No Rushed Decision on Morel, Wicks, Uniforms, Extremely Elite College Performance, and Other Cubs Bullets

Anyone else have a mental image of Jed Hoyer texting Scott Boras during that game, what with all Pete Crow-Armstrong’s valuable antics, and saying, “Hey, never mind … jk … or am I? … “

It’s all just tongue-in-cheek for so many reasons (mostly because it’s one half of one Spring Training game), but I suppose there is a kernel of flip-side there that we haven’t discussed. As we know by now, Boras is hoping for his big four clients that some injury or underperformance or desperation develops among teams to get his guys the deals they want. But in some cases, it’s also POSSIBLE that things could actually go the other way, and teams’ interest could decrease based on things they observe in the spring. That’s relatively unlikely in most of the cases we’d be talking about, but that risk is not zero.

  • It was good to see Christopher Morel in there immediately at third base, and I hope he gets lots and lots of game reps there this spring, in addition to all the work on the practice fields. He made several plays in the game, all of them routine, and all of them of the type that you’d expect him to make with ease (mostly going to his left).

  • During an in-game interview, manager Craig Counsell was essentially asked what the Cubs would need to see by the end of Spring Training to decide that Christopher Morel is good to go at third base. Instead of answering it quite that way, Counsell instead suggested that the Cubs aren’t quite looking at the decision that way – they just want to get him the consistent reps at one spot right now, and then see what’s what when they have to. This isn’t about Morel proving he can handle the job for the full season, and any decision that happens to be made initially in April doesn’t necessarily have to last the rest of the year. It’s all an ongoing evaluation, Counsell said, and don’t forget that Morel could also continue to improve defensively during the regular season.

  • Of note on all that, Patrick Mooney wrote about Morel, Counsell, and third base, and reminds folks that this was not necessarily the organizational plan for Morel. He was going to move around again, or maybe just be the DH. But Counsell came in and wanted to see Morel get focused time at third base, so the change in course was made. Here’s hoping Counsell winds up right on that (it’s certainly what I’ve wanted to see!), but it sounds like he is going to be very flexible in his approach. That’s all you can ask for from a manager, and it’s also important to note that Counsell is already empowered by the front office to make a pretty significant move like that. Wouldn’t have expected otherwise, given Counsell’s stature and contract and hybrid coach/front office role, but this is him making a decision that has potential long-term, organization-wide impacts. (So, again, another reason why it’s good to have a patient, flexible, noncommital approach in February to what’s going to happen in April and beyond.)

  • Morel also crushed a homer, of course, and he’s a sleeper to lead the league, which is humorous but not that impossible given that he hit 37 homers in just 136 games last year between Triple-A and MLB (26 in 107 MLB games):

  • Counsell is going to make even more Cubs fan friends with comments like this:

  • It’s literally different here, Counsell is saying. No direct shade to the Brewers intended, of course …

  • Jordan Wicks feels good about his spring debut, on which he mostly focused on working all of his pitches, trying out certain unspecified things, and seeing improved spin on his pitches:

  • Watching the game yesterday – our first look at the new jerseys on a typical broadcast, with game action – it was unfortunately very noticeable how bad the jerseys look. A particularly striking example (that might be SLIGHTLY exaggerated because one is a photo and one is a screen-grab, but still):

  • As for the see-through pants debacle, MLB is claiming there is no such thing:

  • I suppose it’s POSSIBLE we were looking more closely at pants shots this year because of the jersey tops being an issue, but there certainly have been some seriously-see-through shots this year.

  • I absolutely respect the effort, and if you’ve already got the custom jersey, eff it, just wear it (maybe his last name is Ohtani):

  • This might be one of the most dominant major college pitching performances ever (and he did this on only 78 pitches against a top team(!!!)):

  • The draft rankings I’ve seen have Hagen Smith in the 15 to 30 range, but if he keeps doing things like this, he’s going to fly up. The Cubs pick at 14, by the way, and have a history of lots of scouting at Arkansas. Just tossing that out there.

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

Bader and PCA, Pham and Pirates, No Festa Forever, Brasier and Berti, Rays Stadium, and Other Cubs Bullets

Kinda thought I would wake up to an Alex Bregman decision. It had that vibe last night, but nothing doing yet. Instead, we got Pete Alonso signing, which I suppose is not nothing. But I'm about ready for "the offseason" to wrap up so I can get my brain zoned in on Spring Training, which officially starts in just a few days ... The signings continue at the margins of...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
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Feb 05, 2025
MLB Rumors and Pete Alonso

Pete Alonso Re-Signing with the Mets, Did NOT Get Paaaaid

The Pete Alonso free agency closes up back where it started, and where most thought it would end: he's going back to the New York Mets. And, boy, he did NOT get paaaaaid: In total, Pete Alonso's deal will guarantee him $54 million over two years, sources tell ESPN.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 6, 2025 Hey, maybe Alonso - 30 and with some signs of decline - will put together...

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025

The Cubs Have a New Full-time Backup to Jon Sciambi on Marquee (And I’m Very Here For It!)

Alternate title: The Cubs are promoting top broadcasting prospect Alex Cohen! Maybe it's not the breaking news those of us on social media are pining for tonight, but it makes me happy nonetheless! According to Jeff Agrest at The Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs will have a new, full-time play-by-play announcer backing up Boog Sciambi on Marquee Sports Netowork. And it's someone a lot of us really love: Alex Cohen! Most...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025
Alex Bregman

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: A Couple Pundits Guess the Cubs Are the Favorite

Take these only for what it's worth, as we're all able to do some speculating. But Jon Heyman is inarguably plugged in, and Matt Spiegel does hear things. So there might be some meat underneath. A little. Don't go too far with it. But I'm obsessing, so I'm sharing. First, Jon Heyman would peg the Cubs as the favorites on Alex Bregman right now if he had to choose: Jon...

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
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Feb 05, 2025

The 2025 Cubs Spring Training Broadcast Schedule Is Here

Although most of the team is already at camp, the Chicago Cubs are the first organization to require pitchers and catchers to report (this Sunday, February 9). Eleven short days after that, the Cubs will play their first Spring Training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. And one day after that, they will play their first Spring Training game at Sloan Park, which will also be broadcast on Marquee Sports...

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
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Feb 05, 2025

The Latest Set of Playoff Odds Are Not NEARLY As Bullish on the 2025 Cubs

When the 2025 PECOTA projections were released on Monday, we were relatively overwhelmed by the forecasted rosiness of the Cubs playoff odds and projected record. According to PECOTA, the Cubs won't just be the best team in the NL Central, they'll be the best team in the NL Central by over 10 wins. They're even projected to finish with the third-best record in MLB overall. Even after a glowing set...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025

Nico Hoerner is Throwing!

Great news today, spotted by Rich Biesterfeld out in Arizona, where Nico Hoerner is playing catch. Weโ€™ve got Nico Hoerner playing catch today at Cubs Camp! pic.twitter.com/VIccpz38U6— Rich Biesterfeld (@biest22) February 5, 2025 We had no idea on a precise timeline for Hoerner, but seeing him on the field, doing work, and making throws with some intent on February 5 seems like a very good sign. Hoerner, 27,ย dealt with a...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025

Fun (and Funny (and Sad)) Exercise: How Good Would the White Sox Be with Ohtani, Judge, and Skubal?

I don't know that any of us NEEDED additional context for just how bad the 2025 Chicago White Sox project to be, but I'm very, very glad FanGraphs' Dan Szymborski decided to give it to us anyway. Basically, Szymborski wondered what would happen to the AL Central projected standings, via ZiPS, if he took Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Tarik Skubal away from their current teams and then gave them...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025

Cardinals Have Reportedly Had Recent Talks with the Red Sox About a Nolan Arenado Trade

I probably could've put this one under the "Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch" banner, because there are clear implications for that story, too. But, since the impacts to the NL Central and the Cardinals would be more immediate (and guaranteed) in the event of a Nolan Arenado trade, I focus on that part first: The Red Sox and Cardinals have had recent communication about Nolan Arenado, source says. If the trade...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
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Feb 05, 2025

Activity Around Baseball, Brasier Trade, Suzuki Fan, and Other Cubs Bullets

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 05, 2025
2024 Los Angeles Rams Fantasy Football Team Names Matthew Stafford

The NFL is Sending the Rams to Play a “Home” Game in Australia in 2026

The NFL's global reach is extending out to the land down under. ESPN league insider Adam Schefter reports the Los Angeles Rams will be the designated home team when they play in Australia in 2026: As the designated home team in Australia in 2026, the Rams will play their game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). https://t.co/2WApFU2woI— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 5, 2025 When I first saw the news from...

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Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
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Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Terell Smith

The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season of Terell Smith. Terell Smith's 2024 Snapshot Ryan Poles' tenure as Chicago Bears general manager has been one full of extremes. The trade that resulted in DJ Moore, Caleb Williams,...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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trey smith bears chiefs super bowl

All Eyes Are On Trey Smith at the Super Bowl

There are many reasons to tune in to watch Super Bowl LIX, but Trey Smith is at the top of my list. The Kansas City Chiefs starting right guard is a player to keep tabs on in Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. I have had my eyes on Smith as a possible target for a Chicago Bears team seeking to upgrade the offensive line this offseason for quite some...

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Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
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Feb 05, 2025
josh Blackwell bears packers

Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Josh Blackwell

The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season of Josh Blackwell. Josh Blackwell's 2024 Snapshot Josh Blackwell's 2024 season will best be remembered for his punt return touchdown in Week 18's victory over the Green Bay Packers at...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 05, 2025
Kevin warren, Ryan Poles, Ben Johnson, George mccaskey

Kevin Warren Was *THE* Difference Maker in Ben Johnson Coming to the Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears President Kevin Warren deserves a fist bump for his efforts in the team's landing of new head coach Ben Johnson. In an interview with the CHGO squad at the Super Bowl LIX site, ESPN's Courtney Cronin sheds some light on how important Bears President Kevin Warren was to the team's successful pursuit of hiring Ben Johnson as its new head coach: How much impact do you think Kevin...

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Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
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Feb 05, 2025
Ryan Bates Bears

Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Ryan Bates

The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season of offensive lineman Ryan Bates. Ryan Bates' 2024 Snapshot We recently discussed the 2024 season of Coleman Shelton, who, whether you believe he was serviceable (passable?) or not, was a...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 05, 2025
Jaquan brisker bears safety

Jaquan Brisker Says He is Cleared to Return to Football Action

The 2025 NFL regular season won't kick off until September. Preseason games will not take place until August. And it won't be until July when training camps begin opening their doors around the league. But offseason workout programs begin in April. Perhaps when those start taking place, we'll see Jaquan Brisker's return to organized football activities. 2025 NFL IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER Brisker, who will be entering his fourth year...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 05, 2025
Rams vs Eagles Sunday Night Football Saquon Barkley NFL Notes

Saquon Confirms Bears Rumors, Doors Opening For Cunningham? and Other Wednesday Bullets

Day 31 of the Chicago Bears offseason. Happy Hump Day! Saquon Barkley says he was "pretty damn close to signing with the Bears last offseason, according to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. If you'll recall, the Bears were viewed as one of the "priority suitors" in a Saquon sweepstakes and it was even a thing during the offseason version of "Hard Knocks" with the Giants. Heck, we'd been discussing...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 04, 2025
devin hester bears

Tony Dungy Has a Funny Story About Devin Hester’s Super Bowl Kick Return TD

It was on this date 18 years ago when Devin Hester made NFL history. Hester's Super Bowl XLI-opening kick-return touchdown is the stuff of legends at this point. And after making it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we can say โ€”ย with confidence โ€”ย that it is the signature moment of the iconic long-time Chicago Bears standout's Hall of Fame career. But did you know that it has a funny...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 04, 2025

Chicago Gets Some Love From Former Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio

Super Bowl Week is HERE! And while the Chicago Bears aren't playing for the Lombardi Trophy, it's not as if this game will be without some Chicago connections. Among them is Vic Fangio, who is the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive coordinator. Bears fans are likely familiar with Fangio from his time in Chicago, in which he was the team's defensive coordinator from 2015-18. As part of a Q&A session with the...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 06, 2025

NOT DONE YET: Lakers Trade a HAUL to Hornets for Big Man Mark Williams

The Los Angeles Lakers have made another big move ahead of the NBA trade deadline. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Lakers have acquired 23-year-old center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. The towering big man heads to the West Coast in exchange for a sizable package of Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap, and an unprotected 2031 first-round pick. Williams is in the thick of a career...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
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Feb 05, 2025

Pelicans Send Brandon Ingram to Raptors in ANOTHER Big Deadline Trade

Can't these teams wait to break news until the morning?! ESPN's Shams Charania is at it again tonight. Just as we were all heading to bed, the insider reported that the New Orleans Pelicans are shipping Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown Jr, Kelly Olynyk, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick. https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1887360828002718034 Raptors Pick Up Brandon Ingram From Pelicans The Pelicans had been trying...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 05, 2025

Box Score & Player Grades: Timberwolves 127, Bulls 108 โ€“ February 5, 2025

The nice thing about my job is that I can be brutally honest about the fact that I barely watched this game. To be clear, I was firmly planted in front of my television and ready to watch Anthony Edwards single-handedly dismantle the Bulls (and, boy, did he). But then Matas Buzelis was named a starter ... and Jimmy Butler was traded to the Warriors ... and Lonzo Ball reached...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 05, 2025
Lonzo Ball of the Chicago Bulls

BREAKING: Chicago Bulls Sign Lonzo Ball to Two-Year Extension (UPDATED: Good or Bad Move?)

The Chicago Bulls have reportedly reached an extension with Lonzo Ball on the eve of the NBA trade deadline. Amid ongoing trade rumors surrounding the veteran point guard, Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson was the first to share that Ball was finalizing the deal. The extension will reportedly be worth $20.0 million over the next two years. Johnson also reported live during the Bulls' battle with the Timberwolves on Wednesday...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 05, 2025

TRADE: Warriors Acquire Jimmy Butler from Heat, Sign Him to an Extension (Bulls Impact)

The Golden State Warriors have landed Jimmy Butler. After months of reports about the organization wanting to upgrade Stephen Curry's supporting cast, the franchise has made a move for one of the hottest names on the market. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Warriors will send Andrew Wiggins, a first-round pick, and more to the Miami Heat. Here are the reported trade details via ESPN: Warriors get ... Jimmy...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 05, 2025
Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls

Matas Buzelis Earns First Start Following Career-High Night

Rookie Matas Buzelis has finally found himself on head coach Billy Donovan's good side. After scoring a career-high 24 points on a perfect 10-10 shooting against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, Buzelis has earned the first start of his young career. The former No. 11 overall pick will take the place of Lonzo Ball (who does not play in back-to-back sets) alongside Josh Giddey, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
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Feb 05, 2025
Anthony Edwards

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

It's Matas' team now. https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls/2025/02/05/gs-nikola-vucevic-wire/ Game Info Chicago Bulls (22-29) at Minnesota Timberwolves (27-23) โ€“ 7:00 p.m. CT on Chicago Sports Network (TV) andย 670 The Scoreย (Radio) Lineups Chicago Bulls Coby White Ayo Dosunmu Josh Giddey Patrick Williams Nikola Vucevic Minnesota Timberwolves Mike Conley Anthony Edwards Jaden McDaniels Naz Reid Rudy Gobert Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports Odds Chicago comes into todayโ€™s game as an 11.5-point underdog against Minnesota atย DraftKings...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
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Feb 05, 2025

NBA Trade Rumors: Kevin Durant Doesn’t Want To Leave … But Does That Matter? Warriors New Plan, More

We're less than 24 hours until the NBA Trade Deadline, and the two biggest fish on the market are still out there! Will Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler get dealt? Will they be swapped for one another? Can the Warriors manage to bring one of them to The Bay? We still have a whole lot of questions to be answered before 2:00 PM CT tomorrow, so let's unpack the latest...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 05, 2025

Nikola Vucevic Trade Rumors: Will Warriors Bring It Down to the Wire? Did His Value Just Improve?

He loves me ... loves me not ... he loves me ... he loves me not. The Golden State Warriors continue to play with the Chicago Bulls' hearts as the NBA's trade deadline nears. Their reported interest in Nikola Vucevic dates back weeks, and he has been coined as one of their top targets numerous times. However, with the team sitting 11th in the Western Conference and the reality of...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 05, 2025
Arturas Karnisovas sits at Media Day for the Chicago Bulls

Um, the Chicago Bulls Better Not Be Done …

All early indications were that the Zach LaVine trade was just the beginning for the Chicago Bulls. After years of copying and pasting a mediocre product, change was long overdue. The Bulls didn't possess the franchise centerpiece or additional assets to justify pursuing win-now upgrades. Tearing things down to the roots became their only option, and moving their long-time leading scorer suggested that they finally understood that. This is why...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025
Chicago Blackhawks Kyle Davidson

NHL Insider Talks Blackhawks Trade Buzz, Rantanen Trade Fallout, Future Contract Strategy

On Thursday morning, Elliotte Friedman dropped a loaded written version of his "32 Thoughts" and there are some good Blackhawks-centric nuggets in there. Here's what got my attention: Blackhawks trade buzz I noted in my bullets this morning that there were 14 teams represented in the press box scouting the Blackhawks-Oilers game. Friedman notes a light schedule and the looming two-week break meant there was plenty of attention in Chicago...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 06, 2025
Jason Dickinson Chicago Blackhawks

Dickinson Concern, More Bedard Criticism, Scouts Galore, 49 for Lardis, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks lost a hard fought game to the Oilers in overtime last night. They showed a lot of mettle, battling back from a two-goal deficit in the third period to tie the game late. But a bad penalty in overtime cost them the second point in the standings. The result of the game last night isn't much of a concern if we're honest. What is a major concern is...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 06, 2025
Aidan Thompson DU University of Denver

Blackhawks College Prospects: Ranked Matchups, Beanpot Championship on Tap

We're now into February, and Blackhawks prospects continue to put up solid numbers across college hockey. There are some really good ranked matchups this weekend, with Denver and Providence both playing important conference matchups. And, Monday night, Boston University will face Boston College in a hyped Beanpot championship game. Here's this weekend's schedule for the Blackhawks' prospects in action. And, again, make sure you vote every day for one of...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 05, 2025
Arvid Soderblom Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks 3, Oilers 4 (OT) โ€” Three Stars, Key Takeaways

The good news when a game starts at almost 9 PM local is the first period flew by and neither team scored. With a little under eight minutes left in the first period, this ridiculous sequence by Arvid Sรถderblom and Connor Murphy kept the game tied at zeroes. Oh my Arvid Soderblom, what a saveMurphy helps out too with a stop of his own pic.twitter.com/Wu11sUNd07— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) February 6, 2025...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025
Colton Dach Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Assign Levshunov AND Dach to Rockford, Activate Smith

Before Wednesday's game, the Blackhawks announced a few roster moves. The team formally activated veteran forward Craig Smith from IR. To make room on the roster, they needed to assign at least one player to Rockford. The Blackhawks sent both Artyom Levshunov and Colton Dach to the IceHogs. We knew Levshunov was headed back to Rockford without playing a game when he joined the Blackhawks earlier this week; the intent...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025
Jason Dickinson Chicago Blackhawks Connor McDavid

Blackhawks vs Oilers โ€” Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

Yes, the Blackhawks are back on national television. And yes, it's against a really good team with legit championship aspirations. And yes, they're sitting a couple young guys in the press box again. But... this one's at home? And... yeah. That's all I've got. Get ready for a late night if you're attending because this is the second game of the night on TNT. Broadcast Info Puck Drop: 8:45ish PM CT...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025

New NHL Players Poll Offers Interesting Results

On Wednesday morning The Athletic released the results of their informal, anonymous NHL player poll. They asked the usual range of questions, from coaches players would/would not want to play for, which cities would be on a no-trade list and whether or not Gary Bettman should retire from his role as commissioner of the NHL. And there were a few interesting results. Here the ones that got my attention: Ordinarily...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025

Smith Returns, Mentor Martinez, Nazar’s Defense, Prospect Rankings, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks are back in action tonight with Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in town. Based on practice the last couple days, it appears Craig Smith will return to the lineup and the Blackhawks will hope to rekindle the magic he had with Lukas Reichel and Pat Maroon on a line together. Which means Colton Dach will be the odd man out. Again, based on practice the last couple...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025
Frank Nazar Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Prospect Pool Climbing Rankings

At The Athletic, Scott Wheeler has been providing his mid-season pipeline rankings of the 32 NHL franchises. What I like most about the prospect evaluation that takes place at The Athletic is the very different views and evaluations of prospects we get from Wheeler and Corey Pronman; they aren't writing in unison and often don't agree on a prospect's potential/ceiling. That is certainly the case with a number of Blackhawks...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 04, 2025
Kevin Korchinski 2025 AHL All-Star Game MVP

All-Star MVP Korchinski, HB Savoir-Faire, Red on the Road, Trade Buzz, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

First off today, happy birthday to Savoir-Faire, Denis Savard. Savvy turns 64 today. His 1,096 for the Blackhawks still rank fourth in the history of the organ-I-zation, trailing only Stan Mikita (1,467), Patrick Kane (1,225) and Bobby Hull (1,153). I will note that his long-time winger, Steve Larmer, still ranks fifth (923). That duo, with Al Secord on the other wing, was dynamite in the 1980s and a big reason...

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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Cardinals Have Reportedly Had Recent Talks with the Red Sox About a Nolan Arenado Trade

I probably could've put this one under the "Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch" banner, because there are clear implications for that story, too. But, since the impacts to the NL Central and the Cardinals would be more immediate (and guaranteed) in...

Activity Around Baseball, Brasier Trade, Suzuki Fan, and Other Cubs Bullets

The Fantastic Four teaser trailer was fine, I guess, but sufficiently surface that I have no take as to whether this is going to be a rebound for Marvel or not. I am hopeful, but there's a reason the previous...

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Top Player Prop Bets for Rockets vs. Timberwolves on February 6, 2025

You can find player prop bet odds for Alperen Sengun, Anthony Edwards and others on the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of their matchup at 8:00 PM ET on Thursday at Target Center.How to Watch Rockets vs. TimberwolvesDate: Thursday,...

Top Player Prop Bets for Trail Blazers vs. Kings on February 6, 2025

Player prop bet odds for Deni Avdija, Domantas Sabonis and others are available when the Portland Trail Blazers host the Sacramento Kings at Moda Center on Thursday at 10:00 PM ET.How to Watch Trail Blazers vs. KingsDate: Thursday, February 6,...

Top Player Prop Bets for Lakers vs. Warriors on February 6, 2025

LeBron James and Stephen Curry are two of the top players with prop bets for the taking when the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors square off at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday (tipping at 10:00 PM ET).How to...

Top Player Prop Bets for Nuggets vs. Magic on February 6, 2025

Those looking to place a player prop bet can find odds on Nikola Jokic, Franz Wagner and others in the Denver Nuggets-Orlando Magic matchup at Ball Arena on Thursday at 9:00 PM ET.How to Watch Nuggets vs. MagicDate: Thursday, February...

NHL Insider Talks Blackhawks Trade Buzz, Rantanen Trade Fallout, Future Contract Strategy

On Thursday morning, Elliotte Friedman dropped a loaded written version of his "32 Thoughts" and there are some good Blackhawks-centric nuggets in there. Here's what got my attention: Blackhawks trade buzz I noted in my bullets this morning that there...

Fritz vs. Shapovalov Prediction at the Dallas Open – Thursday, February 6

On Thursday, Denis Shapovalov (No. 54 in the world) meets Taylor Fritz (No. 4) in the Round of 16 at the Dallas Open.In this matchup, Fritz is the favorite (-350) against Shapovalov (+260) .Dallas Open InfoTournament: The Dallas OpenRound: Round...

Opelka vs. Norrie Prediction at the Dallas Open – Thursday, February 6

Reilly Opelka (No. 145 ranking) will meet Cameron Norrie (No. 63) in the Round of 16 of the Dallas Open on Thursday, February 6.Opelka is favored over Norrie, with -130 odds against the underdog's +100.Dallas Open InfoTournament: The Dallas OpenRound:...

Winners Open Schedule Friday, February 7: Matchups & TV/Live Stream Info

The menu at the Winners Open on February 7 includes two matches, among them Katerina Siniakova (ranked No. 54) versus Viktoriya Tomova (No. 63). For live coverage of matches, and highlights, tune into Center Court and Center Court Live on...

Best NBA Prop Bets Today – February 6, 2025

The NBA's six-game schedule today is not one to miss. The matchups include the Houston Rockets taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.Searching for NBA player prop bets for today's games? This article features NBA player props for every...

Hawaii vs. Cal Poly Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Hawaii Rainbow Wahine (15-6) will try to build on a nine-game winning streak when they host the Cal Poly Mustangs (10-11) on February 7, 2025 at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.On Saturday, in its most recent game, Hawaii...

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