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Dennis Allen Dropped a Not-So-Subtle Hint About the Bears’ Offseason Plans

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...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 13, 2025
2025 NFL Scouting Combine Bears

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine Invites List is OUT

The NFL released the list of player names who have been invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. You can check out the full list here. In the meantime, I have highlighted some names of players who play five position groups that the Chicago Bears should prioritize filling during the 2025 NFL Draft: OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas), Tyler Booker (Alabama), Will Campbell (LSU), Josh Conerly Jr....

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Aaron Rodgers NFL Notes

The Break-Up: Aaron Rodgers and the Jets Are Splitsville

Dear baby, welcome to Dumpsville. Population: You. That is the oversimplified breakdown of the message the New York Jets sent to Aaron Rodgers today as the team announced its break-up with the quarterback. Here is the actual message: We have informed Aaron Rodgers that we will be moving in a different direction at quarterback.— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 13, 2025 Ooh! A public break-up on the day before Valentine's...

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Learning From a Super Bowl LIX Re-Watch, Still Bugged by the Scorebug, Poll Position, and Other Bears Bullets

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Well, At Least the Bears Have One Building Block Offensive Lineman

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,...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 14, 2025
Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls

NBA All-Star Weekend: Matas Buzelis Competes in Rising Stars & Dunk Contest, Game Times, More

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Only Three NBA Teams Are Worth More Than the Chicago Bulls

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...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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A Busy Weekend for Matas Buzelis, Two Big On-Court Problems, Front Office Safety, and Other Bulls Bullets

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...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 14, 2025

NBA Officially Adds Matas Buzelis to Tonight’s Rising Stars Game!

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Chicago Bulls
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To No Surprise, New Report Says Bulls’ Arturas Karnisovas is Here to Stay

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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The Chicago Bulls Have Lost More Viewers Than Any Other NBA Team This Season

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 13, 2025

NBA Notes: LeBron James’ Future, Kevin Durant’s Next Move, Anthony Davis Optimism, More

The All-Star break has just about arrived, and that means we're gearing up for the final push of the NBA regular season. This season has had no shortage of drama and intrigue surrounding some of the game's biggest names and where they could potentially move on to next. This week's NBA Notes has a few updates on some of those players, as well as some more news. Let's get to...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 13, 2025

Jordan Brand Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Air Jordan 1 With Insane Drone Show

It wouldn't be a true All-Star Weekend without a nod to the GOAT. With Jordan Brand celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1 this season, the company set up quite the homage to the iconic sneaker. Nick DePaula of Boardroom reported that 1,200 drones were used over the Bay Bridge this weekend to construct several very recognizable and larger-than-life images. DePaula shared photos and video of drones creating...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 13, 2025

A Needed All-Star Break, Matas Buzelis Has An Offseason Plan, Kevin Huerter’s Struggles, and Other Bulls Bullets

After a trade deadline that felt more like a wet willy than it did a high-five, Chicago Bulls fans need the All-Star break. The team suffered their fourth consecutive loss on Wednesday night and second in a row to the Pistons. When they pick things back up on Thursday, February 20, they will sit 22-33 with only 28 more games to go. That is, of course, if they don't end...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 12, 2025

Box Score & Player Grades: Pistons 128, Bulls 110 – February 12, 2025

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...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 14, 2025
Connor Bedard Chicago Blackhawks

USA Blowout Win, Prospect Talk, Rockford Injuries, and Other Valentine’s Day Blackhawks Bullets

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 14, 2025
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2025 NHL Mock Draft: Mid-February Full Two-Round Projections

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...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 13, 2025

Around the NHL: World Cup Coming Back, CBA Update, Timing Changes Coming? More

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...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 13, 2025
Sam Rinzel U of Minnesota

BN Blackhawks Top 20 Prospect Rankings: Mid-February Update

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...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 13, 2025

Incredible 4 Nations Start, Le Magnifique, GMKD Said Some Interesting Things, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

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...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 13, 2025
Oliver Moore U of Minnesota

Blackhawks College Prospects: Head-to-Head Action Highlights Packed Weekend

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...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 12, 2025

Blackhawks Fan Guide to the 4 Nations Face-Off

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...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 12, 2025

NHL All-Quarter Century Fan Voting Now Open! (Blackhawks Fans – Do the Thing)

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...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 12, 2025

Where are the Hobey Baker Votes? Levshunov Scores, Updated Lottery Odds, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

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!...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 12, 2025

Blackhawks Prospect AJ Spellacy Talks Contract Timing, Confidence, Ongoing Development, More

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...

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Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation. You can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation, on Bluesky at @Brett-Taylor, and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

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How to Watch North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs. North Dakota State Bison Women’s Basketball: Live Stream or on TV

The North Dakota Fighting Hawks (8-16) will try to end a six-game losing streak when they host the North Dakota State Bison (16-8) on February 15, 2025 at Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.On Wednesday, in its last game, North Dakota State...

AC Milan vs. Hellas Verona Prediction, Picks, Live Odds – February 15

The upcoming fixture list in Serie A includes eighth-place AC Milan hosting 15th-place Hellas Verona -- coming off a win and a loss, respectively -- on Saturday, February 15 at 2:45 PM ET. Our game prediction can be found below.AC...

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Toulouse FC Prediction, Picks, Live Odds – February 15

The upcoming fixture list in Ligue 1 includes first-place Paris Saint-Germain at 10th-place Toulouse FC -- coming off a win and a draw, respectively -- on Saturday, February 15 at 3:05 PM ET. Our game prediction can be found below.Paris...

Villarreal CF vs. Valencia CF Prediction, Picks, Live Odds – February 15

Villarreal CF and Valencia CF, at opposite ends of LaLiga, will play at Estadio de la Ceramica on Saturday. We provide our prediction for this matchup in the article below.Villarreal CF vs. Valencia CF Prediction & OddsVillarreal CF Moneyline: -181Valencia...

How to Watch Colgate Raiders vs. Boston University Terriers: Live Stream or on TV

The Boston University Terriers (12-14, 6-7 Patriot League) hope to extend an eight-game home winning streak when they host the Colgate Raiders (11-15, 8-5 Patriot League) on February 15, 2025.Colgate won its previous game versus Holy Cross, 87-65, on Wednesday....

Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Vanderbilt Commodores (17-7, 5-6 SEC) will visit the Tennessee Volunteers (20-5, 7-5 SEC) after losing four straight road games.In its previous game, Tennessee lost to Kentucky on Tuesday, 75-64. Its leading scorer was Zakai Zeigler with 17 points. Vanderbilt...

George Mason vs. Saint Joseph’s (PA): Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The George Mason Patriots (20-5, 11-1 A-10) will attempt to build on a 10-game win streak when they host the Saint Joseph's (PA) Hawks (15-9, 6-5 A-10) on February 15, 2025 at EagleBank Arena.On Tuesday, in its last game, George...

How to Watch Central Connecticut State Blue Devils vs. Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash: Live Stream or on TV

The Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (18-6, 9-2 NEC) will attempt to continue a three-game home winning streak when they take on the Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash (10-16, 5-7 NEC) on February 15, 2025 at William H. Detrick Gymnasium.Cent....

UMass-Lowell vs. New Hampshire: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The UMass-Lowell River Hawks (15-10, 4-6 America East) visit the New Hampshire Wildcats (6-20, 4-7 America East) in America East action at Lundholm Gymnasium, beginning at 1:00 PM ET on Saturday, February 15, 2025.On Thursday, in its most recent game,...

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