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.
Stu’s Notes: The Coolest American Athlete in Every Sport
From Simone Biles to George Kittle.
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.
Stu’s Notes: An MLB Vibe Check as August Dawns
The best vibes and the White Sox, plus some Olympic thoughts, some Las Vegas college basketball criticism, and someone else’s tribute to Tim Wakefield.
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.
Off the Lake: Will the Cubs Use Justin Steele in Relief This Weekend?
The turntables. Also: The White Sox’ draft plans, the Bulls’ draft future, and the haters are catching onto Angel Reese’s trick.
Joe’s Notes: The Paul Skenes No-Hitter That Wasn’t
Also: NCAA Tournament selection changes, college athlete employment news, more Georgia driving, and Berhalter out.
Today’s Best Bets: Thursday, July 11th
We are…putting a future on the Cubs.
Stu’s Notes: Craig Counsell Is Nothing Without Pat Murphy
Why the Brewers stayed the Brewers while the Cubs fell apart.
Off the Lake: Learning to Be Angry at the Cubs
Plus the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade.
Off the Lake: The Cubs Need to Sweep the Angels. Here’s the Math.
Anything less than a sweep this weekend and the Cubs’ playoff chances are probably over. Also: Luis Robert Jr.’s gaffe, Angel Reese is an all-star, the Zach LaVine spat, and Cooper Rush as a possible Bear.
Off the Lake: The Cubs Keep Losing Numbers Games
In catcher’s interference as in life. Also: Zach LaVine is not worth a first-round pick (it’s worse than it sounds).
Stu’s Notes: Will Chris Paul Ruin Wemby’s Vibes?
Have faith in San Antonio. Also: A rogue escalator, and Zach Edey might defect.
Off the Lake: How Bad Are the Cubs’ Playoff Chances?
They’re bad, but *how* bad? Also: Matas Buzelis, Connor Bedard, a little Sky, and a little Sox.