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.
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?
Stu’s Notes: How the Flyers and 76ers Should Rename the Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia deserves more than an arena named for a bank.
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: 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.
Disco Inferno: A Whole Lot Happened
Burnley has a new coach. The Senators have new players.
Joe’s Notes: Why There Will Always Be Another NBA Dynasty
Why Steph Curry’s wrong, and what makes up the NBA’s great gift.
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).
Should Canada and England Reunite?
Why reunification would be in the best interests of both nations.
Stu’s Notes: Will Chris Paul Ruin Wemby’s Vibes?
Have faith in San Antonio. Also: A rogue escalator, and Zach Edey might defect.
Joe’s Notes: Five World Series Contenders and the 25 Others, Entering the MLB Second Half
Categorizing baseball’s best (and worst) teams with the stretch run in sight.
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.
Disco Inferno: Linus Loves Ottawa; Burnley Is Unmanageable
Also: The Sens’ draft preview, Burnley at the Euros, remembering Pierre Dorion (not dead, we’re just remembering him), and Burnley’s schedule for the coming year.