There are moments in the sports world where a city seems to become the focal point of all that exists. The Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics clamped everyone's attention around the city of Boston. Pittsburg had us buzzing with the Steelers and Penguins. But in Chicago, acrimony seems second-hand. The Hawks needed to wait 40 years for Lord Stanley's Cup, the Bears are still chomping on the bit after Super Bowl XX, the Sox needed 88 years for another title, the Bulls living fat on Jordan's Dynasty, and the Cubs continuing to be fantastic losers. But wake up and smell D. Rose Chicago sports fans, there's something in the air...
The Blackhawks took the NHL by storm last year. Die hards and bandwagon jumpers celebrated the run alike because this city loves championships. After slumbering through most of the regular season, the Hawks are winning at a torrid place and exploding up the playoff standings after hovering around 11th place. New players are figuring out their roles, Jonathon Towes has willed his team to win at all cost and Corey Crawford has secured the goalie position.
Derrick Rose for his part is an MVP candidate and is leading the Bulls through the 2010-2011 NBA Odyssey. In an off-season that produced a shift in NBA superstars and expectations, the Bulls remained steady, hired a competent coach, fortified their roster, and are simply winning. Once considered a middle of the pack team, the Bulls have commanded everyone's attention and are competing with Boston to become the No.1 seed in the East.
Faced with the decision to cut payroll, "The Chariman" Jerry Riensdorf bucked KW's rebuild plan and moved forward with the "ALL-IN" campaign. Bold moves, (Peavy, Rios, Dunn) bringing in young major league talent (Beckham, Sale, Morel) and excellent personal decisions (Ramirez, Quentin, Santos, Floyd, Jackson) have the Sox in a place to contend for a World Series the next three years.
I use to rip on the Bears brass for being to passive; but looking back at the last two off-seasons (Cutler and Peppers) proves they care about winning. Competing with Green Bay will give way to a vision. Actually, the best thing for the Bears might've been Green Bay winning the Super Bowl. Presently constituted, they are missing pieces. They now have the incentive to address their weaknesses in the draft instead of "reaching" on potential. Solidify the O-Line, signing a No.1 WR, and finding a player or players to create defensive pressure up the middle will put the Bears in a place to compete with the Packers.
The Cubs are the cubs, and will continue their losing ways. It's who they are and what they do. Sorry Cub fans, you can only hope to become the Tampa Bay Rays in 3 years or so.
As for the rest of the Chicago, something is bubbling. Hawks win last year, and are in a place to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, the Bulls are storming through the final leg of the regular season, leading the NBA in defense & shutting down the top teams. The Sox have added a bonifide left-handed power hitter who'll become a superstar his numbers say he is. If Peavy can stay healthy, Sox fans can expect a playoff push for another World Series title for Ozzie and Co. The Bears ignored prognosticators, and made it all the way to the NFC Championship game in 2010. Be assured the front office is aware of the team's needs and have the stones to make those moves. They just need to be the right moves. Chicago is on the precipice of dominating the sports landscape and becoming the most talked about city in Sports. Yeah, I can dig that.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Economics of Luol Deng
Derrick Rose has brought Chicago a magnificent oasis in the dead of winter. His basketball prowess has led to MVP talk and the Bulls challenging Boston and Miami for the No. 1 seed in the East. Rose has become a superstar and the insuing ripple effects have traveled far and wide...just ask Luol Deng.
The Bulls traded a 2nd Rd pick and $3 million for the rights to Luol Deng, given the production that should be considered a coup within itself. After 3 seasons of increased production, the Bulls saw it fit to extend Deng to a 6 year $71 million deal. And then the fun began.
In a span of 3 years, Deng (and the Bulls) suffered both injuries and a coaching carousel that included Scott Skiles, Jimmy Boylan, Pete Myers before settling on Vinny Del Negro. Having to deal with inconsistent coaches is one obstacle; having to deal with Vinny Del Negro as a coach is bad for basketball and bad for America. Deng's '08-'09 numbers dipped to 14pts/game after only playing 48 games and he was dubbed a bust.
Deng's contract, like all NBA contracts, escaltes over time. Deng's '08-'09 campaign was no doubt a disappointment but he was only making $9 million. Given the injuries he had to deal with, that money was on point. His numbers bounced back last season to 17.6/7.3 (pts/reb) while making $10 million. At no point was he paid like stud. Crtics ripped Deng for not living up to his deal, for being soft, and not becoming a top 10 player in the league. Do you know what those guys get paid? Dirk Nowitzki comes in at No 10 on that list at just about $17 million. Even with all the Luol Deng All-Star talk now, he doesn't even crack the top 30!
Comapre Deng to other Small Forwards in the league
he's outplaying Rashard Lewis, Andre Igoudala, Andrei Kirilenko (all who are making millions more than Deng). While Rudy Gay and Paul Pierce are playing better, 20pts/6reb & 19pts/5reb respectively compared to Deng's 17.6pts/6.2reb both are making significantly more money as well. The only Small Forward who's a better value right now is Danny Granger. Considering that he and Deng make the same money, that's more of an anomaly. One big number I've left out is age. The only Small Forward on this list younger than Deng (25) is Gay (24). When Deng's contract hits 2014 and he's making $14.3 million, is it completely out of the realm of possibility that Deng cannot average 20pts and 7 or 8 boards a game. Wouldn't that certainly be worth every penny the Bulls are paying him.
The economics of Luol Deng dictate the Bulls are getting value for thier money. He's a 3rd option on offense, playing solid team and individual defense. Thibs and Rose are bringing out the best in Deng and the Bulls can take that to the bank.
The Bulls traded a 2nd Rd pick and $3 million for the rights to Luol Deng, given the production that should be considered a coup within itself. After 3 seasons of increased production, the Bulls saw it fit to extend Deng to a 6 year $71 million deal. And then the fun began.
In a span of 3 years, Deng (and the Bulls) suffered both injuries and a coaching carousel that included Scott Skiles, Jimmy Boylan, Pete Myers before settling on Vinny Del Negro. Having to deal with inconsistent coaches is one obstacle; having to deal with Vinny Del Negro as a coach is bad for basketball and bad for America. Deng's '08-'09 numbers dipped to 14pts/game after only playing 48 games and he was dubbed a bust.
Deng's contract, like all NBA contracts, escaltes over time. Deng's '08-'09 campaign was no doubt a disappointment but he was only making $9 million. Given the injuries he had to deal with, that money was on point. His numbers bounced back last season to 17.6/7.3 (pts/reb) while making $10 million. At no point was he paid like stud. Crtics ripped Deng for not living up to his deal, for being soft, and not becoming a top 10 player in the league. Do you know what those guys get paid? Dirk Nowitzki comes in at No 10 on that list at just about $17 million. Even with all the Luol Deng All-Star talk now, he doesn't even crack the top 30!
Comapre Deng to other Small Forwards in the league
he's outplaying Rashard Lewis, Andre Igoudala, Andrei Kirilenko (all who are making millions more than Deng). While Rudy Gay and Paul Pierce are playing better, 20pts/6reb & 19pts/5reb respectively compared to Deng's 17.6pts/6.2reb both are making significantly more money as well. The only Small Forward who's a better value right now is Danny Granger. Considering that he and Deng make the same money, that's more of an anomaly. One big number I've left out is age. The only Small Forward on this list younger than Deng (25) is Gay (24). When Deng's contract hits 2014 and he's making $14.3 million, is it completely out of the realm of possibility that Deng cannot average 20pts and 7 or 8 boards a game. Wouldn't that certainly be worth every penny the Bulls are paying him.
The economics of Luol Deng dictate the Bulls are getting value for thier money. He's a 3rd option on offense, playing solid team and individual defense. Thibs and Rose are bringing out the best in Deng and the Bulls can take that to the bank.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
My 3 Point Offseason Plan for the Bears...IN DEPTH
We're going to have to deal with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers for the foreseeable future and need a prolonged strategy to combat those bastards. Here's my 3 point plan that would keep the Bears not only in contention for the NFC North, but to compete for Super Bowls:
1) DRAFT O-LINE...Ideally they should use the first 3 picks to bolster the O-line with talent and depth. There aren't any studs and a lot of boards have the first OT being taken at pick #20 which bodes well for the Bears since their first pick comes at #30. I'm hoping Gabe Carimi OT-Wisconsin drops the way Brian Bulaga dropped to the Packers last year. Carimi, who was a 4-year starter and Outland Trophy winner at Wisconsin, is a monster at 6'7 330lbs. Great drive blocker who can step in and play RIGHT NOW. Solidifying the Left Tackle position would drop Omiyale back to being a swing tackle off the bench, and strengthen the line overall. After drafting an OT, addressing OG and C would be the priority. Mike Pouncey, Rodney Hudson, and Orlando Franklin are all viable options in the 2nd Rd. Centers include Kistofer O'Dowd and Jake Kirkpatrick. If the Bears address CB or LB in the 3rd Rd, late round Centers Chase Beeler and Jason Klece could fit the bill. Bringing in young talent and depth is always the best way to go on the O-Line.
2) SIGN A NO. 1 WR...People have been slamming the Bears WR corps all season long. Their young, fast, quick, and will all be going into their 3rd or 4th years next year; I fully expect them all to step up. That being said, none of them are a true No.1 wideout. Vincent Jackson, Santonio Holmes, Sidney Rice, Braylan Edwards will all be UFA's (pending a new CBA) Signing one of these free agents sets up the Bears WR's 1-4. How would you feel about this lineup next year:
WR1-Sidney Rice
WR2-Johnny Knox
WR3-Earl Bennent
WR4-Devin Hester/TBA
Hester can focus COMPLETELY on Special Teams and the Bears can do more things with him, playing #23 at all WR's spots and as a 3rd Down back
3) Make a move for Albert Haynesworth...He's a malcontent and a bad character guy but I can't think of a better fit, scheme wise, for Fat Albert. The Bears run a 4-3, depend on the D-Line for the pass rush, Lovie Smith is a players coach and most importantly, they never quit on him. Aligning Haynesworth next to Peppers would put the fear of god into all divisional foes and contenders. It's a high-risk move, no doubt, but the rewards could, and I emphasize the word COULD, lead to many championships. That kind of pocket collapse and outside pressure are what the Bears hoped for with Tommie Harris; Albert Haynesworth double-downs that bet.
Adding youth and talent to the Offensive Line, signing a true No.1 Wideout, and landing Albert Haynesworth sets the Bears up to not only stack wins, but to stack championships.
2) SIGN A NO. 1 WR...People have been slamming the Bears WR corps all season long. Their young, fast, quick, and will all be going into their 3rd or 4th years next year; I fully expect them all to step up. That being said, none of them are a true No.1 wideout. Vincent Jackson, Santonio Holmes, Sidney Rice, Braylan Edwards will all be UFA's (pending a new CBA) Signing one of these free agents sets up the Bears WR's 1-4. How would you feel about this lineup next year:
WR1-Sidney Rice
WR2-Johnny Knox
WR3-Earl Bennent
WR4-Devin Hester/TBA
Hester can focus COMPLETELY on Special Teams and the Bears can do more things with him, playing #23 at all WR's spots and as a 3rd Down back
3) Make a move for Albert Haynesworth...He's a malcontent and a bad character guy but I can't think of a better fit, scheme wise, for Fat Albert. The Bears run a 4-3, depend on the D-Line for the pass rush, Lovie Smith is a players coach and most importantly, they never quit on him. Aligning Haynesworth next to Peppers would put the fear of god into all divisional foes and contenders. It's a high-risk move, no doubt, but the rewards could, and I emphasize the word COULD, lead to many championships. That kind of pocket collapse and outside pressure are what the Bears hoped for with Tommie Harris; Albert Haynesworth double-downs that bet.
Adding youth and talent to the Offensive Line, signing a true No.1 Wideout, and landing Albert Haynesworth sets the Bears up to not only stack wins, but to stack championships.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Chicago Bears Declaration of Victory
When in the course of Chicago's events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the baseball fandom which have separated them from one another, and assume among the powers of the Earth, the complete and utter destruction of the Green Bay Packers to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel the Chicago Bears to Victory.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Bears fans are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator George Papa Bear Halas, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Victories, Celebrations, and Super Bowl Parades. That to secure these rights, The Chicago Bears were instituted amongst the NFL deriving their just powers from the consent of Bears fans everywhere. That whenever any team from Wisconsin becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the Chicago Bears to abolish, destroy, devour them; to institute football superiority.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Bears fans are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator George Papa Bear Halas, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Victories, Celebrations, and Super Bowl Parades. That to secure these rights, The Chicago Bears were instituted amongst the NFL deriving their just powers from the consent of Bears fans everywhere. That whenever any team from Wisconsin becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the Chicago Bears to abolish, destroy, devour them; to institute football superiority.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Closer...Now and Tomorrow.
Kenny Williams is a good G.M. I'll reserve the adjective great until the White Sox win another World Series. But he definitely keeps Chicago's attention. Signing Adam Dunn will give the Sox left-handed power for the next 4 years. Dunn will be a star on the Southside, blasting mammoth homeruns to everyone's delight. Now KW's working on re-signing Paul Konerko to make this team a contender next year. But I do not believe that is the only major move left to be made.
The White Sox have had discussions with both St. Louis and Philadelphia about the OF. With the Phillies being interested in Carlos Quentin (following the departure of Jayson Werth) and Sox being interested in Colby Rasmus. Quentin can be had for the right price, but the move the Sox need to pounce on is Colby Rasmus.
The kid is a stud. He's a power hitting left-hander who can play great defense in all outfield positions. He's a 23 year old whose numbers keep climbing. Rasmus had a falling out with Tony La Russa last season, the Cardnials just signed Lance Berkman and have two up and coming outfielders in Jon Jay and Allen Craig. It's a perfect storm of opportunity to land a young, talented position player. He won't be cheap, but packaging prospects in a 3 way trade with Philadelphia could possibly fit. Having an outfield with Alex Rios and Colby Rasmus patrolling the Southside gets the White Sox closer to a World Series now and tomorrow.
The White Sox have had discussions with both St. Louis and Philadelphia about the OF. With the Phillies being interested in Carlos Quentin (following the departure of Jayson Werth) and Sox being interested in Colby Rasmus. Quentin can be had for the right price, but the move the Sox need to pounce on is Colby Rasmus.
The kid is a stud. He's a power hitting left-hander who can play great defense in all outfield positions. He's a 23 year old whose numbers keep climbing. Rasmus had a falling out with Tony La Russa last season, the Cardnials just signed Lance Berkman and have two up and coming outfielders in Jon Jay and Allen Craig. It's a perfect storm of opportunity to land a young, talented position player. He won't be cheap, but packaging prospects in a 3 way trade with Philadelphia could possibly fit. Having an outfield with Alex Rios and Colby Rasmus patrolling the Southside gets the White Sox closer to a World Series now and tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Purlpe Hearts...
Growing up, my family continued the time honored Chicago Tradition of being indoctrinated as Bears Fans. We woke up Sunday morning, mother fired up the the stove and put out a spread that would've impressed Jesus at the Last Supper. Then we enjoyed our Bears. Through high school, the only football of any consequence was played on Sundays. The only interests I had in the NCAA came on NFL Draft day.
Come my junior year, being a 16 year old, I needed to make some extra scratch. My mother, god bless her heart, heard about a security company that was hiring high school students to usher at various events around Chicago. There were concerts, trade shows, and sporting events. Given all my options, I chose the one that would least affect my social life. Northwestern Football games. All I'd have to do was get up on Saturday morning, jump on a school bus, and head off to Evanston, earn a cool $100, be home by 4pm, and enjoy my weekend. What I didn't foresee happening, what turned out to be a blessing that has expanded my knowledge and love for the game of football was the year...1996
All I knew about Northwestern was they were great at academics and bad at football. My first day working, I received a purple windbreaker, a ticket to claim a hotdog for lunch, and a great view. Northwestern stormed out that season and took no prisoners. Darnell Autry, Pat Fitgzgerald, Dwayne Bates, Steve Schnur and co. led home victories against powerhouses like Notre Dame and Michigan. I witnessed the evolution of mild mannered north suburbanites into crazed homers demanding more and more each week from their team. Gary Barnett became a household name, the Wildcats won the Big 10 Championship and punched a ticket to the Rose Bowl. I became a college football addict.
I have a stable of college teams I now follow and support. Most are Big 10 (Illinois and NU) and there's always a flavor of the month (Oregon). Bowling on New Years Day has become another day to celebrate the wonderful game of football. As this season approached, Northwestern began a marketing campaign that invaded the Chicago landscape. Their simple message...Northwestern, Chicago's Big 10 Team. And the culminating event, a football game against Illinois at Wrigley Field. I'd prefer if they played at U.S. Cellular Field, but hey, I get the point. Growing purple hearts in Chicago is a genius way to expand the fan base for generations to come.
Come my junior year, being a 16 year old, I needed to make some extra scratch. My mother, god bless her heart, heard about a security company that was hiring high school students to usher at various events around Chicago. There were concerts, trade shows, and sporting events. Given all my options, I chose the one that would least affect my social life. Northwestern Football games. All I'd have to do was get up on Saturday morning, jump on a school bus, and head off to Evanston, earn a cool $100, be home by 4pm, and enjoy my weekend. What I didn't foresee happening, what turned out to be a blessing that has expanded my knowledge and love for the game of football was the year...1996
All I knew about Northwestern was they were great at academics and bad at football. My first day working, I received a purple windbreaker, a ticket to claim a hotdog for lunch, and a great view. Northwestern stormed out that season and took no prisoners. Darnell Autry, Pat Fitgzgerald, Dwayne Bates, Steve Schnur and co. led home victories against powerhouses like Notre Dame and Michigan. I witnessed the evolution of mild mannered north suburbanites into crazed homers demanding more and more each week from their team. Gary Barnett became a household name, the Wildcats won the Big 10 Championship and punched a ticket to the Rose Bowl. I became a college football addict.
I have a stable of college teams I now follow and support. Most are Big 10 (Illinois and NU) and there's always a flavor of the month (Oregon). Bowling on New Years Day has become another day to celebrate the wonderful game of football. As this season approached, Northwestern began a marketing campaign that invaded the Chicago landscape. Their simple message...Northwestern, Chicago's Big 10 Team. And the culminating event, a football game against Illinois at Wrigley Field. I'd prefer if they played at U.S. Cellular Field, but hey, I get the point. Growing purple hearts in Chicago is a genius way to expand the fan base for generations to come.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
PROTECTION...
Darryl Drake (Chicago Bears WR Coach) laid into Jay Cutler indirectly by declaring the Bears WR's are running the correct routes and are good NFL wide receivers. Some radio personalities have seem to shift the misfires over back to Cutler. Personally, I take a look at the Bears WR's and feel confident in saying there isn't a No. 1 in the group. But they have showed the ability to get open and in conjunction Cutler able to get them the rock. The problem in the equation is very simple, the Offensive Line.
Mike Martz operates a very complicated, down-field passing game. WR's get down field, and take advantage of space, while the QB takes 5 or 7 steps drops and gets the ball to a spot. Trust is key. What's breaking that trust is the offensive line. The Giants smoked them with their front 4, the Seahawks with blitzes, and Washington with a combination of both. Jay Cutler gets killed, WR's are having to break off routes, and INT's happen. The root of the problem seems to be Angelo ignoring the offensive line in recent drafts, but we're beyond that now. The only hope for the Bears this season is 3 of the O-Line men are still really young, and they just may be lacking the experience. But in a league where teams take advantage of weaknesses and matchups, the Bears suffer what is a strength for all good NFL teams...Protection.
Mike Martz operates a very complicated, down-field passing game. WR's get down field, and take advantage of space, while the QB takes 5 or 7 steps drops and gets the ball to a spot. Trust is key. What's breaking that trust is the offensive line. The Giants smoked them with their front 4, the Seahawks with blitzes, and Washington with a combination of both. Jay Cutler gets killed, WR's are having to break off routes, and INT's happen. The root of the problem seems to be Angelo ignoring the offensive line in recent drafts, but we're beyond that now. The only hope for the Bears this season is 3 of the O-Line men are still really young, and they just may be lacking the experience. But in a league where teams take advantage of weaknesses and matchups, the Bears suffer what is a strength for all good NFL teams...Protection.
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