Diary of a Chicago Sports Fan

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Bulls win, Cubs pen and Bears thin

The Bulls continue to be unpredictable.  Last night’s win over the Cleveland Cavs was surprising in some respects, but maybe not as surprising as it might look on the surface.  The win was the Bulls 20^th consecutive Thursday night home victory on TNT.  I’ve got nothing as to why the streak has extended that long.  Plus, the Cavs have gone 6-10 in the month of March.  Generally, a Cavs slump would be dismissed as a team in the doldrums of a long season.  Maybe that’s not the case.

What's with 3Cola?

Nikola Mirotic scored 28 points, hitting 6 threes, and Jimmy Butler scored 25 points to go with 6 rebounds and 5 assists.  Robin Lopez had a double double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.  Rajon Rondo added 15 assists.

While I still don’t the Bulls will make the playoffs it is interesting that they don’t seem to lose anything with Dwyane Wade out of the lineup.  The Bulls may not be as talented with Wade out of the lineup, but maybe the pieces fit together better.

Will injuries disarm the Cubs pen?

Neither Wade Davis nor Hector Rondon has looked good in the Cubs spring training.  It’s early to be alarmed, but they both had physical issues last season.  Thankfully, the Cubs have Carl Edwards Jr. as insurance in the closer’s slot.  Edwards has the stuff to be a closer, but also has had physical issues in the past.  It’s good to have options.

Matt Ryan 2.0?  I don't think so.

As the NFL draft draws closer, speculation continues to run rampant as to what the Bears will do with the third overall pick.  I don’t think they’ll go with a quarterback after signing Mike Glennon and Mark Sanchez as free agents.  While I’m not that high on Glennon, his former head coach, Dirk Koetter, thinks Glennon compares favorably with Falcons QB, Matt Ryan. Unless he means you can lose a 25 point lead with either one of them, I don’t see it.

Making a list, checking it twice, and disappointment sets in.

I looked at Fox Sports and they had a complete list of Bears free agent signees.  A brief summary seems to be some mediocre receivers, a blocking tight end, a decent nose tackle, two cornerbacks and a safety.  The corners, Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper could very well start for the Bears next season.  Safety, Quintin Demps is the best safety on the Bears roster now.  Demps had six interceptions last year.  The Bears defense came up with 11 turnovers all last season. 

Will it be a complete set?

The Bears could do a complete remake of the secondary if they drafted a safety with the third pick.  That really is high for a safety, but the Bears could address a chronic need.  Ohio State’s Malik Hooker and LSU’s Jamal Adams are possibilities.  Hooker will be sidelined for 4-6 months due to surgery for a sports hernia and torn labrum in his hip.  That will probably appeal to the Bears who seem to like their draft choices pre-injured.

Ultimately, I think the Bears will trade down or go “safe” and pick Alabama defensive lineman, Jonathan Allen.  I can see the Bears trading down, I just can’t see them capitalizing on the move.

 

More next time.