By: Will Farlow
Baseball is a game where one should expect the unexpected. Tim Anderson made it as a reserve in the 2021 All Star Game last season without getting to bat. The baseball gods above changed that fate this season as this evening Tim Anderson was named as the starting shortstop for the American League. Anderson is a generational talent at shortstop for the Chicago White Sox organization.
Tim Anderson has played another good season thus far despite an early season injury in the first half of the 2022 season. Anderson was tightly competing with Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette for the starting nod at Dodger Stadium. The White Sox shortstop is humble as when it was announced I liked how he thanked others for helping him to this point. Anderson is hitting an above 300 batting average with fairly good defense. I think this was well overdue for the shortstop , and a good representation of players never giving up on their goals
However, Anderson’s interview on the news of the starting nod I liked how he said one key thing that gives Whit Sox fans hope. Anderson cares more about winning a World Series this year despite getting to start soon in an MLB All Star game. Tim Anderson is a team leader for the Southsiders , and a wonderful representation of all major league players. Tim is the type of talented player that belongs in the popularity contest voting known for the All Star Game. Congratulations TA, and best of luck starting at Dodger Stadium very soon. Playing Shortstop for the American League at the 2022 All Star Game, Tim Anderson!
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By: Will Farlow
NBA Free Agency began tonight , and many players so far today have found new teams. The Chicago Bulls faced tough opposition the past few seasons with a lack of size quality in their front court. Tonight that changed for the better as Chicago signed center Andre Drummond to a two year six million dollar deal . Drummond is hopefully the first of many key moves to help the future of this talented Bulls team.
I admire the classic post shooting, strong rebounding center which is why this signing is smart for Chicago. Drummond is a great defensive player with the capabilities to hit a good shot in game situations. Last season the former first round pick averaged 9 rebounds per game with two different teams. The Chicago Bulls aside from Patrick Williams lacked that strong play in their front court. The timing of this signing was interesting before the bigger moves needed for Chicago.
The Bulls still have a center in Nikola Vucevic I believe will be traded this offseason. Arturas Karnisovas and the Bulls front office were smart to sign Drummond given this possibility in the future. The Chicago Bulls need to take this talented roster , and continue to make changes to support the core for the future. Congratulations Andre on the contract, and welcome to Chicago!
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.
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 to reliever Reynaldo Lopez. Lopez 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.
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