startegypt49-blog

[startegypt49-blog]

Helmut Jahn’s downtown Thompson Center makes national list of endangered historic places

The Loop’s James R. Thompson Center was named one of the 11 most endangered historic places in the country by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The annual list spotlights examples of the nation’s architectural and cultural heritage that are at risk of being lost. This designation could serve as a powerful tool to prevent a looming demolition and help postmodern building finally achieve landmark status.

The Thompson Center, at 100 W. Randolph, has made local preservation lists too. For three years in a row, both Landmarks Illinois and Preservation Chicago have put the building on their lists and called for the protection of the Helmut Jahn-designed building.

Currently, the Governor J.B. Pritzker has put in motion a plan to sell the state-owned building. Preservationists are concerned it could lead to demolition. There have been petitions and rallies, even a documentary film, that push to landmark the structure.

The design for the State of Illinois building was intentional. The spaceship-looking structure stepped away from the aesthetics of traditional government buildings. And the impressive 160-foot wide, 13-story atrium was meant to signify an open, transparent government.

The Thompson Center, which was finished in 1985, is the youngest building to appear on the national list. The 11 other endangered sites include places like Nashville’s Music Row, D.C.’s Mall Tidal Basin, and the ancestral land between Bears Ears and Canyons of the Ancients in southeast Utah.

“This year’s list reflects both the diversity of America’s historic places and the variety of threats they face.” said Katherine Malone-France, interim chief preservation officer of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in a statement. “We know that this year’s list will inspire people to speak out for the cherished places in their own communities that define our nation’s past.”

More than 300 threatened sites have been identified by the preservation organization over three decades, and like the Thompson Center, many of them face neglect, financial insecurity, or demolition. Less than five percent of the sites listed have been lost, so the attention is sometimes garners enough public support to rescue a significant building, district, or community. The fate of the Thompson Center is in the hands of the state, but it’s clear that residents and preservationists aren’t going to let it go without a fight.

Source: https://chicago.curbed.com/2019/5/30/18644909/historic-preservation-helmut-jahn-thompson-center

[startegypt49-blog]

What the Hell Just Happened?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bacon Chase for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

So the Bacon Chase has come and gone, as does Chicago Glutton’s first attempt at whoring itself out for server money. Someone’s gotta bring home the bacon as they say.

Anyway. . .

So the bacon chase actually is something I’ll never forget, for a few reasons:

1. It was the most amount of cooked bacon I’ve ever seen in my life.

Seriously, we’re taking enough bacon to feed literally thousands of crazy people. And I’m not joking when I say crazy people. People celebrated this shit out of this thing, it was almost to the burning-man level, just a bit nerdier. Definitley some good people watching.

Salty strips, as far as the eye can see.

2. There were the most bloody mary’s that I’ve ever seen in my life. As an American, you need to respect this level of excess.

There’s a lot of beauty here.

3. The bacon fever thing is really out of control.

Sure you see bacon everything at every tchotchke store out there, but until you see several thousand people chanting bacon, while dressed as bacon, eating unlmited bacon you really feel how out of hand this has escalated. Will it go pop? I honestly don’t think so.

The pink tutu’s were everywhere and I don’t understand why.

4. The Bacon Chase sound guys.

As John described them: “These two look like they just rushed the third-base coach at Comisky.”

If you’re in the Minneapolis area and you want to check out the next iteration at Lake Nokomis Park on June 19th, check out the website here: Minneapolis Bacon Chase   Or to see if it’s going to go down near you, check out: Bacon Chase Locations.

It might just be the strangest 50 minutes you spend this year.

Source: http://www.chicagogluttons.com/what-the-hell-just-happened/

[startegypt49-blog]

Cubs pitchers and catchers officially report to spring training today!

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — This has been a winter of Cubs discontent.

The biggest free-agent additions to the club are infielder Daniel Descalso and reliever Brad Brach.

Who, it should be noted, are very fine gentlemen and good ballplayers and they will fill roles that the Cubs needed filled.

But they are not Bryce Harper nor Manny Machado, players some thought the Cubs should sign, though there was likely never any real chance of that happening. We’ve discussed this at length and it doesn’t need to be rehashed here. Neither player has a 2019 contract at this writing, with any team. That’s another baseball-wide issue we have discussed elsewhere.

Then there was all the kerfuffle around the suspension of Addison Russell and tumult last week when some controversial emails involving Joe Ricketts were made public.

Let’s just say the Cubs have had better offseasons.

But today, at least for a while, we can put all that aside and say, happily, that a new baseball season has arrived, with Cubs pitchers and catchers officially reporting to the Sloan Park complex in Mesa, Arizona. Many of the players have been working out there unofficially for a week or two, now, but today marks the first official date on the 2019 Cubs calendar.

Wednesday, pitchers and catchers will have their first official workout. I’ll be there to report and bring back photos and video. Next Monday, February 18, will be the first full-squad workout. I’m planning on being there as well, and possibly on some other workout dates before the Cactus League schedule begins Saturday, February 23 at Sloan Park, where the Cubs will take on the Brewers.

Could we call that “Game 164”?

Not really, of course. It’s a new year, everything starts fresh, and I’ll pull just a few key words out of the great Bart Giamatti essay I quote at every season’s end:

The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings...

And now, it is that spring, even if it’s cold and snowy where you are, the beginning of another season of hope, wins and losses, joy and despair, every emotion you feel when you think about this game that we all love so much. We’ll have more on individual players and their progress, and the outlook for the team, throughout spring training as we approach Opening Day.

But today is a day we celebrate. Happy baseball season, everyone. Happy spring training. Go Cubs!

Source: https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/2/12/18221105/cubs-pitchers-catchers-report-spring-training

[startegypt49-blog]

Boystown man attacked and robbed while taking out trash

The victim was robbed in a driveway in the 700 block of West Buckingham, police said. | Google

A Boystown man is in fair condition after he was beaten and robbed while taking out the trash on Wednesday evening, police said. No one is in custody.

The 34-year-old victim told police that he stepped outside of his home in the 700 block of West Buckingham to dispose of the trash around 7:20 p.m. when two men approached him in his driveway and demanded his wallet. After the victim complied, one of the offenders punched the man in his face, causing him to fall to the ground, according to a police report.

The victim described the offenders as two white men between 5-foot-11 and 6-feet tall who each weigh about 200 pounds and wore black jackets. One of them was wearing a stocking cap. They were last seen heading west toward Halsted street

Police said the victim was transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in fair condition.

Other incidents

• An Uptown man reported being attacked and robbed at gunpoint by a group of people in the 1300 block of West Sunnyside on Wednesday evening. One of the offenders pulled out a gun as others hit him from behind around 8:20 p.m., the man reported. After taking the man’s phone, the group fled eastbound on Sunnyside. The offender with the handgun was a tall black male who wore a red hoodie, according to the victim. No one is in custody.

• A man reported being robbed at gunpoint in Wrigleyville early on Friday, Nov. 23, according to a police report. The victim was in the 3700 block of North Clark Street around 1 a.m. when four men approached him and demanded his valuables at gunpoint.

The offenders took his phone, a money clip, and $17 before they all ran away northbound through the west alley of Clark Street, according to the victim.

Police said the gunman was male, black, short, and was wearing a camouflage hoodie under a puffy maroon coat. Another robber was male, black, taller, and was wearing navy blue sweatpants with four white stripes down the sides with an Adidas symbol. The second man also wore a dark jacket and black hoodie. No further descriptions were available for the other two men, but all of the offenders wore scarves around their faces and ski hats, the victim said. ----------------- Back CWB's reporting team and we'll reward you with members-only reports and services all year long. Join HERE for just $49 a year or $5 a month.

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Source: http://www.cwbchicago.com/2018/11/boystown-man-attacked-and-robbed-while.html

[startegypt49-blog]

First pitch thread: Cubs vs. Athletics, Wednesday 3/13, 3:05 CT

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Source: https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/3/13/18259958/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-athletics-wednesday-3-13-3-05-ct

[startegypt49-blog]

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Enjoy Some of the Best Cubs Calls

Barring a huge rumor or big news breaking, we pretty much shut this place down for Christmas Day. To those who celebrate the holiday, Merry Christmas! To those who do not celebrate it, much love to you and your family! Hopefully everyone can enjoy the day to relax and have fun.

In the meantime, MLB.com put together a video of the Cubs’ best calls of the year, set against the electronic fireplace. So turn it on, turn it up, and reflect on the Cubs year that was. Relax and enjoy:

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/2018/12/24/merry-christmas-happy-holidays-and-enjoy-some-of-the-best-cubs-calls/

[startegypt49-blog]

Cubs Have Discussed Increasing Minor League Player Salaries

With word that the Blue Jays had broken the dam on minor league pay, bumping those (still really modest) salaries by around 50%, with MLB encouraging other related improvements for minor leaguers, it was only a matter of time before a progressive organization like the Cubs got this on their radar.

And it is on their radar:

Of note, Theo Epstein did not say this is a change the Cubs are ready to put in place, noting that this is occurring against the backdrop of the broader push by MLB for better minor league pay, and I’d imagine he’s probably in a tricky spot to comment on this kind of commitment. Epstein no doubt can see the possible competitive advantage, but at a time when the baseball operations budget is stretched thin, he may not be in the best position to make any pronouncements on his own.

But, yes, the Cubs are talking about increasing minor league pay. It’s on the table. I think it’s fair, then, for those of us who want to see minor leaguers paid a livable wage to keep the pressure on. One way or another, the Cubs organization can afford to do what the Blue Jays have already done, and ultimately, it would be be a good thing for the Cubs organization.

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/2019/03/22/cubs-have-discussed-increasing-minor-league-player-salaries/

[startegypt49-blog]

Why despite owning valuable trade assets, the Bulls dealing for Anthony Davis is unlikely

Why despite owning valuable trade assets, the Bulls dealing for Anthony Davis is unlikely originally appeared on nbcsportschicago.com

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski dropped one of his biggest bombs to date on Monday morning when he reported that Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis wants out of New Orleans. His agent Rich Paul reportedly told the Pelicans that Davis is requesting a trade and has no intention of re-signing with the team in 2020.

Davis, who is currently out with a finger injury, is averaging a career-high 29.3 points and 13.3 rebounds this season. He's been named an All-Star in each of the last five seasons and has been an All-NBA First Team member three of the last four seasons. He's one of the most valuable trade chips in the NBA at just 25 years old and will command a steep price for whichever team wants to deal for him.

Wojnarowski reported that Davis wants to play for a winner after suffering through five losing seasons and just one playoff series win in New Orleans.

Before getting into trade packages and which teams can offer the Pelicans the most, it's important to understand this: the Pelicans are only trading Davis to a team that he will sign an extension with, because it's an almost guarantee that no team is trading for Davis without a long-term commitment from the 25-year-old. Davis is eligible to sign a five-year, $240 million extension this summer.

This isn't the Timberwolves trading for Jimmy Butler or the Thunder trading for Paul George or the Raptors trading for Kawhi Leonard. Given the assets that will be needed to acquire one of the game's best players just about to enter his prime, it's incredibly unlikely a franchise is going to package together their most valuable assets just to see Davis leave in free agency in the summer of 2020.

Because of that, the leader for Davis' services right now has to be the Los Angeles Lakers. For starters, Davis wants to win and the Lakers employ LeBron James. Davis and James share an agent in Rich Paul, which makes the courtship even more likely. What's more, the Lakers have been stockpiling young assets the last five seasons, and while none of them are can't miss, home run prospects, they're certainly good enough to entice New Orleans.

A combination of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac and Brandon Ingram would be a starter in any deal, and the Lakers also have all future draft picks, for whatever that's worth.

Next in line is the Celtics, a team that was hoping these trade discussions would stay dormant until the summer. That's when Kyrie Irving can opt out of his contract and become a free agent. Both Irving and Davis signed their current contracts under the Rose Rule, named after Derrick Rose hat allows a player to make 30 percent of a team's salary cap if he's a two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA player or an MVP. Teams are only allowed to have one "Rose Rule" contract, meaning Irving and Davis can't play for the same team this season. Put a different way: any deal between the Celtics and Pelicans before July 1 would need to include Irving, and that seems highly unlikely to happen.

If the Pelicans do stand their ground and wait until the offseason, Boston's surplus of young assets would be enticing. Jayson Tatum has future All-Star written all over him, while Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier and, to a lesser degree, Robert Williams and Semi Ojeleye are potential pieces.

The real kicker is Boston's embarrassment of draft picks: the Celtics have three first round picks in the 2019 NBA Draft (their own, Sacramento's and the Clippers') and a future first round pick from Memphis that is top-8 protected this year, top-6 protected in 2020 and unprotected in 2021. With the Grizzlies about to enter a rebuild that pick could be among the highest in 2021, when high-school prospects may be able to bypass college and enter the league, creating a Super-Draft.

Then there's the Bulls. Any deal for Davis begins with Lauri Markkanen, by far the Bulls' best asset. Beyond him, their 2019 draft pick could yield a franchise-changing player in Zion Williamson or R.J. Barrett. That's why the Bulls should also be hoping that no deal gets done before the Feb. 7 trade deadline; the Bulls' offer gets substantially better on May 14 when the Draft Lottery occurs (or worse if the ping pong balls bounce the wrong way).

Story continues

Beyond that, Wendell Carter Jr., Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn are also potential pieces to include in the deal. The Pelicans could have their choice of going super young with Carter included in the deal, or taking a more sure bet in LaVine to pair with Jrue Holiday in the backcourt. Dunn has had his struggles in Chicago but is still three years removed from being a top-5 pick. Either way, they're the smaller pieces of a potential deal after Markkanen and the 2019 first-round pick.

But remember that small caveat? That Davis is only going to sign an extension with a team he feels he can win a title? That could be a real issue. Aside from the fact that Davis reportedly has no desire to play in Chicago, whatever package the Bulls put together is going to decimate their roster. They've won 11 games this season and just finished off a week in which they lost to the Hawks and Cavaliers at home.

Yes, they have intriguing young pieces who could form a nice core. But their supporting cast is one of the weakest and shallowest in the league; dealing for Davis while including a combination of Markkanen, Carter and LaVine (plus the 2019 first round pick) guts the Bulls roster. It turns them into the current Pelicans team, middling below .500, lost without Davis in the lineup and going nowhere fast. There's little reason for Davis to believe the Bulls would be capable of building the same kind of winner he'd find in L.A. with LeBron or in Boston with a perennial winner and one of the game's best head coach.

Because of all that, despite what the Bulls could potentially offer in a deal, it's unlikely it happens. There's always a chance that John Paxson and Gar Forman decide to roll the dice and deal for Davis without the guarantee that he re-signs.

But even that feels a little too far-fetched, especially after they watched that same strategy backfire from the other side of the fence two years ago with the Timberwolves and Jimmy Butler. The assets needed to deal for Davis would be even larger, meaning the loss would be even greater if the Chicago native walked and the Bulls were forced to sell for fewer cents on the dollar than they acquired him for.

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/why-despite-owning-valuable-trade-155530601.html?src=rss

[startegypt49-blog]

Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says he's done 'zero' preparation for reported coaching interviews

Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says hes done zero preparation for reported coaching interviews originally appeared on nbcsportschicago.com

Vic Fangio's weekly press conferences at Halas Hall are always enjoyable rounds of no-B.S., concise answers and quips (unless the question is about the Chicago Cubs, his favorite baseball team). Rarely does one get the sense the Bears' defensive coordinator is saying something just to say it, or to pay lip service to a trite thought or idea.

So when Fangio, on Thursday, insisted that he's done "zero" preparation or research for a pair of reported coaching interviews with the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos next week, it's hard not to believe him. 

And when it was brought up to him that people usually do research before job interviews, Fangio quipped: "Yeah, I don't. Maybe that's why I'm here."

Fangio has a reputation around the NFL as one of the best defensive minds in the game, the guy who built an elite defense in San Francisco and now in Chicago. But he also has a reputation as a curmudgeon of sorts, someone whose no-nonsense personality doesn't always play well with owners looking for a charismatic, face-of-the-franchise type. 

Granted, that view may not be fair to a guy who's doesn't come off as a jerk and has never asked a reporter to sit up straight.

"People have a picture in their mind of what they want, what they're looking for, and you know, obviously I haven't met that criteria to those people who are looking," Fangio said last January, after he decided to stick with the Bears. "And I don't take it personal. I don't think I'm any less deserving or less qualified. I know I do a hell of a job, but I don't take it personal."

Bears coach Matt Nagy knows how difficult it can be to balance preparing for a playoff game and preparing for a potentially life-changing interview. He had to do it a year ago while with the Kansas City Chiefs, who lost a playoff game on a Saturday before he interviewed with the Bears on a Sunday. 

But what Nagy has seen from Fangio this week has backed up what his coordinator said publicly Thursday - it's been business as usual, with Fangio focusing on the Philadelphia Eagles and not the inner workings of the Broncos or Dolphins. 

"He's done a great job," Nagy said. "From the talks we've had and me just seeing where he's at, he's just been completely focused. Every time I walk into his office, man, he's grinding. He's got that remote in there and he's just writing stuff down and grinding with stuff for the game. I appreciate that. We really haven't talked a whole lot about it just because we're so focused in on this game.

"… It's not a distraction," Nagy later added. "It's there. You know it's there, but it's not a distraction because you have guys like Vic who aren't making it a distraction."

Bears defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and cornerback Prince Amukamara said this week they didn't want to entertain the thought of Fangio leaving the Bears, which he did admit he would consider if the opportunity was right. But he didn't delve into what the right opportunity would necessarily be. 

"There's a lot of things," Fangio said. "You know, working with management, players, etc.  I haven't given it a lot of thought. I'm not lying to you guys. I mean, I've got zero up there done."

Fangio is approaching this week like any other by preparing for an opponent and nothing else. He's been around the league for 33 years since he got his first shot as the New Orleans Saints' linebackers coaching 1986. If his straightforward, no-nonsense personality is surprising to any team interviewing him at this point, it's that group that hasn't done its research, not Fangio. 

So when asked if he's flattered that teams are interested in considering him to be their next head coach, Fangio offered a classic Fangio quip. 

"I guess," he said. "But I don't get flattered that much."

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-defensive-coordinator-vic-fangio-203428722.html?src=rss

[startegypt49-blog]

Should the Cubs sign Craig Kimbrel?

I’m writing this article thinking the answer is “No,” but let’s examine the pros and cons of the Cubs signing free-agent reliever Craig Kimbrel.

First, I’m not the only one thinking this. This mlb.com article lists the Cubs as one of six teams that “need Kimbrel the most.” In this Ken Rosenthal article in The Athletic, he writes that Kimbrel could be a “difference-maker” (after first suggesting that the Cubs could be sellers later this year if they are out of contention near the deadline).

The Cubs bullpen has been mostly awful this year, although they are now on an 11-inning scoreless streak over the last two games. Even that still leaves them with a 6.92 ERA in 40⅓ relief innings in 2019, so you can imagine how bad things were before Sunday, and two Opening Day relievers have already been replaced.

When Kimbrel hit free agency after the 2018 season, his reported first salary demand was for six years and $100 million. That’s somewhat more than recent closer multi-year deals (Kenley Jansen, six years, $80 million before the 2017 season and Aroldis Chapman, five years, $86 million, also before the 2017 season). Kimbrel has been a lights-out closer for the last eight years, posting a career 1.91 ERA, 0.920 WHIP, 333 saves and 20.1 bWAR.

There were a few warning signs close to the end of last year for him, though. Over his last 21 regular-season appearances in 2018, Kimbrel posted a 4.79 ERA and 1.209 WHIP. He still wasn’t giving up many hits (10 in 20⅓ innings), but walked 15 in that stretch. Then he got hit pretty hard in the postseason, with a 5.91 ERA and eight walks in 10⅔ innings.

So could there be something wrong with him? Or was that just a bit of overuse in a very long season for the Red Sox?

The Cubs still don’t know when Brandon Morrow will return; there’s been no timetable set. Kimbrel could step in as closer and Morrow could shift back to the setup role he did so well for the 2017 Dodgers.

There is, of course, the issue of money. At this point, Kimbrel’s best course of action might be to sign a one-year deal and hit free agency again this offseason. And the Cubs have made it pretty clear that they intend to stay under the top level of luxury tax. Per Spotrac, their current luxury-tax figure is $225,454,250, a number with which I concur. That sits just below the second tax level of $226 million.

Presumably, that’s to allow some room for a “midseason acquisition.” We’re not quite at midseason, of course, but couldn’t Kimbrel be that sort of acquisition? His first asking figure was an average of $16.67 million; would the Cubs be able to get him for (say) around $13 million or $14 million, considering about eight percent of the season has gone by? That would put the Cubs over Luxury Tax Level 2, but keep them below the top level. It would, of course, not leave any room for anyone else to be acquired when the calendar does get to July.

If the Cubs do this, I would recommend they send Kimbrel to extended spring training, then to Iowa for a short time (they could do this by signing him to a minor-league deal which would become guaranteed when he hits the 25-man roster). The cautionary tale for this is Greg Holland, who the Cardinals rushed to their active roster only nine days after he signed in 2018. Holland was horrendous in St. Louis, so much so that they outright released him after having given him $14 million. The Nationals picked him up and he was lights-out. Guys like this likely need some time to ramp up into game shape.

Having written several hundred words on how the Cubs could fit Kimbrel into their current bullpen (which, frankly, could use the help), I’m sort of disinclined to do it. The money could probably be better saved for July, and given Kimbrel’s shaky outings late in 2018, perhaps he’s not the lights-out guy he used to be.

But perhaps you think they should go for it. Let us know your thoughts.

Poll

Should the Cubs sign Craig Kimbrel?

9%

Yes, at any price

(87 votes)

63%

Yes, but only if the money is right

(612 votes)

27%

No

(259 votes)

958 votes total Vote Now

Source: https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/4/9/18301945/cubs-craig-kimbrel-free-agent

[startegypt49-blog]

This Cubs World Series pumpkin is either really impressive or very sad, probably both

Bryce Harper to the Cubs has been a hot rumor for years, but for a while, it was really more of a fun pipe dream than anything substantial.

Until recently, that is.

More than ever, it's become apparent the Cubs could really use Harper or one of the other big free agent hitters to help supplement a lineup that underperformed for a large chunk of 2018.

At this time a year ago, the Cubs were still reeling from their NLCS loss to the Dodgers when the offense went quiet at all the wrong moments in October. But even with that narrative, it still was hard to see how Theo Epstein's front office could justify spending a ridiculous amount of money to supplement a position player group that was seen as the strength of the team and only projected to get better.

So much has changed in that year. 

The Cubs just tied with the 115-loss Baltimore Orioles for the MLB lead with the most games scoring 1 or 0 runs (40) and had 21 such occurences after the All-Star Break including Game 163 and the NL Wild-Card contest.

From July 23 (the Cubs' first 1-run performance of the second half) on, the Cubs' offensive ranks were eye-popping — 20th in batting average, 22nd in runs scored, 25th in homers, 27th in OPS, 27th in wRC+, 29th in hard contact percentage, 30th in fly ball percentage.

They were actually 1st in one category, but no team wants to lead baseball in ground balls — especially in this day and age of "Launce Angle" and "slug comes from hitting the ball in the air." 

None of these are new stats, however. Not if you've been paying attention.

Like Epstein said, something "broke" with the Cubs offense after the All-Star Game.

That wasn't supposed to happen.

Nobody would've been surprised if the Cubs faded down the stretch because of a lack of pitching. That would've been understandable given the injuries to Yu Darvish, Brandon Morrow and then Pedro Strop plus the ineffectiveness of Tyler Chatwood. But it was the pitching staff — and the prudent trades for Cole Hamels and Jesse Chavez — that kept the Cubs afloat atop the NL Central (until Game 163, that is) and gave them a chance to even make it to the NLDS.

But the offense failing? That would've been tough to predict, even while flashing their Jekyll and Hyde ways in the first half.

The rebuild was all about these young position players. This offensive core was supposed to be together for a while, lifting the team to contention each season thanks to a relentless, American League-style lineup. 

Pitching was supposed to be the main challenge for Epstein and Co. — not the offense.

Yet we're still waiting for guys like Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell, Albert Almora Jr. and Ian Happ to take that next step offensively and truly break out. They've had their moments, sure — namely Schwarber and Russell in October 2016.

The Cubs' championship window is far from closed — they have at least another three years (when Kris Bryant, Javy Baez and Anthony Rizzo all hit free agency). 

But even Epstein admitted it's time to start evaluating the Cubs players based on production, not just potential.

"It's our job not just to assemble a talented group, but unearth that talent and have it manifest on the field," Epstein said the day after the Cubs' season ended. "Because that's ultimately all that matters. It's an assessment on those two fronts — the talent that we have and who's going to be productive, who's not or where we can find that production. 

"And then also understand the environment and are we doing everything that we can in creating just the right situation to get the most out of these guys?"

You know who's pretty damn productive? Bryce Harper. And Manny Machado. And Josh Donaldson.

More than ever, it's clear the Cubs need established, veteran hitters in the lineup. The August trade for Daniel Murphy and his subsequent playing time late in the season proved that.

Young players are a lot more prone to ups and downs, which explains the streakiness and inconsistency of this lineup in recent seasons. When they're hot, they're hot, but it also means slumps and cold spells, which seemed to happen all at the same time in 2018. 

Sure, getting Bryant back healthy and renewed production out of Willson Contreras will help this lineup immensely. And it's fair to bet on a rebound for a lot of these talented players.

But when you have World-Series-or-bust expectations and a championship window that is firmly open, it's not a time to sit back and "hope."

"We had far more players underperform expectations than meet expectations," Epstein said. "Dramatically. In a lot of ways, that's what this year was defined by. Some because of physical issues, some because of the mental side of the game, some because of the fundamental stuff, some for reasons we haven't yet determined.

"We had more players underperform our projections for them and their expectations — things they've done in the past — than exceed. So I think regression will work in our favor. It's not something you want to hang your hat on and count on."

Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/cubs-world-series-pumpkin-either-really-impressive-or-very-sad-probably-both

[startegypt49-blog]

Old factory building along the expressway starts new life as loft offices

The address 1308 N. Elston Avenue may not be familiar to most Chicagoans, but many people can picture the 100-year-old industrial structure standing between the Kennedy Expressway and the Morton Salt shed with its large south-facing billboard.

“It’s one of those buildings that we’ve all passed our entire lives,” says Regina Stilp of Farpoint Development, the Chicago-based firm that recently finished transforming the former light fixture factory into five stories of trendy loft offices.

The company essentially “decorated with demo,” reducing the old building down to its most basic—and attractive—elements: rustic brick walls, high beamed ceilings, and oversized windows.

“With an adaptive reuse project we always try to find the one key thing that sets a building apart,” explains Stilp. In the case of 1308 N. Elston this feature was the rear loading dock that Farpoint turned into a walled courtyard with new landscaping. The space serves as a building amenity and is a key part of its “unique entry sequence.”

The new entrance courtyard is concealed behind a sturdy masonry wall.

Photo by Jacob VanVooren, courtesy Baum Realty

The courtyard leads to a glass-walled lobby with a decorative green wall and a new elevator shaft clad in oxidized corten steel—a nod to the corrugated metal roof of the nearby Morton building. Above, a rooftop deck offers sweeping views of the downtown skyline.

Farpoint moved forward with the overhaul “on spec”—or without any office users signed—and the company has yet to formally announce a tenant. The development team took a risk on 1308 N. Elston because it felt strongly about its high visibility, convenience to the highway, and proximity to neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Bucktown.

“People know the building and once they realize that they are five minutes from home, it becomes an appealing proposition,” says Stilp.

Chicago’s surrounding North Branch Corridor will eventually welcome other major investments such as the mixed-use redevelopment of the former Morton building into the “Salt District” as well as the 800-pound gorilla of a project that is Lincoln Yards.

“The North Branch is an interesting story and we’re happy to be part of it,” Stilp adds. “It’s nice to be there first.”

Oxidized steel is used in the graphic design of entryway, which spells out “Elston.” The iconic logo of Morton Salt shed is visible across the street.

Photo by Jacob VanVooren, courtesy Baum Realty

Looking up at 1308 N. Elston’s brick facade and large windows.

Photo by Jacob VanVooren, courtesy Baum Realty

The bright lobby has a reclaimed desk in front of a living green wall.

Photo by Zachary James Johnston, courtesy Baum Realty

The office floors are open and bright and offer views in every direction.

Photo by Zachary James Johnston, courtesy Baum Realty

The best views, however, can be found on the building’s rooftop terrace.

Photo by Jacob VanVooren, courtesy Baum Realty

Source: https://chicago.curbed.com/2019/7/2/20678021/office-development-factory-morton-salt-1308-elston

[startegypt49-blog]

Ask Sam Mailbag: 04.05.2019

Is Zion really that much of a "cant' miss" No. 1 overall pick?

Is it a concern that he couldn't lead his team into the Final 4?

LongGiang Le

Sam: It would be a good study to compare the NCAA tournament success versus NBA career success. It's hardly an indicator, no offense to Ryan Arcidiacono, who was an NCAA tournament most outstanding players for a title team. Certainly, there were great winners like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (nee Lew Alcindor), Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Walton, Earvin (Magic) Johnson, Isiah Thomas and Hakeem (nee Akeem) Olajuwon. And guys who dominated the tournament like Jack Givens, Tony Delk and Mateen Cleeves. Kevin Durant, James Harden and Paul Pierce were out in the second round, Ben Simmons and Paul George never even made the tournament and even though Michael Jordan's shot won a title, his junior year his North Carolina team didn't get to the Final Four. So we won't hold that against Zion.

You mean a can't miss player like Greg Oden, Markelle Fultz or Joe Barry Carroll? There's no such thing as can't miss. Though the large majority of overall NBA No. 1 picks have had good careers, if not always superstar. Which is the "can't miss" question on Williamson. Someone and likely several in the draft will be All-Stars, though team building is about getting that one star. The 76ers have made some really good deals and other drafts, but without Embiid they're still about a .500 team. Since I've been following the draft starting in the early 1960s, I'd say Zion's in the top 10 of most hyped players. I'd probably put him after Kareem, Magic, Olajuwon, Walton and LeBron. And in a group with Oden, Shaq, Patrick Ewing and maybe Elvin Hayes or Tim Duncan. Cazzie Russell is just on the edge. Most, obviously, went onto big careers, and Zion should also. Though Walton's and Oden's were sidelined by injury, and Williamson does put a lot of torque on his body. Ewing never led his team to a title even as a Hall of Famer. It still requires luck after lucking into the No. 1 pick.

More than ever if we get the no 1, I'd trade it. I really don't want Zion. A lot of these kids look awesome against the other kids, they won't against an NBA talent. Maybe he will be as good as this generation gets. But I remember everybody was hot and heavy for Eddy Curry, and I'm wondering, "he can't even beat high School kids for the State Championship, let's get real". I know we need a point, and a shooting /scoring defensive All NBA, Klay Thompson, or a realistic version of him.

Tom Golden

Sam: I believe some personnel people have doubts about how Zion will hold up and where he fits at his size. But it would take the boldest and most secure executive in history (Pat Riley? Popovich? Red Auerbach?) to pass on Williamson, especially since the presumed No. 2 pick is a late blooming point guard who we're not sure could bench press a rack of basketballs. Zion has been the media story of college basketball and, at the very least, would be the best merchandise and ticket seller to come along in years. There probably isn't a team business and marketing department that would let him pass if only for the media coverage the team would get for the next six months. ESPN already is interviewing reporters to embed with Zion. I'm guessing, but would not be surprised. That alone should equal the value of his contract. You'd be able to make a great trade if you had Williamson, though no one will. I know I'm getting the No. 1 pick right this year in my mock draft. Probably two and three also, but from there I'm done. And probably many teams as well.

Lemon Jr. drives

Now that we are down the season stretch. Which of these young players that are getting time that you would like to see stick on with the Bulls to try to and or make this roster going into next season? Lemon, Jr. Jakkar Sampson, Shaq Harrison, Arch, and TLC.

Thomas Brackeen

Sam: I'd like to see many of them as they are hard playing, good, tough kids. Perhaps one or two will be there. As I noted the other day after the Wizards game, there basically are about 10 Bulls roster spots taken already without any of those guys: Dunn, LaVine, Porter, Markkanen and Carter, basically next season's starting five (if no Zion), and none are playing now. Then there's a potentially decent bench with Valentine, Hutchison, two draft picks and one or two free agents with about $20 million available. And that doesn't include Cristiano Felicio, still under contract, and Robin Lopez, a free agent who could return. Of course, there could be trades. I've been a fan of Walt Lemon's since watching him all season in the G-league, though I suspect the team for now is most comfortable with Arcidiacono and Harrison. But it's possible there will be just one roster spot available since the Bulls like to carry 14 to keep a spot open in case of a trade opportunity. And some of those guys might find better opportunities for more playing time considering the way they've improved as NBA players. I'd say most deserve to be on NBA rosters next season. Most have done a good job with the Bulls in a tough situation and are the kind of players you'd like for your bench.

Goran Dragic drives

I'm a huge fan of team building and unlike most of our fans, actually have patience and see potential in our roster. My biggest fear in free agency this year is acquiring players that may push our young players already on the roster, further down the rotation. There's something to be said for on-job training. Hutch and Valentine specifically. The drop off from the starters to the bench is too dramatic. So I've compromised a list of pieces that I think will fit and compete.

Bulls possible new roster: All UFA

Pursue Dinwiddie or Dragic as starter

If Dragic is starter, still attempt to sign Dinwiddie as backup

Keep Arci as 3rd pg

Niko or Taj (backup PF)

Re-sign Robin

Pursue Hood/Justin Holiday/Glen Robinson III

Trade Dunn! For picks/cash if necessary

Maybe waive Blakeney, Felicio, if no one bites in trade talks

Still have Hutch & Valentine

Valentine has to show and prove

Keep Selden? Maybe G-League prospects Lemon & Sampson?

Brandon Evans

Sam: If I can figure that out, you seem mostly to be looking for the Bulls 2015 roster. Dragic, by the way, has a player option for about $20 million which I assume with his injuries he'll pick up. I would. Been there, done that. I know there's been talk about bringing back many from that ol' gang, like Derrick, Taj, Jo. Dinwiddie recently signed a three-year extension, as I recall. The Bulls still need some veteran guidance in addition to Otto Porter Jr. But when you bring back players you had in more golden times, the tendency is for the community to expect them to be who they were and not who they are. It could change, but I suspect the Bulls will look for younger veteran types like Porter.

Lemon Jr. attempts layup

Toronto was an enjoyable first Bulls game because of the refreshing team effort and Lemon. You have to like his burst, the way he distributes the ball and his drives to the basket. We don't know if he can shoot beyond eight feet and certainly the league will adjust but for one night he was fun to watch.

John Petersen

Sam: Then he didn't look good, and then Wednesday in Washington he did again. It's difficult to put too much into what goes on these days between teams not playing for anything. But it is something when you can make a winning shot and/or free throws like Lemon did in Washington. It shows more than just about Lemon that there are players—as there are people in all professions—who need a chance, that opportunity often transcends ability. We generally accept that if you have the job or perform, it's because of you and that others would not be able to. It's not necessarily the case, but those who have the positions like to write the narratives. Walt Lemon could have been a rotation regular this season on a dozen or more NBA rosters. He just wasn't because he wasn't before. It's often the flaw of scouting and personnel in many fields. Some people need a chance even though they don't have the appropriate credentials.

The latest collegiate cheating scandal has shined a light on what we all knew, that wealthy and connected people can get their kids into places that assure a foot in the door that others don't have. It's been the great inequity of American society, and many others, undoubtedly. After all, how many of those European queens ever sounded smart? And the kings sounded like absolute idiots. Like so many of these presidents and world leaders with Ivy League credentials. After listening to them, you know they didn't take their SATs.

Guys like Walt Lemon and before him at Windy City, Alfonzo McKinnie, were NBA players. They just didn't have the right resumes, the right college or awards or camps. It's why you so often see scouts travel in packs. If they all make the same mistake, then it's not wrong. That's why so many of these mock drafts you see are consensus. The best way to keep your job is to make sure the other guys see things the way you do. The outlier is the risk taker, and we find so few. Why take a chance on a guy like Walt Lemon if no one else does? Sure, sometimes those guys slip through, and sometimes like with Lemon and McKinnie, they improve with time and experience. Most of us can recognize obvious talent. Guys like Lemon and Sampson aren't All-Star, franchise changers. They actually are like many of us, who could do many of our bosses' jobs better than they do. If only the opportunity. It's the greatest of gifts. Then it's on you. And, really, what more can you ask.

Wendell Carter Jr. looks to move to the basket

You wrote that the Bulls didn't have anything resembling what it would have taken to move up in last year's draft. I found this opinion to be surprising as I thought they could have bested Dallas' offer, though admittedly I wanted them to take Jackson Jr. at the time, not Doncic. I was worried about Doncic's seemingly so-so athleticism, which as you wrote hasn't held him back so far.

Anyway, I thought the Bulls could have offered the #7 pick (Dallas offered #5) and next year's first round pick (same as what Dallas gave up, both are young/bad teams so you'd assume one's 2019 first wouldn't be much more highly valued than the other's). But what I thought could've put the Bulls offer over the top was including the #22 pick used for Hutchison. I suppose Atlanta specifically wanted Young and feared losing him to Dallas if they moved all the way back to #7, but at least that Bulls offer would have been very close to what Dallas offered, right?

Anyway, I hope Carter turns out to be a good one. He is who I wanted them to take if they couldn't move up and hasn't disappointed me so far. Not sure I saw any star potential this year before he got hurt but I didn't expect to.

Cameron Watkins

Sam: I actually think it's possible the Bulls would have been with you and taken Jackson, who also looks like he'll be really good. After all, let's not judge all the drafts after six months. Remember, three months ago Young was a bust. But it's moot because I knew they were trying to move up and couldn't. They hope Hutchison becomes a contributing player, but No. 22 never is quite enough to get you much. They could not beat Atlanta's offer without giving up Markkanen. LaVine coming off knee surgery recovery and as a free agent didn't have as much value even if he could have been traded. We haven't talked about Carter much because he's been gone so long. BO, as it were, Before Otto. And before Lopez' Leap.

But when next season begins—assuming the Bulls don't get the No. 1 pick and Zion says he's a center—Carter will be back starting at center. There are concerns and questions, though there should not be that many as he'll have just turned 20. He really had an impressive (half) season considering he was deferring offensively at the time trying to fit in and going through two coaches in his first season with half the starters out. He had some huge scoring games, several double/doubles, and played with unusual poise. He probably cannot work on his height in the offseason, which has been the main concern as he was overwhelmed at times by the bigger centers. He's said he considers himself more of a power forward. But he is unusually physical for someone his age and has the potential to do so many more things offensively inside and outside. His injury was perhaps the freakiest of the freaky. He probably could trip over someone like that 100 times and reach down to regain his balance and never do that again. It's a setback after playing just a half season and most under a different coach. He'll be the Bulls starting center next season. We're all anxious to see how good he can be. At his age, there's plenty of room for excellence.

Zach LaVine passes the ball

What do you think of Zach Lavine's development as a playmaker in the latter half of this season? In this era of position less basketball it seems like we need a primary playmaker and ballhandler rather than necessarily a point guard, so Zach filling that role well could potentially open up our options in the draft.

Cameron Lam

Sam: I guess it's not so position less if the Bulls need all that. This talk about position-less basketball is mostly a term for playing zones on defense (switching) and players having multiple skills, you know, like they had in the 1960s. The game hasn't changed that much other than the demand for a while to specialize—some dribblers, some shooters and some rebounders—to where now it seems like an innovation to have players who can do multiple things. Players once were supposed to do that because, you know, that was basketball. Sure, most people can do one thing better than other things, but players were once taught to do more things. There were various reasons for specialization, some insidious so you wouldn't have to pay certain players more money since they were, say, just rebounders and not scoring. Clearly, Robin Lopez isn't going to be your facilitator on the fast break. Players do have certain special skills. Zach is a very talented guy, which means he can dribble, he can pass and he can shoot. Imagine that. That's why he has the chance to be a great player. But he does some things better than others. I'd rather see him, at least for now, specialize more as a scorer since he's got an uncanny ability to shoot and get to the basket. So far he's tended to defer when he's had to run the team. But perhaps the biggest issue with a player like Zach now is how long he's been associated with losing. It's the biggest problem with these rebuilding situations. It sounds great to get those lottery picks and build when you've had a run of finishing in the middle. But there's also a line when you expose a player to losing too long. Zach began in a Minnesota rebuilding, got hurt, and came to Chicago in the ground zero of its rebuild. He does seem like a player who cares about winning since he seemed really depressed as the losses mounted into December and January and seemed to recover after the Porter trade and some success. It's a positive that he has multiple talents, but the Bulls still have some needs to address.

Do you think today's NBA players are the laziest defenders you have ever seen ? You only need to look at the steals and blocks per game leaders over the last 45 years to see that the last 3 seasons leaders rank near last in both statistics. You could only imagine MJ's numbers playing against today's NBA defenses.

Adam Palmer

Sam: I hadn't noticed that comparison and I'm not sure if that's an actual defensive measure, though they are lower in both categories. I think a lot has to do, especially with blocks, that there are so many more threes shot and when players go to the basket they'll often pass up a layup attempt to try to assist on a three. Everyone over 40 winces. But the defenses, I will agree, are not always as aggressive individually because the teams play so much switching and zone-like systems, which lead to lazy defensive principles.

Of course, the irony is that in the years you are referring to in the 70s, especially, the NBA was known as a league in which the players didn't play defense. The NBA players can defend better than you think because they are so much more athletic now. But the systems of play, perimeter shooting and load management make it look worse than it is. I plan to try to work "load management" into as many columns as I can since among all the stupid things said in sports, it might be the absolute stupidest. We used to use the term, but it referred more to working with Michael Sweetney.

NCAA: From what I've read, there are absolutely zero one-and-done prospects in the Final Four. I love that. It would be nice if GMs figured out that most college freshmen are not ready to help you win in the NBA. But I'm afraid it's going the other way. We'll soon have 18 year old's coming straight out of high school, which will hurt both the NBA and NCAA. My call would be to go the other way – require 2 years of college or 21 yrs. old. That sets up college as the (slightly) faster route to the NBA, and hopefully would encourage kids to go to school. Or here's another idea: base the rookie contract scale on number of yrs. in school, so that staying in school helps you earn more during your first contract. There's also the idea of paying college players. I'm not opposed, but I wonder if schools can pay them enough to keep them away from the NBA for an extra year or two.

Art Alenik

Sam: I've never fully understood why the players' association has been so adamant about helping teenagers leave or avoid school and come into the NBA. I know this lame argument about everyone has a right to earn a living and tennis players can play at 16 and whatever. It's not in the Constitution. I also know you can't be a lawyer at 16. I have some lawyer jokes to use there, but they are lame as well.

The collegiate example this season is an aberration since Duke could have been there and Kentucky has been with a roster filled with NBA-to-bes. Though the point is salient that you can beat those teams more now with experience and savvy. It's why the NBA has taken a step back in quality because so many unprepared teenagers and 20-year-olds have to be on NBA rosters. It's like the old, ridiculous bonus baby baseball rule when a high paid young player had to start on a major league roster. It usually ruined his career, though he didn't have to play. Good luck benching your lottery pick. I don't much care about the NCAA and college since so many of the major universities are a sewer of corruption with either the parents buying their way in or the administrators forcing the kid through easy courses to assure eligibility for sports or even as I've heard from some NBA players keeping kids from taking more sophisticated courses because it takes away from sports training.

The NBA, like any business, should have a right to protect itself from hiring unprepared employees. Sure, some players are ready, but between so many young players breaking down physically because their bodies aren't ready and teams having to go back to so many basics with unprepared players, the game suffers. I'm for extending the waiting period, which obviously is about to go the other way because it seems even the NBA has given in. I know the argument about kids in unfortunate and hardship financial situations and the need to make money, and I'm pleased to see what the NBA is doing regarding the G-league and increasing salaries. If only those kids like in baseball could play there for a few years and learn to play. And perhaps make Hoffman Estates a destination for other than the Poplar Creek Buffalo Wild Wings.

As we all seem to be focusing on the upcoming draft and this is assuming the lottery falls in standing order with the bulls picking number four.

My thought is that Jarrett Culver from Texas Tech would be a good fit with the rebuilding core, if... LaVine is pushed back over to point. Everyone is looking for a scoring point guard who can distribute as well, surely he fits the bill and Culver would be a very good 3 and d slashing guard alongside him.

Could work?

Alex Kansas

Sam: Ooops, I just dropped Zach above from point guard responsibilities. Trying not to contradict myself, Jim Boylen has employed some sequences with different players handling the ball into the scoring area. Many teams do so. You don't have to have an exclusive point guard. Steph Curry is Golden State's point guard, but Green and Durant do plenty of playmaking. OK, Green. I believe Culver still is playing, so we can both scout him. I remember last year the 3-D guy to get was Mikal Bridges. It seems like it's been an adjustment for him. Though I'm not sure Booker will let him have the ball. It seems the first three picks in the draft will be in order Zion, Morant and Barrett, the latter because it seems he'll just figure a way to score. From there it seems, at least for now, that someone will like someone at 5 who someone else will see at 12. But that's the way Donovan Mitchell gets to 13. You have to pick right and be fortunate. The Bulls clearly need three-point shooting perhaps as much or more than any team in the NBA. So he could work.

I am sure we will add a quality player as long as we stay in the top 5.

Lots of draft experts seem to be down on RJ Barrett. I have not seen him play a lot at Duke, but he seems to have decent physical tools, comes from a strong basketball background, is competitive and has been winning at all levels. To me this feels like a case of everyone expecting him to be the best player in his class, which he was not and now everybody is extra negative about him. What is your take?

Sven Ruppert

Sam: Barrett is the tough call for me, and as I said above I expect he'll be taken third. I haven't been that impressed watching him because he's not super explosive, but we all said that about that Doncic guy. He seemed to figure out a way to score. And he seems to know how to make plays. The league likes explosive players for their star potential. But then you can get someone like James Harden, who just knows how to score. Barrett looks like he'll figure a way.

LeBron James and Lonzo Ball

The television program I was watching this morning while exercising asked the question, "Is Zion the best Duke player ever?" ......huh? he doesn't have a midrange jumper. He brain-fades on defense and it hurts his team. BTW, nothing personal aimed at Williamson, who seems to be an okay kid. Also on the LeBron Channel, saw an interesting graphic. Did you realize that Jordan never missed a post-season as a Bull? Comparison to LBJ might not be fair (different types of players in different eras), but he asks for these when he declares himself the best of all time, which he has. Come to think of it, I don't remember Magic or Bird or the Doc ever missing a post-season. West? Wilt? Oscar? Kareem missed one season, but he played until he was in his early 40's plus the year he missed he was league MVP - I'd say that's a competitive guy. Not buying the idea that LBJ walked into a lousy Cavs team as an 18 year old. For one thing, no one made him skip Ohio State. For another, the Bulls team Jordan joined had big time problems which Jordan will acknowledge if you ask him. Jordan didn't take days off. He busted his butt dragging some serious bozos into the post-season. I'd add here that he didn't have roster input, otherwise Walter Davis and Johnny Dawkins would have been Bulls. Jordan took the lemons and made lemonade. That's what great players do. Players today often mind their personal corporations, frequently reverting to their AAU roots as they seek to play with their buddies. Jordan wasn't allowed to play with his buddies and built Jumpman/Air Jordan anyway.

None of this makes LBJ any less a player. LBJ is the best player of his generation. Hall of Fame penthouse with Kareem/Jordan/Wilt/EJ/Bird/Oscar/Russell? he takes pre-season pretty indifferently, takes personal days off in-season and then there's this. Plus he walked into a turn-key situation NBA-wise. I think that Kobe has missed the playoffs, too. These guys get their own tier with Hakeem, Ewing, Iverson, Karl Malone and Barkley, which isn't bad company. Of this lot, LBJ might be top dog though Kobe has more rings, Malone's stats are in important areas somewhat better, and Hakeem produced head-and-shoulders the very best basketball of any of 'em when he had all of his game working.

Pete Zievers

Sam: It is what LeBron brings on himself with some of those pronouncements. I guess part is getting swept up in that, but one thing with Jordan was he never declared himself better than greats. I remember when Julius Erving came to Chicago Stadium for the last time in what the media was calling a passing of the torch. Jordan was gracious in suggesting no one would do the things Dr. J did. It's somewhat inaccurate, of course, to compare the eras since Jordan the season he was hurt made the playoffs with a 30-win team (and then scored 63 in the playoffs and was swept). I'm sure the Lakers would have made the playoffs if LeBron didn't miss a month hurt and then sabotage the rest of the season with the Anthony Davis gambit, which he likely wouldn't have if he didn't get hurt and desperate. This is one debate that is never ending. But will anyone ever believe in 20 years either was better than Zion?

Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan

So let me start by saying that Kobe is a great player. Having said that, I truly don't understand how anybody can look at his career numbers and put him in the same conversation as MJ and Lebron, just like I wouldn't put Iverson in the same conversation as Kobe. But even beyond that: the guy was an incredibly difficult teammate. How the heck is it that he's become sort of an elder statesman now quoted all over the place? If people want quotes from a 5-time champ on being a leader or whatever, you could ask Tim Duncan.

Media narratives are nuts.

Alejandro Yegros

Sam: Perhaps it's more a lesson in modern media, though media narratives are wacky. Just wait out the bad days until they move onto something else, and then you can be whoever you say you are.

Source: https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/ask-sam-mailbag-04052019

[startegypt49-blog]

Chuck's Daily Check-in: 11.05.18

GAME NIGHT FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN.

Bulls (2-8, 1-3 on the road) at New York Knicks (2-3 at home)

TV: WGN TV: Neil Funk and Stacey King. 6:30 CT tip.

RADIO: 670 THE SCORE: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington, Steve Kashul. 6:15.

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls: LaVine: 26 ppg. New York: Hardaway Jr. 23 ppg. LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls: Carter Jr: 7 per game. New York: Kanter 10 per. LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: Arcidiacono: 5 per game. New York: Ntilikina: 4 per.

CCI: After a winless week (four games) at the United Center maybe a little road bonding is just what is needed as the Bulls look to regroup tonight at MSG. The undermanned Bulls gave three teams, who are expected to make the playoffs, all they could handle. The Bulls outplayed Houston for three quarters. They lost to Indiana by two and Denver by one. The development of Wendell Carter Jr, Chandler Hutchison and Antonio Blakeney just to name a few is essential as the team moves forward regardless of when the injured players return. Hutchison is really coming on. Carter Jr. is going to be an All-Star and Antonio is instant offense and, as all young players do, needs to find consistency to his game.

Fans don't like hearing the word, but both teams are "rebuilding" and that is the name of the game. The Knicks are without Kristaps Porzingis who remains sidelined following an ACL injury in February. There is no time table for his return. The Knicks, like the Bulls, have a cluster of young talent that are being given every opportunity to showcase their skills on a nightly basis. In no particular order: Damyean Dotson, Mitchell Robinson, Allonzo Trier are playing meaningful minutes and doing a solid job. Robinson, a 7-1 center is incredibly athletic. He's got a 7-4 wingspan and won't back down from anyone. Trier, a former teammate of Lauri Markkanen's at Arizona is averaging 10 points per game. In fact, on that Arizona club two years ago Trier led the Wildcats in scoring, Markkanen was second. Sunday in DC the Knicks fell 108-95 to Washington. The Wizards badly need a win of any kind and they got one as they pulled away in the fourth quarter. The Wiz went on a 16-2 run to seal the deal. Dwight Howard recorded his first double-double in a Washington uniform. The Wizards attempted 39 free throws compared to NY's 16. NY's number one pick (9th overall) Kevin Knox missed his seventh straight game with a sprained left ankle.

Milwaukee 144 Sacramento 109. The Bucks set records for most 3 point field goal attempts and made threes. Milwaukee hit 22 of 56 —WOWZA! Giannis had a triple double of 26-15-11. The Bucks go to 8-1, 6-0 at home and begin a four game road trip on Tuesday in Portland.

Brooklyn 122 Philadelphia 97. The 76ers remain winless on the road at 0-5. They’re 6-0 in Philadelphia.

Orlando 117 San Antonio 110. Aaron Gordon scored 26 points as the Magic ended a four game slide.

Phoenix 102 Memphis 100. Devin Booker's go ahead jumper won it for the Suns who snapped a seven game losing streak. The Suns and Tyson Chandler agreed on a buyout and Chandler has been placed on waivers. Reports indicate Chandler will sign with the Lakers.

Toronto 121 Los Angeles Lakers 107. The Lakers trailed by 31 points in the first quarter. I repeat. 31 points in the first quarter. Kawhi Leonard missed the game with a sore left foot. Serge Ibaka scored a career high 34 points on 15-17 from the floor. The Raps are 9-1.

Portland 111 Minnesota 81. The Blazers start the season 7-3. Meyers Leonard had a double-double off the bench with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Jimmy Butler missed the game, "precautionary rest." Derrick Rose was a late scratch.

Thanks for reading CCI. You can reach out at cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter: @ctsbulls.

Always a pleasure!

Source: https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/chucks-daily-check-110518

[startegypt49-blog]

OSS - Midway Redemption

Here I sit, in this dusty saloon, patiently waiting for Red Dead Redemption 2 to come out on PC. I haven’t bought a console since 2006, and don’t plan to any time soon, but tarnation! The wait is killing me! So, to tide me over, I went ahead and painted up a Red Dead Redemption inspired OSS! It was either that, or get lost at the bottom of a bottle of whiskey. I may have made the wrong choice...

Just a quick and dirty concept art style paint job in Photoshop. Matt Nagy is here for some Midway Redemption!

Get the full 1080p version here.

Just a bit of fun. Like I said, it was quick and dirty, took me somewhere in the neighborhood of 3-4 hours from sketch to completion, all done in Photoshop with a Wacom tablet. If you’re interested, you can watch the process in the video below:

And for anyone unfamiliar, it’s based on this:

credit to the original artists, and Rockstar Games

As always, if you have any Bears related Photoshops or illustrations, share them in the comments below! I’d really like these articles to be a place where people can show their creativity, no matter your skill level. And if you have an idea for an OSS, share it as well! If you want to see the other OSS articles, you can do that HERE.

Also, go ahead and share what music you’re listening to currently! I’m always looking for new stuff since I’ve generally got something playing while I work. Just something to keep the deafening silence from driving me insane.

Currently I’m listening to: Natural - Imagine Dragons

WhiskeyRanger is a freelance graphic artist/content creator, an avid Bears fan, and apparently speaks in the third person now. You can follow him on Twitter @WhiskeyRanger29, check him out on Youtube at JustSomeGuyWithAStylus (art), and WhiskeyRanger (film study). If you’re in the market for some sports related graphic tees, feel free to check out WaiverWear as well.

Poll

Are you playing some Red Dead this weekend?

34%

You know it! I just can’t get enough of horse ball shrinkage...

(10 votes)

20%

I bought it, but haven’t got around to playing it yet. Stupid life, always getting in the way.

(6 votes)

13%

Nope. I’m waiting for the PC version too. Hurry up Rockstar!!

(4 votes)

31%

Video games are nonsense. I’m opposed to all things that bring joy and entertainment to people.

(9 votes)

29 votes total Vote Now

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/11/10/18079442/oss-midway-redemption-photoshop-illustration-digital-painting-red-dead-redemption-chicago-bears

[startegypt49-blog]

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Morning Break

(Hat tip: JH!)

Source: http://www.sloopin.com/2018/11/shotsaroundthesloop-morning-break.html

[startegypt49-blog]

Set Yourself Up for Success in 2019

Sponsored Post

It’s a lot easier to make a New Year’s resolution than it is to follow through on it. So how can you finally avoid the regret and achieve your positive pursuits? By setting specific goals and making it as easy as possible to reach them. Imagine yourself as a resident at 1001 South State, and envision how you can make 2019 your best year yet.

RESOLUTION: BE MORE SOCIAL I.R.L. Are you ready to put down the smartphone and enjoy some face-to-face time? You can honor your resolution to spend more time with friends by planning a weekly pool tournament or shuffleboard competition with your roommate in the game room. Dazzle your guests with spectacular views by hosting a bi-annual family dinner in the roof top event room. Or make a goal to expand your social circle by meeting your neighbors when you attend one of 1001’s many resident events. You can also forge a new friendship as you break a sweat together in complimentary resident fitness classes. Which leads us to another popular resolution…

RESOLUTION: WORKOUT MORE In addition to the resident fitness classes, access to 1001’s 24-hour fitness center and yoga studio means you can get your post-workout endorphins when it’s most convenient for you. Lift, sprint, or namaste your way to a more consistent workout routine without setting foot outside. Or if getting outside is exactly what you’re looking for, take a jog surrounded by nature in nearby Grant Park and along the Lakefront Trail. You can also combine your workout with your next Target run by using 1001’s resident bike share program.

RESOLUTION: BE MORE INNOVATIVE Whether you’re exploring your entrepreneurial spirit, inventing the next paradigm-shifting technology, or writing a bestseller, surrounding yourself with the right environment is the first step for innovative thinking. Prototype your ideas in 1001’s Makerspace with the easy-to-use CNC milling machine and 3D laser printer. Use 1001’s business center and co-working office to finally schedule that brainstorming session or important meeting. Get inspiration from the surrounding Wabash Arts Corridor and enjoy original artwork found throughout the neighborhood, including in 1001’s dog run and on the south side of the building.

RESOLUTION: RELAX Self-care may be one of the hardest resolutions to keep. Commit to taking more time for relaxation by spending a part of each day walking through 1001’s birch grove or soaking up some sun in a cabana or poolside. Use the media room to make your way through that top 100 movies list you keep thinking about or even just to catch up on your favorite binge-worthy series. Slow down enough to really take in the sights of the city with a regular dip in the outdoor hot tub.

To make 1001 South State your new home in the new year, contact the leasing office at 883.442.4904 or leasing@1001southstate.com.

Source: http://www.sloopin.com/2019/01/set-yourself-up-for-success-in-2019.html