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By: Will Farlow
The Chicago White Sox are facing a rough start to their 2022 season. Heading into the Memorial Day Weekend, this talented Southside team has faced challenges all over the roster. The starting pitching has been great for the White Sox aside from one egotistic, declining starter in Dallas Keuchel. The White Sox designated for assignment their veteran left handed starting pitcher.
The move took place prior to tonight’s matchup against the rival Chicago Cubs. Fans on the Southside called for this move since the 2022 season began in April with Keuchel sporting poor command , control, and a 7.88 ERA. I felt this cut by the Sox should have happened in late April. The awful start by Keuchel against Cleveland earlier this season showed in my view he was no longer right for this team’s success. This talented team will bounce back , but I like Rick Hahn and the front office using this as an example to hold their players accountable for their rough start in 2022.
Keuchel had a great first season back in a shortened 2020 , but since then has faced issues finding his former self as a pitcher. Some other team will pick him up, but I think the future of the Chicago White Sox rotation burns brighter with Keuchel’s departure. His selfish burying of teammates earlier this season matched with a poor work ethic made him a bad fit in the clubhouse. The White Sox rotation has Lance Lynn returning soon which supports the decision to cut Dallas Keuchel. Thank you for 2020 Dallas, but it was time for you to leave Chicago.
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2/13/2022 0 Comments Los Angeles Rams win Super Bowl 56
By: Will Farlow
Sports games leave fans with the choice to expect the unexpected. Football keeps fans on the edge of their seats by every snap and quarter. Tonight, Super Bowl 56 was an exciting, close game that kept fans entertained. The Los Angeles Rams in their home stadium won the Super Bowl tonight 23 to 20 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Here are my takes on the game along with how it impacts the future.
The Cincinnati Bengals only won four games last season, but their opponent was already expected to make it to the Super Bowl. The Bengals showed the future of their young franchise by playing close to a talented and experienced Rams team. Matthew Stafford came to Los Angeles after years of mediocrity in Detroit. Stafford was a missing piece to the Rams finally being able to host the Lombardi Trophy. I admire both teams played good competitive football throughout the game. It seemed like either team could win, and in my view makes it more suspenseful to watch.
The game began with strong play by both defenses early on keeping the score close. Matthew Stafford threw two touchdowns in the first half , and following a Bengals field goal entered the lock room with the lead. The Bengals had faced a deficit previously in the AFC Title game against the Chiefs. The opening 75 yard touchdown pass by Joe Burrow to Tee Higgins jumpstarted Cincinnati in quarter three. The Rams showed their experience as in the closing minutes fought back to win the game.
Super Bowl 56 had very few penalties which showed I feel a good, clean game. The Los Angeles Rams traded many draft picks , spent money, and too risks that paid off as they won their first Super Bowl as the team in LA. Sean McVay is a great coach in football showing age doesn’t matter if you get the job done. The Bengals will be back in the future after tonight’s loss with a chip on their shoulder. I think Gronk and Brady better step back as the Stafford-Kupp duo is lethal. Congratulations to the Los Angeles Rams on their Super Bowl victory!
By: Will Farlow
Head coaches in the NFL play a vital role in the success of a football team. Leadership, teaching, and igniting a good atmosphere in their locker room with players lead to good football in a season. The Chicago Bears for many years have needed a new head coach that can be the missing piece to more wins for the Monsters of the Midway. New Bears GM Ryan Poles on his second day on the job hired former Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as the new head coach in Chicago. Here are my takes on the new coach and how he can help put the Chicago Bears back on the map of success in the NFL.
Bears fans said goodbye to former staffers named Ryan and Matt weeks ago, and shockingly they are replaced by new people also with the same first names. Matt Eberflus is an interesting hire in my view for the Chicago Bears. The last defensive-minded head coach in Chicago didn’t work well which was the John Fox era. Eberflus brings strong defensive intelligence to the Bears. Fans can get excited for an even stronger defense for years to come which is a side of the football well known in Bears history. Eberflus spent four years from 2018 to 2021 as defensive coordinator at Lucas Oil Stadium. I like a defensive-minded head coach as he can help our future franchise QB Justin Fields become smarter at reading a defense. The questions ahead will be on the minds of Bears fans moving forward.
Bears fans wondered if this hire was due to George McCaskey or Bill Polian’s choices, but they were relieved who made the move. New GM Ryan Poles made the call after a second interview that Matt Eberflus was the guy to help the Bears back to contention. Eberflus is known for implementing a Tampa 2 style defense so it’ll be interesting how the defense approach changes in Chicago. The next step is bringing in his coaching staff, which will need to include a great offensive coordinator to help rebuild the Bears offense.
Matt Eberflus already has a few names of possible coaches that could join him in Chicago. This coaching hire is great for the Bears bringing in a smart, and well-charactered person to lead the team. League experts speak highly of Eberflus along with him being just the leader this Bears team needs. Best of luck to the new Bears head coach. Hopefully, this Matt head coach has better luck than the previous one.
1/25/2022 1 Comment Chicago Bears Land a New GM
By: Will Farlow
Chicago is well known for the history of its sports teams especially the Chicago Bears. The Monsters of the Midway were one of the first teams in the NFL when it first began. The Bears have been a laughingstock for many years with a poorly built front office and coaching staff. Earlier this afternoon, the Bears landed a new GM that gives this team a chance to change this bad cycle. Former Bears free agent signing Ryan Poles is the new General Manager for the Chicago Bears. I really like the story of this new GM and the impact he can have in Chicago.
Ryan Poles has a similar first name to a former Bears GM that fans want to forget forever. Fortunately this Ryan has a better resume and shot of potential now joining Chicago. Poles signed as an undrafted free agent back in 2008 by Chicago. After his playing career didn’t work he became a scout for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. The young scout then rose in time to become the Executive Director of Player Personnel in Kansas City. The former offensive lineman helped build the durable current Chiefs offensive line that protects star QB Patrick Mahomes. Bears fans should be excited as this can ensure Chicago never has issues hopefully on the offensive line.
The hiring of Ryan Poles is very interesting as it began with George McCaskey picking him up the night before at O’Hare airport. Bears fans trash George , but I respect him a lot for this gesture showing Ryan the team respects others. Ryan Poles brings great insight on building a team to a franchise with pieces that need to fit together. The Bears roster is like a puzzle that with good people putting it together allows for good longevity. Pieces like Justin Fields, Darnell Mooney, David Montgomery, Roquan Smith, and others ensure a bright future in Chicago. Cap space and currently five draft picks allow the Bears to improve that future in the coming months ahead. Poles needs to put the best staff behind him to find those right fits to play Chicago Bears Football. The next step is finding the right Head coach to lead the team on the field. Congratulations to Ryan Poles on becoming the new GM of the Chicago Bears!
By: William Farlow
Three words in sports I believe always reign true is to expect the unexpected. The Chicago White Sox made their first offseason free agent signing this afternoon a surprise. The Southsiders agreed to a three year 24 million-dollar-deal with former Houston Astros reliever Kendall Graveman. Graveman spent last season in the bullpen for both the Seattle Mariners and the Houston Astros. I like this move for the Chicago White Sox especially this early in the offseason.
Graveman brings good playoff experience from this past postseason to his new team in Chicago. The right hander has a great slider that has been very effective against hitters. This is a smart signing for the White Sox as rumors of a Craig Kimbrel departure continue. Signing Kendall Graveman gives the White Sox bullpen long term depth with Bummer, Hendriks, Crochet , and Matt Foster still on the roster. Graveman boasted a 0.88 ERA with Seattle, and a 3.13 ERA with Houston last season.
The White Sox lack still another starter, departures of Keuchel and Kimbrel along with filling second base and right field. Rick Hahn made a good early offseason move today bringing a capable right hander reliever to aid a bullpen that lost Kopech, Tepera, Marshall, and Jace Fry. Kopech moving to the rotation next season opens the door for Graveman’s fit in Chicago. Welcome to Chicago Kendall Graveman, and the first of many new players we should see this team add for 2022.
By: Will Farlow
Our first ever podcast coverage on the Sky we get to cover an exciting Chicago Sky playoff win, so get ready sports fans. The Chicago Sky entered the first round of the WNBA Playoffs on their homeport confident in their postseason hopes. Candace Parker going into her first postseason with her hometown team sure added excitement to Sky fans in attendance at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The first thing I notice is how well in sync this Chicago team is during the game from start to finish.
Dallas came into Chicago with star guard Arike Ogunbowale, and Chicago approached her well in terms of their defensive strategy. The Sky features a great lineup of two-star guards, and Vandersloot with Quigley helped their team in good fashion. Guards that can score and play good defense are a great asset in basketball. Candace Parker in my view played a great first playoff appearance as a member of the Sky.
Chicago started with a great first-half lead over Dallas, and the test is usually how well a team can carry momentum out of the locker room into the second half. The Dallas Wings came out of halftime with the edge in that third quarter as they added 21 points to 11 from Chicago. The final quarter of this one sure kept fans at Wintrust Arena on the edge of their seat. The strong late-game scoring and defense of the Sky helped them to a good win on their home court.
My view of this team is that “Sky is the limit” for them in terms of how they do in the postseason. Keeping up the defense will be important as they move forward into the playoffs. This Chicago team is strong on both sides of the ball but they have a better offense than defense. Best of luck to The Chicago Sky as they move onto the second round of the WNBA Playoffs.
By: Will Farlow
The famous blackout game in 2008 is memorable in the storied history of the Chicago White Sox. Before this afternoon’s game, it was the last time the Southsiders were AL Central Division Champions. Fortunately, this changed late this afternoon as the White Sox won game one of a doubleheader beating the Indians 7-2 to clinch the 2021 division title. White Sox star shortstop Tim Anderson started the game off with a leadoff home run in the first inning. I liked Jason Bennetti's response to the homer during the game, and I agree with his statement ‘that homer helps with good omens for the Sox '.
The Southsiders entrusted the mound with Reynaldo Lopez who has had an interesting 2021 season thus far. Second inning action for Chicago brought excitement for Sox fans with Robert and Eloy back-to-back homers with a Tim Anderson three-run homer. There were eleven total White Sox batters in that inning, and I was sure the Sox had a chance to clinch if they held their lead. Lopez pitched a good four innings only giving up two home runs and keeping the game 7-2.
Tony La Russa brought in Garret Crochet in relief who showed his power arm well retiring the side. The Indians pitched Aaron Civil who has always pitched the White Sox very well the last few years, until today’s game at Progressive Field. The White Sox finished with a Craig Kimbrel and Liam Hendriks final three outs to clinch their first division title in 13 years.
My takes on the impact of this game first are to credit GM Rick Hahn and the front office. Hahn and his staff started the rebuild to build to try to win multiple championships as today's clincher helps that cause. Tony La Russa managed a great game this afternoon, and I support him as our manager since day one due to his passion and experience.
The Chicago White Sox can now look forward to home playoff games with positively helps their postseason goals with a strong regular-season home record. I think star players should be rested a lot in these remaining games to ensure good health and stamina for the postseason. Being a diehard White Sox fan I join other fans in how exciting, and memorable today’s clinch win was at Progressive Field. Congratulations to the 2021 AL Central Champion Chicago White Sox! We can hope this is a sign of a possible World Series postseason run.
By: Will Farlow
The movie Field of Dreams in 1989 showed baseball fans the true love of the game. Tonight, history was made as for the first time in MLB history the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees faced off at the Field of Dreams. The game environment overall was well set up along with the attractions and appearances. Kevin Costner and the players taking the field by walking through the famous corn was a beautiful sight to see. The Chicago White Sox with a Tim Anderson walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth won the game 9 to 8.
I thought Lance Lynn and Andrew Heaney pitched a great game. Both pitchers kept the first few innings interesting. I enjoyed seeing Jose Abreu with his home run to become the first to do it in an Iowa MLB game. Baseball is full of great moments in its history , and tonights game was just that for all. Seeing Costner in the booth telling stories with broadcasters was entertaining for people to hear . The Yankees mounted a good comeback with the Judge home run, but a three run Eloy homer set it for the White Sox.
Baseball teaches us to always to expect the unexpected. If Liam Hendriks told someone before that Judge and Stanton homers happen , they would think he is crazy. Tim Anderson luckily in the bottom of the ninth etched himself once again in baseball history with that walk-off home run into the corn. Baseball is a great game to enjoy , and sons I am sure enjoyed watching it with their fathers. Baseball is always my favorite sport for its beautiful history and the environment of the feeling at the ballpark. Watching tonight’s game is something many people will never forget. Both teams should hold their heads high being a part of baseball history. Congrats to the Chicago White Sox on a historic win.
By: Will Farlow
Sports fans have always been taught to expect the unexpected , and today is that way with the Chicago Bulls . The Bulls have added Lonzo Ball to a four year 85 million-dollar-deal in a sign and trade. The Bulls have been seeking to find a point guard that can be a floor general and key defender. Ball is a young 23 year old player with a lot of potential . The Bulls are sending veteran guard Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple, and a second round pick all to the New Orleans Pelicans. These are my takes on the deal , and my viewpoint of how the move can impact the future of the Chicago Bulls organization.
The former UCLA point guard is in my view a good fit to fill Chicago’s need at the point guard position. The Bulls have consistently shown the need for more defense in their starting five . I think Lonzo is a great shooter, passer , and can improve the Bulls defense. Satoransky, Temple, and a draft pick leave a Bulls team that made a smart subtraction I think in getting Ball. The former number two overall pick is only 23 years old , which gives the Bulls a player to fit alongside Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic. AK and this Chicago Bulls front office isn’t playing games similar to the Gar/Pax era just a few years ago. Chicago attempted to trade for Ball back in the Trade Deadline this past season.
The Bulls new point guard now slides into a starting five that can consist of Lavine, Williams , Vucevic, and possibly a new power forward if Markannen does not return. Due to recent tape, Lonzo is someone come day one that will need to mesh well with his new teammates if the Bulls are going to get back into contention mode. The Bulls made a good move here in my opinion as Ball being this young in his career has not yet hit his prime. Aside from Lavar's antic and the Big Baller Brand , I think Lonzo needs to take his own legacy as a Bull. Welcome to Chicago Lonzo Ball, you have shoes to fill in helping take the Bulls to the next level!
By: Will Farlow
The Chicago White Sox entered the final week prior to the trade deadline with an eight game lead in first place in the AL Central. The Southsiders prior to the deadline had key needs at second base and in the bullpen. GM Rick Hahn as usual kept things quiet and surprised the White Sox fanbase with three season changing trades. I feel the special excitement and energy that this White Sox team can show fans for many years to come. These are my views of each trade made at the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline , and the grade I give the White Sox.
Trade #1: Chicago White Sox trade LHP Konnor Pilkington to the Cleveland Indians for 2B Cesar Hernandez
I love this unexpected trade between two division rivals just nine games separated in the standings. The White Sox surprise fans by trading for the power hitting, defensive pro in Cesar Hernandez. It seems like Rick Hahn almost had Nick Madrigal ready in a future trade idea by getting a second baseman with a team option for 2022. This trade gives the White Sox improved defense and power hitting at second base helping their lineup in a big way. The Southsiders send a talented young left hander to the Indians making this a fair swap for both sides. Hernandez brings his bat and positive clubhouse prescense to this already tight knit White Sox squad.
Trade #2: Chicago White Sox trade LHP Bailey Horn to the Chicago Cubs for RHP Ryan Tepera
The Chicago White Sox pull a surprise crosstown trade with rivals from the Northside of town to fill a big need for bullpen help. I think Tepera is a good reliever to bring to a White Sox bullpen in need of more pitchers good in game situations. Tepera did just that for one Chicago team, and GM Rick Hahn hopes the reliever will continue that on the Southside. Good simple swap here for the White Sox as they just give up left hander Bailey Horn to a future rebuilding Cubs team.
Trade #3: Chicago White Sox trade 2B Nick Madrigal and RHP Codi Heuer to the Chicago Cubs for RHP Craig Kimbrel
I don’t think this is a final trade White Sox fans expected when they woke up this morning. The Southsiders make a blockbuster trade with the rival Chicago Cubs for NL All Star closer Craig Kimbrel. I love this move for Chicago as the White Sox now feature one of the best bullpens in all of baseball. The price is steep, however, as they send their 2018 first round pick Nick Madrigal and young Codi Heuer to the Cubs. You have to pay for top talent, and Rick Hahn does that here sending a message to other teams that the White Sox are all in for a possible World Series title.
Grade: A+
I definitely have to give the White Sox an A+ here filling their team needs and putting this team in an even better spot to contend for a World Series Championship. The White Sox can feel ensured that Kimbrel and Hernandez can be on the Southside next year in 2022 also. The Southsiders face questions of more offensive consistency, and the return of Luis Robert and Yasmani Grandal. GM Rick Hahn followed his instincts that now can bring this team to future postseason success , and maybe a parade at the end.
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