Chisoxfn

So what is the bigger need for the Bears oline or impact defensive playmaker? I honestly don't know. I think I still lean for defensive playmaker but oline is a huge huge need. They have been absolutely brutal lately (and that is despite getting protected by an extremely conservative scheme). It isn't the sacks, albeit, Long's poor play specifically lead to a sack and a turnover each of the past two weeks (both when we had great field position and at extremely inopportune times) but the penalties have wiped numerous big plays and crushed momentum.

So I never give KC much credit, but this was an excellent, must read article on Butler calling out Thibs. A lot of facttoids in their I wasn't aware of. Early in Fred's coaching career, this is a pinnacle moment for how he'll rebound and how the Bulls are going to handle this. I see merit to what Butler is saying but their are other issues in their as well. Maybe part of what Jimmy was saying is he's testing Fred and he needs to push back, show he's in command. I get a feeling we are going to see some moves to free up time for Portis and maybe change this team. We'll see if Pax / Gar have it in them but it will be interesting what they will do. Safest path is no change, however, they've taken that route a lot and they need to analyze what makes sense. Will be extremely interesting how they respond to this. PS: I love Jo. Really would crush me to see him play anywhere else. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/colum...220-column.html For those that don't have tribune coverage (like me), as always, drop that link into google search and than click and you can read for free.

I think the alternative is an upgrade at SS, someone via the trade market (at OF) or a move to bolster the rotation. If they do either scenario 2 or 3 that I listed, it means bringing someone like an Austin Jackson (i.e., buy low candidate), in, imo.

Gordon brings more OBP than any of the other players being listed. He also brings the best defense to the equation. I personally think we can't go wrong with either of the three guys (as long as the contract is right). If Gordon happens to be the guy getting less money / years thrown his way, I'd consider biting him. I think he'll get a decent chunk less than the other two. Each player has consistently been worth roughly 4 WAR and are all huge upgrades over Avi.

What an ugly game by the Bears this past week. Dissapointing way they are finishing the season. We knew the talent wasn't their but some things just left me scratching my head from a game clock / game management perspective. That said, despite some of the issues of Fox, I still fully buy into and believe in him as the head coach. I wonder if Gase is still viewed as a lock for a HC gig? More than anything, our oline play has been absolutely brutal.

QUOTE (whitesoxfan99 @ Dec 21, 2015 -> 09:36 AM) I think the Boba Fett spinoff might be delayed since they fired Trank. I hope after this initial set of spinoffs they try going for totally original stories set in very different time periods. We don't need every Star Wars movie to be set within a 100 year time period. Agreed.

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Dec 21, 2015 -> 09:10 AM) Film reportedly had 45 cut minutes. I think it definitely needed another 10, but it was still good. Sure we'll see the extended edition in 5 years. @LDF, episode 8 comes out in spring 2017. They're filming now. The first spin off movie comes out next Winter, Rogue One. Then in 2018 another spinoff, Young Han Solo. Then in 2019, episode 9. Then in 2020, a Boba Fett spinoff. Be prepared for Star Wars overload. No...just more Star Wars awesomeness (if these are well done).

With news of Gordon's market picking up (or more the fact that his lack of suitors is driving him to make a decision sooner vs. later). Separate thread probably makes sense. Thanks Kyle for pulling this together!

QUOTE (CrimsonWeltall @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 07:03 AM) Movie was fantastic. My one big complaint was that it didn't set up the big picture stuff very well. Can anyone explain the state of the galaxy post Battle of Endor? I thought there was an implication that the Emperor's death was the end of the empire or at least would scatter the remaining forces in a way that would make the New Republic the dominant faction. But here, it looks like Snoke just stepped in and its practically the status quo including easily building a new super duper death star. There's a Senate operating but it doesn't do anything. The rebels are stilll the rebels, hiding, and their entire "fleet" is like 20 XWings? I wonder if at some point they won't have a separate star wars movie to cover the gaps. I figure Disney is going to figure out ways to explain the rest of the universe and significant gaps. Monetize as much as possible (and as a Disney shareholder and a Starwars fan...I'm all for it).

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 04:29 PM) This was Daisy Ridley's first film. I saw where she did some stuff in the UK, but she is badass. All I can say. Really dug her character and how she played it.

QUOTE (bigruss22 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 03:30 PM) I was surprised by how much comedy was in it. Also, BB8 was way more fun/likeable then I expected, I thought there was a small chance it would be Jar Jar Binks'd, but it was done really well. The best part in my mind, is this set up very nicely for the next movies (and in and of itself it was badass too). Was the perfect re-entry into Star Wars and it totally felt like the original trilogy which is a true compliment. Chewy and Hans had great moments too and I was glad when Hans was killed off because I think to really make it great, they have to move on from some of the main old characters. That said, Harrison is the best actor of the old characters by far.

QUOTE (bigruss22 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 03:27 PM) While I was slightly disappointed in Kylo Ren I think it was more in the fact that they didn't really go into why he left for the dark side. I'm guessing that gets developed in the next movie or two and I'm really excited for that. Snoke just didn't seem that intimidating and the CGI for him was too much like LOTR. I think they are going to do a lot in terms of Kylo and presumably more info in terms of Rey as well and her development. Really just such an awesome movie.

I really dig Rey. She stole the show in my opinion. No idea who she was as an actress, but did a great job on screen. I also though Han's son was a good evil character and am curious to see how he expands on the evil in the next set. I had stayed away from absolutely everything in relation to this movie (so much so that I didn't even know the actual story line) and it made it so damn enjoyable.

It was f***ing awesome.

QUOTE (Tony82087 @ Dec 17, 2015 -> 03:32 PM) It seems like every year, he gets closer and closer to the Sox. He is 100% the Sox "go-to" guy. Didn't he originally cover the Sox many moons ago? I always know that when Nightengale speaks about the Sox, I listen.

QUOTE (flavum @ Dec 17, 2015 -> 02:32 PM) Trade or FA? Don't answer 'yes'. Yes or No.

QUOTE (chw42 @ Dec 17, 2015 -> 02:28 PM) Even with that in mind, he posted a .342 wOBA and a +4 WAR. Unless something catastrophic happens, he should post something close to 3 WAR. Oh I agree. He's a good player and one of the best 3B in the game. This was a huge upgrade at a position we haven't been able to update since Crede.

QUOTE (chw42 @ Dec 17, 2015 -> 02:16 PM) Frazier's pretty bad second half has me concerned, but he did the same thing in 2014 and still had a good first half in 2015. I just want a guy who can hit 30 home runs and get on at a .330 clip at third. I think more likely than not, Frazier can deliver that for the next two years. His career OBP is under .330 and last year it was .309. It is the one thing I don't like about Frazier (all of the other pluses outweigh this negative though).

Tomorrow AM @ 9...wohooo.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Dec 17, 2015 -> 10:28 AM) He said after the game to the ESPN crew that he STILL has double vision, but that he's a "professional" so he can deal with it. I, too, think it's bulls***. Unless it's a very, very minor issue (like haloing or something), he'd see a specialist if it didn't go away after 3 months. My coworker has been dealing with double vision for about 4 months. One of the Angels players had a similar issue this past season. They usually give it anywhere from a few weeks to 6+ months before they do anything else (as long as they have validated it isn't something serious). Unfortunately it is something that absolutely lingers. Do people think he'd just magically be worse this year vs. the prior year? Come on, that makes zero sense.

It's totally psychological...but was digging Rose since he cleaned his due and ditched the mask. Played super aggressive last night as well. Loved the effort out of him and he missed some shots in the paint that should come with time. This is the stretch where I'd hope we would see Rose take steps forward. Billups was really defending Rose last night talking about how he couldn't imagine playing with double / blurred vision.

No need to feel bad. They have tons of assets. That said, I'm surprised they have been so patient. Having the assets and cash usually minimizes your need to be patient. Plus, when you have a good club, you can really justify stretching to ensure you have as great of a probability as possible to hitting it. Still, I can't fall them for what they are doing and I expect them to be aggressive. My presumption is they are going to try and get the Puig stuff to settle and than move him.

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 04:45 PM) Angels themselves said they're out. They said "probably". With Moreno's track record, this could just as much be a negotiating ploy. They were never "in" on Hamilton until they thought they were getting a value and than boom. This could just as much be a negotiation ploy than anything else. Either way, if they think these are the solutions than they are delusional.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 04:25 PM) One guy I wouldn't mind them looking at because he would be minimum and worked well with Coop is Edwin Jackson. I could get behind Jackson. I also think he'd profile nicely as a reliever (so he could in essence be a swing guy).

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 04:17 PM) The Sox are also going to need a pitcher or 2. Teams usually don't make it through entire,seasons with 5 or 6 starters. Agreed. I think they view Turner as one option from a depth perspective, but I do think they are going to add an arm and an outfielder. I expect the arm will be a solid player where as the outfielder will be a more high profile move.