Rose grew from the concrete, then grew back again. Also: The White Sox now fight history, two possible Cubs issues, and the Bears see what a good organization looks like.
Off the Lake: Did Craig Counsell Take a Shot at Jed Hoyer?
Plus: The offensive line problems everyone should’ve seen coming, the Jerry Reinsdorf hit piece, and Nick Foligno’s captaincy.
Off the Lake: The Cubs Failed Anthony Rizzo
The trade was the right decision, but it didn’t have to come to that. Also: Caleb Williams’s debut and how close the White Sox are to history.
Off the Lake: Why the Cubs’ Playoff Probability Is so Low
Despite closing the gap to three games, the Cubs are still a 1-in-14 longshot to reach October. Also: The White Sox chase history, Angel Reese makes history, and the Bears roster is pretty much set.
Off the Lake: Is Miguel Amaya Good Now?
Miguel Amaya has been hitting better than 90% of major leaguers. How real is that?
Off the Lake: Isaac Paredes Isn’t Playing Very Well
The big deadline acquisition has had a rough start in Chicago. Also: The Bears are preseason champions, and tonight is Elvis Night on the South Side.
Off the Lake: Héctor Neris Didn’t Work Out
That happens with relievers. Also: Soldier Field’s grass, Garrett Crochet’s upside, and Angel Reese is back to setting records.
Off the Lake: The Cubs’ Schedule Is Easy, But Not Easy Enough
How much the easiest remaining MLB schedule is worth. Also: Kenneth Lofton Jr. is a bull.
Off the Lake: Mallory Swanson’s Husband Is Heating Up
Plus a White Sox managerial candidate and whether Haason Reddick makes sense for the Bears.
Off the Lake: A Cubs/White Sox All-Star Team Wouldn’t Win 90 Games
It would also feature very few White Sox. Thoughts on the weekend series, Caleb Williams’s preseason debut, and Lonzo Ball playing 5-on-5.
Joe’s Notes: Why Jerry Reinsdorf and Politicians Don’t Behave Strategically
Winning doesn’t have to matter if losers still get to play the game. Also: Howard basketball, the Aiyuk trade rumors, and some Yankees weather.
Off the Lake: Will the White Sox’ Losing Streak Set the MLB Record?
We look at the numbers. Then: Why the streak’s happening, the Cubs’ dramatic weekend, Keenan Allen extension talk, the nonexistent Vučević market, and a Blackhawks comparison from AL Central.
Off the Lake: DJ Moore Extended, Jameson Taillon Stays Put
The Bears did something smart. The Cubs probably did too. The White Sox? Maybe. The Bulls? Never. Garrett Crochet’s agents? Absolutely not.
Off the Lake: Isaac Paredes Is a Cub, Christopher Morel Is Not
Plus Garrett Crochet’s drama, Nate Davis’s injury, Angel Reese’s offseason plans, Matas Buzelis’s offensive game, and how Chicago builds icons.
Off the Lake: What Is Happening With Garrett Crochet?
Is the White Sox’ trade chip threatening a holdout? Also: Would the Cubs trade Seiya Suzuki? And: Can Matt Eberflus’s pants win a Super Bowl?
Off the Lake: Dansby Swanson Is and Isn’t a Sunk Cost
The unfortunate circumstance which could push Nico Hoerner into a trade. Also: The Sky sold, the Sox are selling, and there’s fun youth around if you squint.
Off the Lake: Last Year’s Cubs Surge Was Weirder Than a Win Streak
Remembering the chaos which surrounded last year’s surge, and what it means for these next ten days.
Off the Lake: How Does Jed Hoyer Feel About His Job Security?
When perception matters more than reality. Also: Hagen Smith, Angel Reese, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Williams, and Luke Richardson.