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.
Brandon Aubrey’s 66-Yard Field Goal, and Why the NFL Likely Misses Its Best Kickers
Brandon Aubrey might be the best kicker in the NFL. That’s not a great sign for how the league finds its talent.
Stu’s Notes: Did Christian Yelich Quit on His Team?
We aren’t talking about his back. Also: The Clippers opened their new arena and the European NIT rages on.
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.
Joe’s Notes: Putting a Price on Neyland Stadium
Tennessee says it sold its stadium’s naming rights, but it’s keep the name.
Stu’s Notes: The Little League World Series Got Worse. Here’s Why That Matters.
It’s been a bad twenty years for youth baseball.
Joe’s Notes: The Bright Side for J.J. McCarthy
The nice thing about knee surgery. Also: Betts and Rodríguez return, belated Steph Curry praise, and the latest NCAA lawsuits.
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.
Stu’s Notes: What if Team USA Had Caitlin Clark?
What could have been.
Joe’s Notes: The NFC North Is Ripe for Disappointment
Every NFC North team fits a letdown archetype. Also: Pedro Grifol fired, and five bad days for the Braves.
Stu’s Notes: The Latest Football Helmet Innovation Is a Game-Changer
Concussions? Oh, we’ve got concussions alright. Also: Austin Riley respects NASCAR, Steve Kerr respects Serbia, and we’re worried about Dan Campbell.
Joe’s Notes: Revenue Sharing and Reverse Realignment
College football players are going to get paid. Could that lead to a return of regionality? Also: Baseball, more baseball, Jim Harbaugh, and women’s basketball.
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.
Stu’s Notes: Sports Are the Point of Sports
Why people are weirdos for getting mad at Leigh Diffey, and plenty more from your local NIT blogger.
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.
Every NFL Quarterback’s Age: 2024 Season
From Aaron Rodgers to J.J. McCarthy.