Sweep When You Need It, Good Long Stretch, Wisdom’s Role, and Other Cubs Bullets

Nothing like a Chicago Bears Sunday to make you feel all the better about the present and future of the Chicago Cubs …

  • Having dropped their homestand-opening series to the Pirates, everyone watching said the Cubs just about HAD to sweep the Rockies to stay in a good playoff spot. Well, that’s exactly what they did, coming from slightly behind in the latter two games, too.

  • Jed Hoyer said the Cubs needed to win four series the rest of the way when that homestand began, and although they didn’t win the Pirates series, they did finish the homestand 4-2. So … effectively the same? On to the Braves and Brewers, with two more series to win. More on that shortly.

  • Oh, also, yesterday’s win was the Cubs’ 82nd of the year, meaning they will officially have a winning record in a full season for the first time since 2019. I guess you could phrase that another way, though, and say that the winning season means the Cubs will have had just two losing seasons in the last nine years. That’s quite good! The rebuild was quite short this time around …

  • After the win, the players and coaches stayed out on the field to sing ‘Go Cubs Go’ with the fans for the last regular season home game of the year:

https://twitter.com/WatchMarquee/status/1706051134182277144
  • Rockies starter Ty Blach, like many other struggling starters before him, was holding down the Cubs through 5.1 innings in deeply frustrating fashion, when the match-up David Ross had selected for third base paid off:

https://twitter.com/WatchMarquee/status/1706036472019820889
  • For as much grief as Ross receives about his lineup decisions, his usage of Wisdom has been spot on. Wisdom ceased to be the primary third baseman when Nick Madrigal came back for the Giants series in early June, and since then he’s hit .231/.322/.564/134 wRC+ in limited duty. It’s just 90 PAs, though he’s homered 8 times and driven in 17 runs. Even the peripherals indicate the match-ups have been wisely chosen, as Wisdom has struck out just 30.0% of the time (low and playable for him), has walked 11.1% of the time, and his barrel rate is a ridiculous 21.2%.

  • From Wisdom, via the Tribune: โ€œIn the moment, I wasnโ€™t really thinking, especially in the (batterโ€™s) box, โ€˜Oh, if I hit a home run weโ€™re going to go ahead,โ€™ but it kind of hit me as I was rounding the bases. Just hearing Wrigley erupt and seeing the dugout when youโ€™re rounding second explode is really cool. Itโ€™s a hard feeling to replicate and just grateful to be in that position to be on this team and be with these guys who are rooting for one another. A huge part of it is staying ready to go at any moment during the game and just making sure that you trust in your abilities. I had to go all in. I couldnโ€™t be questioning it. Just accept it and keep going and just trust in my abilities and knowing that when my name is called, Iโ€™m ready.โ€

  • This is delightful across the board, with the sweet ending of course:

https://twitter.com/Taylor_McGregor/status/1706035333626769820
  • With Jeimer Candelario due back any day, the Cubs will have a trio of options for third base (even in the absence of Nick Madrigal and even if Christopher Morel doesn’t see time there). Wisdom, Miles Mastrobuoni is hitting well, and then Candelario. Even as he struggled so badly in the month before he hit the IL, I’m not sure you can sit Candelario much when he’s ready to go, though obviously he can split time at first and third, depending on what happens in center field.

  • This was a huge play, and although the tag is fantastic, props to Yan Gomes, too, for the ultra quick release:

https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1706045194582278222
  • Adbert Alzolay threw another bullpen session, and it seems like you can keep hope alive for a return over these final two series.

  • Heh:

  • As is tradition, the grounds crew closed out the year at Wrigley Field by leading the 7th Inning Stretch:

https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1706039697430983095
  • Pretty incredible from Ian Happ here, to think of doing this:

  • A little more from the Cubs in advance of the final home game of the year:

  • There’s a chance Matt Mervis returns to Iowa to open the 2024 season and wait for an opportunity:

  • This pitch moves too much:

  • Kerkering is a relief-only prospect whom the Phillies drafted in the 5th round LAST YEAR. Some scout deserves a raise.

  • Hopefully this isn’t it for Joey Votto, but it’s a great moment all the same, right down to Votto ending the standing ovation with “I gotta go hit”:

https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1706012364498256223
  • Can’t get enough of the drone shots this year:

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025
Alexander Canario of the Chicago Cubs

The Cubs Are Trying to Kill Two Birds with One Stone (The Stone is Alexander Canario)

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...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025

Spring Training Miscellany: Brown, Swanson, Imanaga, Pearson, Poteet, More

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...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025

Craig Counsell Still Sees “Good Opportunities” to Add to the Cubs’ Roster

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: โ€œNo weโ€™re not done. I donโ€™t think you ever consider yourself done building a roster โ€ฆ I think we...

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Sounds Like Cubs Know Which Two Dodgers Pitchers They’ll Face in Tokyo

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...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025
Alex Bregman in MLB Rumors

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: Staring Contest on Offers, Ownership Involvement, Hinch, Arenado, More

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...

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025
Cubs MLB Draft

A Reminder of How Much Money the Cubs Have Coming Off the Books the Next Two Years

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...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025

Zastryzny Outrighted, Pressly Not Quite Recruiting Bregman, Kershaw, Injuries, and Other Cubs Bullets

Took The Littlest Girl to Special Olympics basketball last night. We had fun. She wasnโ€™t judged. I wasnโ€™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...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025

Chicago Cubs Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule (With a Very Enjoyable Video)

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—...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025

Javier Assad Has a Mild Oblique Strain

The news on Javier Assad's oblique injury is mixed, leaning toward good, I suppose. The MRI did reveal a strain, but it's a mild one, and there's optimism that the impact will be slight. https://bsky.app/profile/bastianmlb.bsky.social/post/3lhwicphjgs2m Given where we are on the calendar, you can expect the Cubs and Assad will not be rushing this thing. On the one hand, the timing is ideal - well, if you're going to get...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025

Chicago Cubs Sign Righty Pitching Prospect Brayden Spears

The Chicago Cubs have signed another minor league arm, bringing in big righty Brayden Spears from indy ball. Weโ€™d like to give a big congratulations to โ€˜22-โ€˜24 Hawks RHP Brayden Spears for signing with the Chicago Cubs!This move marks a significant step in Spearsโ€™ professional baseball career, and the Boise Hawks community wishes him continued success with the Cubs! pic.twitter.com/9lNTInI1HW— Boise Hawks (@BoiseHawks) February 10, 2025 Spears, 23, is a...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025
Darnell wright Bears

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 Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
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Feb 12, 2025
Super Bowl favorite

Around the NFL: Kelce’s Future, Jets Ultimatum to Rodgers, Slowik’s New Gig, More

Travis Kelce will take some time before deciding his future, and the City of Brotherly Love will celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory on Fridayโ€”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....

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 12, 2025
NFL Draft prospect and possible bears draft target Tyler Booker Underdog Fantasy

This 2025 NFL Draft Big Board is Loaded With Top Offensive Line Prospects and Possible Bears Fits

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...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025

ESPN’s Adam Schefter Makes A Bold Prediction About the Chicago Bears 2025 Schedule

We are three days into the post-Super Bowl NFL offseason schedule and I have already learned one thing โ€”ย 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...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025
bears nemesis Aaron Rodgers

Raiders Staff Loaded With Ex-Bears, NFL Offseason’s Most Interesting Teams, Jets Had a Plan For Rodgers, and Other Wednesday Bullets

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...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025
Ian Cunningham

Ian Cunningham Will Reportedly Interview With the Jaguars on Friday

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 โ€” 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...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025
bears qb Caleb Williams

2025 Chicago Bears Offseason: Dates, Deadlines, and When to Expect Things

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....

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025
New Orleans Saints 7-Round Mock Draft

The NFL Hiring Cycle is Complete: The Saints Are Making It Official With Kellen Moore

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...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025
bears gm Ryan poles NFL

Super Bowl Leftovers, Early Power Rankings, How to Build a Winner, and Other Bears Bullets

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...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025
bears Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams Already Has an Offseason Improvement Plan in Place

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...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025
Chicago Bulls

Pre-Gaminโ€™: Pistons at Bulls (7:00 CT) โ€“ Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More

Alright. Let's try and not lose by 40 tonight. Ready, break! Game Info Detroit Pistons (28-26) at Chicago Bulls (22-32) โ€“ 7:00 p.m. CT on Chicago Sports Network (TV) andย 670 The Scoreย (Radio) Lineups Chicago Bulls Coby White Josh Giddey Ayo Dosunmu Matas Buzelis Nikola Vucevic Detroit Pistons Cade Cunningham Tim Hardaway Jr Ausar Thompson Tobias Harris Jalen Duren ยฉ Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Odds Chicago comes into todayโ€™s game as 6-point...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Yes, the Bulls’ HUGE Halftime Deficit to the Pistons Made Some Ugly History

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...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025

Oof: New Report Says Bulls Had First-Round Pick on the Table for Lonzo Ball

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...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025

At Least the Chicago Bulls Aren’t the Only Team Down Bad

Things might not get much worse than the Bulls' 40-point home loss to a team that's two games over .500 โ€“ 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...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 12, 2025
Detroit Pistons against the Chicago Bulls

Everyone Deserves Blame, Josh Giddey Talks United Center Boos, What Can They Fix? And Other Bulls Bullets

Look on the bright side: There is no way the Chicago Bulls lose by 40 points to the same team a mere 24 hours later, right? Right???? SOMEBODY SAY "RIGHT!" ยฉ Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images Arturas Karnisovas has refused to use the word "rebuild," claiming that he prefers "transition" shortly after the Chicago Bulls' underwhelming trade deadline. The front office leader also continued to preach a message centered around respecting the...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025

Box Score & Players Grades: Pistons 132, Bulls 92 โ€“ February 11, 2025

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,...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025
Chicago Bulls

Pre-Gaminโ€™: Pistons at Bulls (7:00 CT) โ€“ Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More

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) โ€“ 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...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025

Bulls Injury Update: Lonzo Ball Missing Third Straight, Ayo Dosunmu’s Status

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 โ€“ and the Bulls staring at another back-to-back set before...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025

After Trade Deadline Move, Raptors Sign Brandon Ingram to Three-Year Extension

Brandon Ingram is staying in Toronto. After the organization traded for the 27-year-old at this season's trade deadline, ESPN's Shams Charania and Bobby Marks have reported that the two sides have agreed to an extension. Ingram came into the season on an expiring deal, setting him up to be one of the NBA's most attractive free agents this summer. The new three-year, $120 million extension, however, will keep him in...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025

So the Mavericks Are Now Ejecting Fans Who Are Upset with the Luka Doncic Trade

The Dallas Mavericks are teaching a masterclass on how to lose fans! On February 1, GM Nico Harrison agreed to arguably the most shocking trade in NBA history. The Mavericks sent superstar and franchise centerpiece Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The lopsided deal blindsided fans and NBA executives alike. Then, to add injury to insult, Anthony Davis immediately suffered an adductor strain in...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
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 Terรคvรคinen is skating for Finland for a week. The games on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
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
โ€ข
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
โ€ข
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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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025
Artyom Levshunov 2024 NHL Draft Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Prospects Highlight New Top 100 Rankings

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. Itโ€™s made up of 69 forwards and 31 defensemen (of which 13 are lefties and 18 are righties). The Blackhawks were tied with...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025
Oliver Moore U. of Minnesota

Blackhawks Prospect Oliver Moore Talks Coaches, Winning, All-Around Play, Going Pro, More

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...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025
Connor Bedard Chicago Blackhawks

Book Drop, Beanpot, Lardis, Rinzel, Finland’s Top Line, Trade Bait, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

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 Terรคvรคinen is going to rep the Blackhawks for Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off in...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 11, 2025
Seth Jones Chicago Blackhawks

Who Are the Blackhawks Possible Trade Chips Other Than Ryan Donato?

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...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025
Sam Rinzel University of Minnesota

Blackhawks Prospect Sam Rinzel On Areas of Improvement, the Hobey Baker, Turning Pro, More

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...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025
Lukas Reichel Chicago Blackhawks

Intrigue, Questions, Hope Surround Blackhawks 2020 NHL Draft Class

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...

written by

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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The Cubs Are Trying to Kill Two Birds with One Stone (The Stone is Alexander Canario)

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...

Spring Training Miscellany: Brown, Swanson, Imanaga, Pearson, Poteet, More

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...

Craig Counsell Still Sees “Good Opportunities” to Add to the Cubs’ Roster

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...

Sounds Like Cubs Know Which Two Dodgers Pitchers They’ll Face in Tokyo

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...

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: Staring Contest on Offers, Ownership Involvement, Hinch, Arenado, More

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...

A Reminder of How Much Money the Cubs Have Coming Off the Books the Next Two Years

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...

Zastryzny Outrighted, Pressly Not Quite Recruiting Bregman, Kershaw, Injuries, and Other Cubs Bullets

Took The Littlest Girl to Special Olympics basketball last night. We had fun. She wasnโ€™t judged. I wasnโ€™t judged. She simply got to be herself, welcomed by a community designed to support and include our family. Our experiences with Special...

Chicago Cubs Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule (With a Very Enjoyable Video)

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...

Javier Assad Has a Mild Oblique Strain

The news on Javier Assad's oblique injury is mixed, leaning toward good, I suppose. The MRI did reveal a strain, but it's a mild one, and there's optimism that the impact will be slight. https://bsky.app/profile/bastianmlb.bsky.social/post/3lhwicphjgs2m Given where we are on...

Chicago Cubs Sign Righty Pitching Prospect Brayden Spears

The Chicago Cubs have signed another minor league arm, bringing in big righty Brayden Spears from indy ball. Weโ€™d like to give a big congratulations to โ€˜22-โ€˜24 Hawks RHP Brayden Spears for signing with the Chicago Cubs!This move marks a...

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WAC Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | February 13

The Cal Baptist Lancers and the UT Arlington Mavericks take the court in one of four games on Thursday's college basketball schedule with WAC squads. Want best bets information? You've come to the right place.How to Bet on WAC GamesBest...

CAA Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | February 13

There are seven games on the college basketball schedule on Thursday that feature CAA teams, and we have best bets recomendations. That includes the Monmouth Hawks versus the Stony Brook Seawolves.How to Bet on CAA GamesBest CAA Spread Bet Today:...

WCC Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | February 14

Four games on Thursday's college basketball schedule feature a WCC team, including the matchup between the San Francisco Dons and the Gonzaga Bulldogs. We have best bets recommendations for the entire conference below.How to Bet on WCC GamesBest WCC Spread...

The Cubs Are Trying to Kill Two Birds with One Stone (The Stone is Alexander Canario)

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...

Rybakina vs. Swiatek Prediction at the WTA Doha, Qatar – Thursday, February 13

In the quarterfinals at the WTA Doha, Qatar on Thursday, Elena Rybakina (ranked No. 7) meets Iga Swiatek (No. 2).With -250 odds, Swiatek is the favorite against Rybakina (+190) for this matchup.WTA Doha, Qatar InfoTournament: The WTA Doha, QatarRound: QuarterfinalsDate:...

Alexandrova vs. Pegula Prediction at the WTA Doha, Qatar – Thursday, February 13

On Thursday, Ekaterina Alexandrova (No. 26 in the world) faces Jessica Pegula (No. 5) in the quarterfinals at the WTA Doha, Qatar.In this matchup against Alexandrova (+135), Pegula is favored with -175 odds.WTA Doha, Qatar InfoTournament: The WTA Doha, QatarRound:...

Struff vs. Grenier Prediction at the Open 13 Provence – Thursday, February 13

Hugo Grenier (No. 202) will meet Jan-Lennard Struff (No. 46) in the Round of 16 at the Open 13 Provence on Thursday, February 13.Compared to the underdog Grenier (+210), Struff is favored (-275) to advance.Open 13 Provence InfoTournament: The Open...

Argentina Open Schedule Thursday, February 13: Matchups & TV/Live Stream Info

The menu at the Argentina Open on February 13 includes two matches, including Mariano Navone (ranked No. 47) versus Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune (No. 12). For live coverage of matches, and highlights, check out Center Court and Center Court Live...

Medvedev vs. Herbert Prediction at the Open 13 Provence – Thursday, February 13

Pierre-Hugues Herbert (No. 192) will face Daniil Medvedev (No. 8) in the Round of 16 at the Open 13 Provence on Thursday, February 13.Medvedev is getting -450 odds to claim a win against Herbert (+310).Open 13 Provence InfoTournament: The Open...

Open 13 Provence Schedule Friday, February 14: Matchups & TV/Live Stream Info

There are two matches at the Open 13 Provence on February 14, the best being No. 35-ranked Lorenzo Sonego versus No. 17 Ugo Humbert. Looking to keep up with the action? The Tennis Channel provides live coverage and highlights of...

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