jutebugle4-blog

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Watch Jon Lester Mash an Opposite Field Homer to Extend the Cubs’ Lead (VIDEO)

After a slow start to his hitting career, Jon Lester hasn’t just proven that he can swing it … he is showing that he can send the ball a long way when he connects.

BOOM! That’s Lester’s third career home run and an impressive strike at that, one that traveled 376 feet and had an exit velocity of 99 mph. Tack on his RBI single that left the bat at 102 mph, and Lester is having as impressive of a day at the plate as he is on the mound. He’s halfway to the cycle, folks! Stay tuned!

Lester has provided three runs batted in while pitching three scoreless innings to this point. If he can get through five innings and the Cubs can hold onto this lead, Lester will come up with his 70th win since joining the team and give the squad a chance to extend its lead in the NL Central. Go Cubs!

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/2019/07/13/watch-jon-lester-mash-an-opposite-field-homer-to-extend-the-cubs-lead-video/

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When You Just Want To Wear Sweatpants

I say, GO FOR IT!

It’s cold. You may have gained a few lbs over the holidays (honestly, who hasn’t? We need the extra warmth to survive Chicago winters anyway!) And who doesn’t love being comfortable? All I’ve been wearing are sweatsuits and I’m not going to apologize. I love a good head-to-toe look and this is the most comfy way to do it. Now, as much as I love making sweatpants part of an outfit, I don’t recommend wearing your actual pajama bottoms with your sorority sweatshirt from ten years ago and leaving the house (it may have flown in college but thankfully those days are behind us). For styling, shoes are key. I do prefer a higher shoe (heels / boots) but sneakers can work too (as long as they’re fresh!) So if you’re freezing your ass off, and want to just be comfortable…I have a few ideas for you!

If wearing sweatpants is public is new for you, then we can step into trying new things together! I’ve never worn the color red. Sounds crazy but I was just never a fan. It was even a stretch for me to start wearing red lipstick (and now, of course, I love it). As you can see, I’ve officially changed my mind about the bold hue. I wanted to really go for it with a monochromatic look. I guess it’s safe to say this isn’t the last time you’ll see me in red!

Coat: Assembly. Top: Cotton Citizen. Pants: Assembly. Shoes: Common Projects.

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When I wear sweatpants out, I typically go for slimmer styles that taper at the ankle. As you can see by the Assembly sweats and these Kith sweats, I’m definitely stepping outside my comfort zone here. Because there’s nothing feminine about these pants, I paired them with a sheer bodysuit and some heeled boots. I actually have the matching sweatshirt to these pants but that’s one sweatsuit I’m keeping for indoors only 🙂

Pants: Kith. Bodysuit: Kith. Jacket: Bassike. Boots: 3.1 Phillip Lim.

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And last, but certainly not least, my personal favorite — the sweatsuit. I went a little crazy when Adidas Originals opened in Wicker Park (let’s just say, this isn’t the only sweatsuit I bought that day). Not only do I love sweatsuits but I’m also all about the single brand look (as you can tell from this post). Sweatsuits are like jumpsuits — it’s one and done. No need to fuss trying to figure out if this shirt goes with those pants. PLUS, you can separate the pieces for totally different looks. It’s a win-win!

All Adidas Originals + Proenza Schouler pumps.

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Will you be rocking your sweatpants in public this winter?

Photos by Heather Talbert

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Source: https://chicityfashion.com/how-to-style-sweatpants/

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The Curse of the Themed Road Trip Strikes Again!

Is it just me, or do the Cubs never – and I mean never ever ever – win on the days they are subsequently heading out on a themed road trip?

Getaway days have been an anomalous problem for the Cubs the last few years, I suppose, and since these themed trips necessarily take place on a getaway day, maybe it’s just that. But man. I’m telling you, I can’t remember the last time I saw a Cubs player dressed up like a crazy banshee or a fashion enthusiast without the dint of profound sadness just behind that $500 bowler.

Anyway, that is to say, the Cubs got smoked today by the Reds, but it was a themed travel day nevertheless. So enjoy!

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/2019/05/26/the-curse-of-the-themed-road-trip-strikes-again/

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Carol's Sets The Date!

Are you ready to kick it, old-Uptown-style?

Get your best dive bar duds ready, because Carol's Pub is coming back in just a couple of weeks!

They just announced a night with Diamondback (who else?) on Friday, December 21st, starting at 9:30pm and ending at 3:30am.

As the Faceback event page says, "Yes, folks, it's finally happening! Mark your calendars and put on your dancing shoes. See you at the new Carol's Pub!"

Source: https://www.uptownupdate.com/2018/12/carols-sets-date.html

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New Orleans Part 2

Der Blog, den du anzeigen möchtest, enthält möglicherweise Inhalte, die nicht jugendfrei sind. Im Allgemeinen überprüft Google weder Blog-Inhalte noch heißen wir die Inhalte dieses oder anderer Blogs gut. Weitere Informationen über unsere Inhaltsrichtlinien findest du in den Nutzungsbedingungen von Blogger.

Ich verstehe und möchte fortfahren. Ich möchte nicht fortfahren.

Source: https://www.blogger.com/blogin.g?blogspotURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbrucecameronelliott.blogspot.com%2F2018%2F11%2Fnew-orleans-part-2.html&bpli=1

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LaVine's All-Star stats in a disappointing season

Zach LaVine is a star.

The numbers say so. The Bulls shooting guard will finish the season in the top 20 in the NBA in scoring, currently averaging 23.7 points per game. The 24-year-old established career highs in rebounds and assists and was one of 10 guards in the NBA to average at least 23 points, four assists and four rebounds. The others are James Harden, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard, Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving, Donovan Mitchell and Russell Westbrook. LaVine scored at least 40 points three times, all in wins, accounting for 14 percent of the team's victories in just those games.

But it is difficult, at times, to see LaVine's brilliance.

Because it is obscured by the clouds of defeat hovering over this Bulls season that concludes this week Tuesday in the United Center against the Knicks and Wednesday in Philadelphia.

LaVine understands, which is also why next season is so crucial for the team and its young players who are hoping to shine for everyone.

"The main thing I learned (this season) is you'll have individual accolades. But a lot of everything comes from winning," LaVine said in a free wheeling session with reporters before Saturday's game with the 76ers. "I think I put together a really, really good year, especially for my position as a guard. But I didn't get the accolades I want as an All-Star or all-NBA. You're not on a winning basketball team. Those things come from that. You have to put winning first.

"We want to be in the position moving forward to where we want to be one of those competing teams," said LaVine. "Come this time next year to be in position to where we are not playing meaningless games. I think I haven't played in a meaningful game in five years of my career. So I think it's getting to the point where you really want to start looking past self things and moving toward (winning) basketball games. It's not fun to go home in April. I (do) think we're in the right direction moving forward, but we have to make some changes individually and as a team to get to that point."

I think I put together a really, really good year, especially for my position as a guard. But I didn't get the accolades I want as an All-Star or all-NBA. You're not on a winning basketball team. Those things come from that. You have to put winning first.

Zach LaVine

This has been a disappointing season for everyone associated with the franchise. The early season injuries to Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, Bobby Portis and Denzel Valentine effectively crushed a season that was supposed to be competitive, if not ultimately fulfilling.

It appeared the Bulls had made an unusually fast turnaround for a rebuilding with the Jimmy Butler trade and then drafting Wendell Carter Jr., the latter who was hurt in January as most of the others returned. It seemed before that the Bulls could be in theoretical playoff contention perhaps into April, like Charlotte, Miami, Detroit and Orlando. Not all will make the playoffs, but they have been in playoff-like settings the last few weeks scrambling for that goal.

LaVine, Dunn and Markkanen would not commit to whether they would be playing if the Bulls were in such a position now. Though draft lottery positioning and player analysis seemed to become a factor once Otto Porter Jr. suffered some physical issues after the trade of Portis and Jabari Parker. Though LaVine's point is significant. Habits are developed. Losing can become one, also, if success is withheld too long.

That it's a concern of LaVine's as much as the organization is a positive.

It's what everyone will do about it.

LaVine dunks

Not much can be foreseen yet with the draft lottery May 14 with several exceptional talents in the draft, and free agency possibilities. The Bulls are expected to be a player for other than the few elite free agents. So the roster could undergo yet another makeover with coach Jim Boylen going into his first full season after replacing Fred Hoiberg.

But much of that success will be focused around the 6-5 LaVine, who has been the team's best player this season.

Though he only played 63 games in his first full season after ACL surgery in February 2017, LaVine was the team's most reliable scorer and a regular playmaking facilitator, second on the team in assists. It's an impressive redemption from a free agency when many local critics argued the Bulls should not match his $78 million/four-year offer from Sacramento.

"Now it's looking like I'm a pretty good deal, right," LaVine said with a laugh.

The Bulls have hoped Markkanen would break through, and he showed signs after missing the first two months with an elbow injury. But he faded in March and then experienced a potential heart issue, which seems under control. Porter added a nice bounce to the team after the trade, but he's had a series of minor injuries. Carter showed promise, but was hurt, and Dunn has been inconsistent. There are potential luminaries in the draft, but they are teenagers without pro experience.

Come this time next year to be in position to where we are not playing meaningless games.

Zach LaVine

The Bulls are fortunate to have a talent as outstanding as LaVine. But he also understands there is another level of excellence he has to reach before the Bulls can begin again to achieve those post season goals.

LaVine said in his interview session he believes the Bulls will be a playoff team next season. But what else would he say? Put it this way: If he said anything else, who would even want him on the team.

But because of his immense talent—and it is unique with his extraordinary athletic ability and incredible recovery from serious injury—LaVine is most likely in line to be the team's leader. Markkanen and Porter tend to be quiet and Carter is young. Plus, no one else makes (and takes) as many big shots at the end of games. That's mostly what NBA leadership is about.

Leadership is not about saying it; it's about doing it.

LaVine to his credit understands he's not quite there yet even though his statistics project excellence.

Greatness in sports is consistency, being able to produce exceptional numbers regularly and thus take the pressure off your teammates so they can perform. LaVine showed he could do that this season, averaging more than 20 points for the first time in his career. That's the first step on the superstar ladder. But if LaVine is to climb higher and take the Bulls with him, he understands 63 games is not nearly enough, and the 23.7 points per game probably is not quite enough. The 3.4 turnovers per game certainly is too much, though Michael Jordan averaged more than three turnovers per game his first six years in the NBA. If you have the ball, you are going to make mistakes. But having that ball also requires you to make the deciding and determining plays that separate winning and losing. That's now on LaVine.

"I just have to keep trying to improve my game," LaVine agreed. "You have to look at yourself in the mirror and try to improve the faults you had. I think I had a really good year this year, but there are a lot of things I think I could have done much better across the board, get to the line more, slow down the turnovers. I'm going to take this just as serious if not more serious than last year. I think if you can improve yourself first that will help the team.

"I want to continue to be consistent, somebody who (you) can pretty much stamp in and know what you're going to get from them on a daily basis," LaVine explained. "Obviously, I have to (also) look at my defense on both ends. I've always felt like I've been a really good individual defender, but off the ball I think I have to put a lot more effort. I expect to improve each coming year. I think that's what you have to do to take your game to the next level. I help the team offensively in a big way, so if I can do it on both ends of the floor that elevates my game and the team's chance to win."

LaVine drives

The individual progression LaVine made from a third option averaging 18.9 points per game in Minnesota before his injury to a first option averaging almost 27 per game after the All-Star break is exceptional in the NBA. Sure, the Bulls had injuries, forcing LaVine to average a career high 18 field goal attempts and 34.5 minutes per game. It's a breakthrough only the potential All-Stars can make.

But they don't get into the conversation without team success, which players understand better after being relieved of the pressure of their first major contract.

That's where LaVine has come, and he'll be under the microscope as much as the team next season. Their fates are intertwined.

"I think we're on the right path (toward the playoffs)," LaVine insisted. "I think we'll be there. Because stuff has to eventually turn. You can't as a player continue to be on the lower end of the totem poll. I think it has to switch the mindset for you personally and for the team. I think next year we have to start off really early and have that be our main goal. It doesn't matter about individual things. You have to put that first. I think we have enough talent. There's things we have to do better. But talent wise on paper, I don't see a lot of teams better than us in the East.

"I like how we always fought," LaVine said. "I think our record didn't show actually how good we were. We were in pretty much every game that we played. There were some games where the score was out of reach and we didn't play, but I feel like that's (common) for everyone. You're going to have games like that. But we were better than what our record proved. We just have to learn how to win. It's a tough thing. I don't think it just happens at this level. Sometimes you get lucky and you're blessed to go to a team that's championship level or a contender. But I think going through these tough times you're going to look back on them and be more humble and happy that you went through them.'

LaVine was in the top five in scoring the first month of the season with most of the regulars out. It was a test, an opportunity and a burden. LaVine passed and was also among the league leaders in free throw attempts early. But with the mounting losses, the coaching change, an ankle sprain he fought through missing only five games when it was feared he could miss a month—did anyone mention all the losses—the usually upbeat LaVine began to retreat. He was the most accessible team spokesman all season with his garrulous personality and leading attendance. He never evaded the media and proved a thoughtful subject. But he clearly began to wear out over the defeats until a reprieve for a month following the Porter trade. He says it further proved to him his hopes for the team are accurate and reasonable.

LaVine and Otto Porter Jr. high five

"We just couldn't find a way to win," LaVine said about those dark days in December and January. "It's tough when you get to those stretches because it just feels like the world is against you. But we're going to come out better on the other end of those. We'll remember those days and how it felt. You've got to go through those bumps and bruises. Sometimes you've got to get beat up by a bully before you beat him up.'

Zach and the Bulls say they're going to come out fighting next time with perhaps a little twinkle in their eyes and their souls. Wish he does, wish he might, have next season go right.

Source: https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/lavines-all-star-stats-disappointing-season

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Maddon to take a 'fluid' approach to closer role

MESA, Ariz. -- Standing at his locker, Cubs reliever Pedro Strop cracked a smile when asked for his thoughts on being the closer to start the season.

"Did he tell you I'm going to be the closer?" Strop said with a laugh, referring to manager Joe Maddon.

MESA, Ariz. -- Standing at his locker, Cubs reliever Pedro Strop cracked a smile when asked for his thoughts on being the closer to start the season.

"Did he tell you I'm going to be the closer?" Strop said with a laugh, referring to manager Joe Maddon.

:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::

No, Maddon has not explicitly named Strop the ninth-inning man for the period of time that Brandon Morrow (right elbow) is on the injured list. That said, Strop is the most logical option as the primary man for the job, especially given his extensive track record of consistency for Chicago. And, when Morrow was sidelined last season, it was Strop who earned the bulk of the save opportunities.

Rather than name Strop the closer, though, Maddon said he is planning on taking a more "fluid" approach to the end of games in April. If a situation in the eighth inning warrants using Strop, the manager does not want to be pigeonholed into using someone else. That means relievers such as Steve Cishek, Carl Edwards Jr. and Brad Brach could also be options for ninth-inning work.

Video: Brach and Maddon on Brach joining the Cubs

Maddon will look at matchups, as well as availability, when plotting out the ninth inning each night.

"I think primarily the focus will be who's rested, who hasn't pitched a couple days in a row," Maddon said. "And work it that way until Brandon becomes available. And when he becomes available, it's still not going to be an everyday kind of thing. So, I will work off numbers, but I think with this particular group, a lot of it will have to do with who's most rested."

Strop, who had a 2.26 ERA in 60 games with 13 saves last year and has a 2.63 ERA with 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings over parts of six seasons with the Cubs, is on board with that kind of approach.

"If I'm the closer, that's fine. I'm going to take the challenge and pick my boy up," Strop said. "We've got a bunch of guys down there. I feel comfortable, because I'm not by myself down there. It's not like we've got a down bullpen. We had the best bullpen [ERA] in the National League. So, whatever we decide to do, we're willing to do it and ready to compete."

Alzolay on the mend Cubs top pitching prospect Adbert Alzolay alerted the team's training staff last week that he felt a twinge in his right side while throwing off a mound. While Alzolay will be an estimated two weeks behind the rest of pitchers in camp this spring, he said an MRI exam only showed inflammation, and that the discomfort was unrelated to the lat injury that kept him sidelined for most of last season.

"That's completely healed. There's nothing wrong with it," Alzolay said on Friday morning. "I was worried. I knew it wasn't the same thing as last year, but still I was worried about it coming back again and all that. But then, when I woke up the next day, I was feeling really, really good. They talked to me and they said they just want to take really, really good care."

General manager Jed Hoyer said the Cubs are taking "an abundance of caution" with the 23-year-old Alzolay, given that he was limited to eight starts for Triple-A Iowa last year due to the prior injury. This year, Alzolay -- ranked No. 2 by MLB Pipeline on the Cubs' Top 30 prospects list -- is ticketed for the Triple-A rotation again to start the year, but he could be on the MLB radar as a reliever at some point.

"I don't mind if I'm going to be a starter or I'm going to be a reliever this year," Alzolay said. "This year, the main goal is just to help the team in the big leagues. As a starter or as a reliever, it doesn't matter right now."

Worth noting • With the rotation full at the moment, lefty Mike Montgomery is again preparing for a swing-man role. Montgomery will build up as a starter this spring, but then transition to a bullpen role if there are no setbacks with the starters. Then, he will head into the season as the next man up for the rotation.

"I'm going to really try to have fun with it, with the role," Montgomery said. "And embrace whatever it is that comes my way. It's challenging. There's different aspects you've got to really take care of, but I'm going to have fun with it."

• Brach agreed to a deal with the Cubs in late January, and the one-year, $4.35 million contract (with a club option for 2020) became official earlier this week. The reliever said it was stressful going through the free-agency process, especially with how slow the market has been to develop.

"It's just kind of weird that all offers are the same, they come around the same time," Brach said. "Everybody tells you there's an algorithm, but you figure teams have different ones. But, I don't know. It's definitely a weird process, and you can't figure it out. Luckily, the guys in the bullpen have been the ones that haven't been hurt as bad."

Jordan Bastian covers the Cubs for MLB.com. He previously covered the Indians from 2011-18 and the Blue Jays from 2006-10. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, follow him on Twitter @MLBastian and Facebook.

Source: https://www.mlb.com/news/joe-maddon-discusses-plans-for-closer-role/c-304001612

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Post-9/11 veterans struggle with housing affordability

by Rincey Abraham November 12, 2018

With more than 20 million U.S. military veterans in the United States today, it’s important to recognize the specific challenges that they face when they reenter the job and housing markets as they return home. A new study from Apartment List found that while veterans overall have higher homeownership rates and lower housing cost burdens compared to non-veterans, younger veterans are facing tougher challenges in the market.

Currently, 76 percent of veteran households own their own homes, compared to 62 percent of non-veteran households. Almost one third of non-veterans pay more than 30 percent of their income toward housing expenses, while less than a quarter of vets do. In fact, vets are more than 30 percent less likely to be spending more than half of their income on housing costs than non-vets.

The reasons behind this largely have to do with federal policies and loans, such as VA loans and GI bills, which support homeownership among veterans.

However, the study found that post-9/11 veterans are 5 percent less likely than comparable non-veterans to be able to afford a home. And almost 35 percent of post 9/11 veterans are cost burdened and are less likely than prior veteran generations to own a home.

“Despite having broad access to zero-down mortgages with favorable rates through the VA loan program, fewer than half of post 9/11 veterans own their home,” the study found.

Many home developers have been providing their time and expertise in order to fill the gap by helping build homes for military families and provide mortgage-free homes.

Operation: Coming Home is a volunteer organization from the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County and the U.S. Veterans Corps and Mattamy Homes, that builds new, mortgage-free homes for families.

Building Homes for Heroes and Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build are other programs that are working to build or modify homes for veterans that is constantly in high demand. Building Homes for Heroes averages 30 homes a year, while Habitat for Humanity’s program built more than 180 homes last year.

“The need for this type of housing is incredibly huge,” Kim Valdyke, director of construction at Building Homes for Heroes, told BuilderOnline. “I think we have over 5,000 applicants in our database.”

Even when controlling for demographic changes over time, post 9/11 veterans are having a harder time with homeownership. Post 9/11 veterans are 5 percent less likely to afford their housing costs compared to non-veterans, compared with Gulf War veterans who are 25 percent more likely to afford housing costs and Vietnam veterans who are 10 percent more likely.

When looking at demographics, Apartment List found that post 9/11 veterans are on par with non-veterans in the same age and race group, while veterans from previous generations were more likely to own a home. This shows that policy changes need to occur to benefit modern veterans.

“First, policy wishing to support veteran homeownership in the 21st century should account for the unique challenges that underrepresented minorities face in housing markets,” Apartment List stated. “Second, post 9/11 veterans’ struggle to find affordable housing is not driven by the fact that more young veterans are being pushed into or out of the rental market.”

Source: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2018/11/12/post-9-11-veterans-struggle-housing-affordability/

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NFL Podcast: Cowboys and Titans beat last year's conference champs

Ten weeks through the season and certain teams are coming into form (the Los Angeles Chargers and Rams look great) while other teams are more in flux (the New England Patriots without Rob Gronkowski do not).

Yahoo Sports’ Terez Paylor and Charles Robinson go around the league and offer their thoughts on all of Week 10’s Sunday games. Starting with the Chicago Bears win over the Detroit Lions, they have some harsh criticism for the coaching staff in the Motor City, discuss what seems to be the end of Todd Bowles’ time with the New York Jets and compare the Kirk Cousins and Alex Smith eras with the Washington Redskins.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, right, lies on the ground after missing a catch as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones (31) reacts to the play during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

More

Stay up to date with the latest NFL news and coverage from around the league on Twitter @YahooSportsNFL

Follow Charles @CharlesRobinson

Follow Terez @TerezPaylor

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-podcast-cowboys-titans-beat-last-years-conference-champs-072005125.html?src=rss

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Non-tendered infielders offer intriguing options

Over the span of three days last week, the Cubs acquired a utility infielder, parted ways with another and then ended up with neither one in the fold. On the surface, it was a head-scratching series of transactions, but consider it a fact-gathering process for Chicago.

When the Cubs swung a deal with the Yankees on Wednesday to reel in Ronald Torreyes -- for a player to be named or cash considerations -- Chicago bought itself a few days to negotiate with the versatile infielder. On Friday, the Cubs sent Torreyes to the free-agent pool by opting not to tender him a contract, but the team established dialogue and expressed an interest in re-signing him.

Over the span of three days last week, the Cubs acquired a utility infielder, parted ways with another and then ended up with neither one in the fold. On the surface, it was a head-scratching series of transactions, but consider it a fact-gathering process for Chicago.

When the Cubs swung a deal with the Yankees on Wednesday to reel in Ronald Torreyes -- for a player to be named or cash considerations -- Chicago bought itself a few days to negotiate with the versatile infielder. On Friday, the Cubs sent Torreyes to the free-agent pool by opting not to tender him a contract, but the team established dialogue and expressed an interest in re-signing him.

Amid that course of action, the Cubs also had a chance to monitor other players being non-tendered around the Majors, providing another wave of potential alternatives. Chicago remains in need of a utility infielder, especially one capable of handling shortstop. Tommy La Stella (traded to the Angels for cash or a player to be named on Thursday) did not fit that last criteria.

The Cubs did tender a contract to shortstop Addison Russell, but he will be ineligible until May 3 while finishing a 40-game suspension for violating MLB's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Javier Baez can move from second base to short -- as he did down the stretch last season -- and Chicago has some in-house options for second (Ben Zobrist, Ian Happ and David Bote), but depth remains important.

Russell also knows that his still-unsettled contract will be non-guaranteed through arbitration, and the Cubs could part ways with the shortstop if he does not meet the standards put into place given his situation. So Chicago will continue to explore its options through both trade and free agency, and the recent non-tendered class offered some new possibilities.

With that in mind, here are some relevant non-tendered players who are now free-agents.

Tim Beckham The former first overall pick (2008, Rays) was let go by the Orioles after earning $3.4 million in '18. Beckham, 28, played mostly shortstop and third last season, but he has experience at second and first base, too. A right-handed hitter, Beckham hit .230 with a .661 OPS in 96 games this year after posting an .871 OPS in 50 games for Baltimore down the stretch in '17.

Video: Tim Beckham becomes a free agent

Wilmer Flores The 27-year-old was dispatched by the Mets after earning $3.4 million in 2018. Flores has not played shortstop regularly since 2015 and was used sparingly at second and third last season. He was utilized mostly as a first baseman in '18. Over the past three seasons, Flores has turned in consistent offensive numbers, compiling a .268/.315/.456 slash line and a 109 OPS+ in that span.

Video: Flores enters free agency after Mets non tender

Jonathan Schoop Schoop, 27, was an All-Star with the Orioles in 2017, when he hit .293 with 32 homers, 105 RBIs and an .841 OPS in a breakout showing. That helped him net an $8.5 million contract for 2018, but he was non-tendered by the Brewers, who acquired him last summer. In '18, Schoop hit .233 with 21 homers, 61 RBIs and a .682 OPS. He has mostly played second, but he also has limited experience at short and third. Schoop is an aggressive hitter, posting a 3.7 percent walk rate and a 22.6 percent strikeout rate in his career.

Video: Brewers non-tender Schoop, making him a free agent

Yangervis Solarte Last season, Solarte saw his OPS decline to .655, which was down from .731 in 2017 and .808 in '16. The 31-year-old is a switch-hitter and offers depth at second, shortstop and third base, with the hot corner being his primary position. Solarte's position versatility and occasional pop could make him a useful bench player for plenty of teams. The Blue Jays non-tendered him after already buying out a $5.5 million option.

Video: Solarte gets non-tendered, becomes a free agent

Torreyes The utility infielder who was briefly under the Cubs' control might be the most affordable option of the bunch. It might even be possible to add him on a Minor League contract, should a big league deal elsewhere prove elusive. Over the past three years with the Yankees, Torreyes slashed .281/.308/.374 in 221 games, and he can offer depth all over the infield. Torreyes also brings plus bat-to-ball ability, which is useful off the bench. For his career, he has an 85.1 percent contact rate and a 91.5 percent contact rate on pitches in the strike zone.

Video: NYY@KC: Torreyes robs Butera with a diving stop

Jordan Bastian covers the Cubs for MLB.com. He previously covered the Indians from 2011-18 and the Blue Jays from 2006-10. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, follow him on Twitter @MLBastian and Facebook.

Source: https://www.mlb.com/news/cubs-eye-depth-among-non-tendered-infielders/c-301381866

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3 Musts for Making Your WordPress Blog Awesome

With 74.6 million blogs depending on WordPress software, how can you make YOUR WordPress blog stand out?  Here are 3 MUSTS for ensuring your WordPress blog’s awesomeness. Show Them How *Source: chrisguillebeau.com How can I lower my mortgage? How can I attract readers to my site? How can I make killer crème brulee? Going online […]

Source: 3 Musts for Making Your WordPress Blog Awesome - WordMentor

Source: https://chicagowptraining.com/3-musts-for-making-your-wordpress-blog-awesome/

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Are MLB’s proposed rule changes Rob Manfred's Trojan horse?

MLB Connissioner Rob Manfred recently sent out some proposed rule changes he'd be willing to swap out for delaying the pitch clock. What's amusing to me is how few of these rule changes have anything to do with the players. Most of the rules are because league executives have become very deft about working around rules.

Let’s go change-by-change. Rob Manfred wants to “install” or “re-install” the following.

The injured list returning to 15 days

The list was 15 days long, until owners voted to move it to 10. Perceiving it more flexible, general managers turned the Disabled List (now Injured List) into a de facto taxi squad. Manfred appears livid that his bosses can’t control their own decision-makers. If Manfred doesn’t like that the executives are working around his rules, fine them. They’re the ones he’s angry with, here. The players aren’t manipulating the injured list. Fine or suspend the deviates who are.

Extend the assignment period to the minor leagues to 15 days

When I started following major league baseball in the late 1960s, teams didn’t have 35 guys in their system ready to play big-league ball. Now, some teams do. Teams have become really good at developing talent. Because decision-makers have spent money, time, and technology on seeing to it that multiple minor league players can fill in at the MLB level, they toggle up and down. It’s, somehow, bad that more players are good.

A single trade deadline of July 31

At some point along the line, last season, I took “late season trades” to be inevitable into the future. Teams with luxury relievers trade them to contenders, and get prospects in return. It’s cool for the player, who likely gets a coin-flip at a division race if he’s pitching well as a free agent. He signs for the best offer, knowing he’ll get dealt if useful.

By pushing to get rid of August trades, Manfred punishes players, again, for executives doing their jobs well. The contenders kept adding relievers in August, and kept shoving non-performers on the DL. Suddenly, as September rolled around, contenders had a legitimate 35 players-plus who were game valid. Instead of punishing the executives who made their teams better, Manfred wants to make another end-run.

28-man roster in September

This wasn’t a problem when I grew up. For whatever reasons, teams didn’t expand rosters with such vulgarity. Perhaps owners allow their executives to call up a bench-full of players because owners now realize winning is more profitable than third place. If the Commissioner really doesn’t want 15-man September bullpens, suspend the general manager for calling up a 15th reliever in September. This isn’t the players’ fault.

Three-batter minimums for relievers

About 25 years ago, teams started to realize that a reliever who threw one or two pitches at high and varied velocities for 20 or so pitches was useful. Eventually, players like these began to replace the “three-inning capable” former starter that threw sinkers and sliders, but maxed out at 89 miles per hour. I remember Warren Brusstar and Chuck Rainey pitching for the Cubs.

The players are only at fault here, because they throw harder out of the bullpen than relievers used to. At some point, teams began to prioritize relievers in the draft. Which led to better relievers in college. Relievers are being selected in the June draft in the fourth round. College leverage relievers used to be high-80s guys who couldn’t get hitters out as starters. Now, entire college bullpens throw 92 plus.

Fewer mound visits

This is largely on the players and managers. It’s better to legislate mound visits than to punish managers for needless trips to the mound to swap out a pitcher in the middle of the eighth inning during a 9-2 game.

Baseball has its problems. Games drag on far longer than had been the case. For many, that’s a problem. The hiccup, again, is that longer games are more desirable for winning, but less desirable for casual watching. Back when, nobody cared if Don Kessinger drew many walks or not. People wanted to escape to a ballgame, and get away from life for a day. Hopefully you won, and maybe you saw a spectacular play.

At some point, those evil executives realized that if they created a team full of patient hitters, they could wear out the opposition’s bullpen. Five relievers weren’t enough anymore. It climbed to six, seven, then eight. While players are probably more willing to watch a good pitch on strike one than they should be, executives aren’t going back.

Ten- or eleven-pitch innings used to be somewhat regular. Decision-makers prioritized players that watched “pitchers strikes”. Games dragged on, because executives realized they were more likely to win a game where the opposition threw 160 pitches, and they threw merely 110. The executives turned MLB games into four-hour excursions. If the players swing too often, they’re possibly out of a job.

Manfred’s MLB is lagging behind basketball and football. I prefer baseball, but the perception is, baseball moves too slowly. Maybe it does. Maybe baseball “back then” was a better television vehicle. Two-hour, seventeen-minute games are largely gone, because few pitchers throw enough strikes to push hitters into swinging at an 0-1 pitch outer-half. This is, in part, due to teams using technology to the point where swinging there is a bad call.

It’s possible to shorten games. Among the problems is, many baseball fans prefer 7-5 games to 2-1 games. Could umpires be forced into making hitters stay in the batter’s box? Possibly. However, as pitchers have been trained, so have hitters. Many hitters like to crowd the plate, and re-adjust their batting gloves each pitch. Elbow pads and sliding gloves. If fans want offense, and executives want to manipulate rosters, baseball will be longer than it used to be. Which is fine, unless your owner isn’t interested in competing. Those owners are rewarded. Manfred has no qualms with that, and that seems a bigger problem than a 10-day injured list.

Source: https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/2/27/18243164/mlb-proposed-rule-changes-rob-manfred-trojan-horse

[jutebugle4-blog]

Chicago PD: Season 6 - Episode 4; Ride Along

(0:01)  Burgess And Ruzek Exiting The District / Maxwell Police Station; 943 W. Maxwell Street, Chicago

(0:05)  Burgess Rolls Up To A Shooter In A House With Kendra Her Ride Along / 1520 N. Astor Street, Chicago

(0:08)  Burgess Going To A Chocolate Shop Looking For Kendra / River Forest Chocolates; 7769 Lake Street, River Forest

(0:12)  Trent Stow's Residence / 4364 S. Emerald Avenue, Chicago

(0:14)  Vince Stow's Residence / 843 Keystone Avenue, River Forest

(0:19)  Looking For John Randell At His Auto Body Shop / Cervantes Auto Repair; 2102 S. Washtenaw Avenue, Chicago

(0:19)  Arresting Randall After A Foot Pursuit / 2128 S. Washtenaw Avenue, Chicago

(0:24)  Burgess Talking With Brennan / 100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago

(0:25)  Halstead And Upton Talking To A Drug Dealer About Shelby Jarvek / 2004 S. Washtenaw Avenue, Chicago

(0:25)  Upton And Halstead Break Into The Warehouse Looking For Jarvek / Northeast Corner Of S. Washtenaw Avenue And W. 21st Street, Chicago

(0:29)  Atwater And Burgess Go To Kendra's School To Talk To Her / Still Searching For This Location

(0:34)  Burgess And Atwater Follow Stow To A Motel / V INN; 2540 Mannheim Road, Franklin Park (Note: This Is On The Nevada Avenue Side Of The Motel)

Click This Link To Go To The Next Episode

Source: https://www.itsfilmedthere.com/2018/10/chicago-pd-season-6-episode-4-ride-along.html

[jutebugle4-blog]

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Down and Out

Our favorite mural:

Source: http://www.sloopin.com/2018/12/shotsaroundthesloop-down-and-out.html

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NFL notebook: Eagles still committed to Wentz

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson didn't waste any time putting an end to speculation about the team's quarterback situation next year.

"Carson Wentz is the quarterback going forward," Pederson said at a press conference Tuesday. "And in Nick (Foles') case, listen, we'd love to have everybody back throughout the roster, but as I've said many times, it's not about one guy, it's about the team, and we're going to do what's best for the team."

Foles, 29, led the team in the postseason each of the past two years with Wentz out injured. The Eagles hold a $20 million option on Foles for 2019, but the quarterback can buy it out for $2 million to become a free agent, barring a franchise tag.

--The New York Jets will hire former Cleveland Browns interim coach Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator, ESPN reported.

ESPN adds the Washington Redskins -- whose defense Williams coordinated from 2004-07 -- also pursued Williams, but the Jets had more interest. Washington still has Greg Manusky under contract as defensive coordinator, but reports have connected the team to various other options.

--The Denver Broncos agreed to hire former Chicago Bears defensive backs coach Ed Donatell as defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.

Donatell has worked under Vic Fangio since 2011, when they were both in San Francisco. He also had two previous tenures in Denver as the secondary coach. Fangio is still expected to call plays on Sundays.

--The Arizona Cardinals are interviewing former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter for the same position, ESPN reported.

According to multiple reports, the Cardinals also interviewed John DeFilippo -- who has also interviewed for the Jacksonville Jaguars' opening -- on Sunday.

--The Jaguars are interviewing former Cardinals offensive coordinator Mike McCoy for the same position, ESPN reported.

McCoy, 46, was fired by the Cardinals in October, marking the second consecutive season in which he was fired midseason. The Broncos let him go midway through 2017.

--The Indianapolis Colts parted ways with offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo, while assistant offensive line coach Bobby Johnson is leaving to take the lead job for the Buffalo Bills.

The Colts allowed an NFL-low 18 sacks in 2018, but DeGuglielmo is out after just one year because head coach Frank Reich wants to hire his own guy, NFL Network reported. DeGuglielmo was hired by Josh McDaniels last year before the latter backed out of the Colts' head job.

--The Dallas Cowboys will keep Marc Colombo as their offensive line coach full-time.

Colombo took over for Paul Alexander -- who was fired just seven games into his first year with the Cowboys -- at the end of October.

--The Browns are hiring Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Chris Jones, per multiple reports. TSN reports Jones will serve as senior defensive specialist.

Jones and new head coach Freddie Kitchens have a relationship dating back to 1997, when Jones was a graduate assistant at Alabama in Kitchens' final season at quarterback for the Crimson Tide.

--The Kansas City Chiefs activated right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif from injured reserve and waived safety Ron Parker.

Duvernay-Tardif landed on IR after sustaining a spiral fracture in his fibula in Week 5, an injury that required surgery.

--The New Orleans Saints signed free agent defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker, per multiple reports.

Walker, 28, began his career in New Orleans as an undrafted free agent and played 23 games with the Saints from 2013-14. He'll help replace Sheldon Rankins (IR, Achilles).

--Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley was undergoing a mental evaluation after being detained by police in Los Angeles, according to TMZ Sports.

He reportedly was involved in an undisclosed incident at a hotel, and a friend who was with McKinley became worried and called the police. TMZ reported McKinley was not arrested. Instead, police encouraged him to seek help, and he agreed and went with police.

--The NFL announced the Los Angeles Chargers' and Dallas Cowboys' staffs will coach the Pro Bowl in Orlando on Jan. 27.

--Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck will replace injured Chargers QB Philip Rivers in the Pro Bowl.

Other Pro Bowl replacements announced Tuesday included Ravens defensive tackle Brandon Williams (for Geno Atkins), 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (Fletcher Cox), Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (Luke Kuechly) and Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins (Landon Collins).

Story continues

--John Parry will be the referee for Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, his second Super Bowl as referee and third as an official.

--Longtime NFL coach Mike Smith announced on Sirius XM radio he is retiring to spend more time with his family.

--The San Francisco 49ers are hiring former Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Woods as their passing-game coordinator, per multiple reports.

--New York Giants rookie quarterback Kyle Lauletta pleaded guilty to a disorderly persons offense stemming from an October incident, ESPN reported.

--Field Level Media

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-notebook-eagles-still-committed-wentz-020751324--nfl.html?src=rss

[jutebugle4-blog]

Lightfoot announces program to curb violence, beautify vacant lots

On Tuesday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Grounds for Peace, a new program designed to beautify 50 vacant city-owned lots on the city’s South and West sides.

In addition to eliminating neighborhood blight, which can often contribute to crime, the program will employ and rehabilitate 50 at-risk individuals by providing hands-on job training in the field of landscaping and property maintenance.

“Today, we’re bringing life and opportunities back into community spaces that have been left empty for decades,” said Mayor Lightfoot in a statement. “Transforming our vacant lots into beautiful, open green spaces not only fosters safer streets and stronger communities but also contributes to a cleaner and healthier Chicago.”

For Grounds for Peace, the city partnered with Heartland Alliance’s READI (Rapid Employment and Development Initiative) program and the Urban Growers Collective. The organizers hope the initial $250,000 pilot will become a model for fighting blight and violence in other parts of the city.

The program will bring new landscaping and gardens to lots in Chicago’s North Lawndale, Woodlawn, and Englewood communities. According to the city, these sites were selected based on their proximity to communities with violent crime and high concentrations of city-owned land.

Source: https://chicago.curbed.com/2019/7/2/20679942/lightfoot-grounds-for-peace-vacant-city-lots-south-west-sides

[jutebugle4-blog]

River North’s boutique-scale Marlowe has smart and stylish apartments

Marlowe, River North’s newest luxury apartment tower, is a boutique, full-amenity community at 169 W Huron St with smart home technology in every unit.

Marlowe apartments have fun, whimsical features that vary from unit to unit, including built-in breakfast nooks, vintage hall trees and more. Kitchens and baths have upscale, stylish finishes. Plank flooring extends through the apartments.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies showcase views of neighboring restaurants and galleries. All of the apartments have in-unit washer / dryers and smart home technology.

Studio apartments at Marlowe start at $2,012, 1-bedrooms at $2,636 and 2-bedroom, 2-baths at $3,610. Floor plans and near real-time rent and availability info are online.

Marlowe is a full-amenity community with on-site management, maintenance and leasing staff, and 24/7 door staff.

Source: http://yochicago.com/river-norths-boutique-scale-marlowe-has-smart-and-stylish-apartments/60601/