Chicago Sports

Every NBA coach has an -ism.

The on-going Billy Donovan-ism?

The Bulls coach doesn’t like to reveal his starting lineups before a game.

On Tuesday, Donovan finally colored outside those lines, even if it was for just one night.

Getting peppered with questions about a starting point guard now that Lonzo Ball (left knee surgery) is on the shelf for at least the next month – likely longer – Donovan finally gave in.

“So should I give you guys one since it’s preseason?” Donovan said. “Then you’re not going to ask me again rest of the year?”

And just like that Donovan announced that hometown kid Ayo Dosunmu got the start in the eventual 129-125 loss to the Pelicans in the preseason opener at the United Center.

“I gave you guys one,” he proudly declared after.

Now, if Dosunmu has staying power in that starting lineup moving forward? Don’t you dare ask Donovan.

“I think we’ve got a lot of guys that can handle the basketball, and bring it up for us, and play, but a lot of times the point guard on a made basket is the guy bringing it up, but we’re pretty comfortable out-letting the ball to anybody one-through-three on the perimeter and playing from there,” Donovan said, when asked about Dosunmu having that job full-time, or at least until Ball can return.

Translation: It’s a need-to-know basis, and just one game into the exhibition season, the media didn’t need to know.

Donovan did say that he could experiment with the likes of Goran Dragic, Coby White and even Alex Caruso in the remaining three preseason games, but wouldn’t go much further than that.

He didn’t need to.

While the third-year coach wanted to keep it a mystery, it’s really not. Dosunmu had been getting the most run with the starters in camp the last few days, and just made the most sense. Donovan made that clear without trying to, saying that Dragic needed shortened minutes because of his age, while White and Caruso were better off the ball.

That left Dosunmu, who finished the game with 10 points and three assists.

And as it turned out, was the least of the problems for the Bulls.

Yes, it was the preseason, but there were still some serious issues lingering from last season, and that started with the defense, especially against athletic play-off caliber teams.

The Pelicans starters got almost every shot they wanted in that opening quarter, putting a 40-spot on the Bulls and doing so with very little resistance.

“We got a long way to go defensively,” Donovan said of that showing. “There’s no question about that.”

The other concerns?

Patrick Williams was still “Passive Pat,” taking just seven shots and scoring five points, while the second unit brought very little to the floor collectively.

There was some good, as Nikola Vucevic had four blocked shots to go along with his 15 points and 10 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan was in midseason form with 21 points and 12 trips to the free throw line. And Dalen Terry showed some fire.

The rest?

Good thing it was preseason.

As for Dosunmu, he made it clear that while he wanted to try and do some of the things Ball did, he also wanted to play his own game.

Whether he stayed the starter or not.

“Last year helped me a lot,” Dosunmu said. “There’s a balance of understanding when to shoot and when to play-make, and that comes down to experience, understanding the moment. I have a better ability to assess that now, just with me going through the wars, going through some battles last season, watching a lot of film. That’s the best thing about experience, the best thing about learning.”

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Rick Hahn spoke about the Sox plans for the 2023 off-season on Monday.

During Tony La Russa’s retirement press conference, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn spoke at length about the team’s disappointing season.

While many fans had been waiting to hear from the Sox front office, Hahn made some comments that did not sit right with fans. Hahn had some condescending words for fans that made him sound unlikeable and full of himself.

“Two years ago our baseball operations department was getting nods for executive of the year. A year ago we won the division by whatever, 11 or 12 games and this year we were picked for being in the World Series and now we’re being asked if we should be in our jobs.”

“If it ever got to the point where I felt like I wasn’t the right person in my role, I’d step aside, and I’m lucky enough, again, to have the support [from Reinsdorf].”

As you would expect, many Sox fans voiced their displeasure about Hahn’s comments almost immediately.

Rick Hahn is on one today, folks. Legitimately trying to be unlikeable.

— Patrick Nolan (@SoxMach_pnoles) October 3, 2022

Rick Hahn is a confusing human. He’s made some decent trades, also some bad ones, and ultimately, the end results just aren’t there. But go off, my dude. Act like you’re bothered people have the audacity to question your employment. Lol. https://t.co/3iN8FwBxxJ

— Future Moncada (@FutureMoncada) October 3, 2022

Hahn also spoke about the White Sox off-season plans Which did not sound much different from previous years. The process for hiring a new manager sounded identical to the one used in 2020, and the front office does not seem keen to spend big in free agency either.

Hahn says he will be leading the Sox’ managerial search but that it will be a collaborative process with Jerry Reinsdorf and Kenny Williams, plus a few other front office higher-ups and maybe even some player input.

— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) October 3, 2022

Trade market may be more fruitful path than free agency in coming months, Hahn said. “We’re not going to be able to just throw money at the problem.”

— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) October 3, 2022

Although many Sox fans are happy to be getting a new manager next year, it seems like most of the front office frustrations that fans have will still be there. White Sox management will have some major decisions to make this off-season, so we’ll just have to see if Rick Hahn can make the correct ones.

 

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Rick Hahn spoke about the Sox plans for the 2023 off-season on Monday.

During Tony La Russa’s retirement press conference, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn spoke at length about the team’s disappointing season.

While many fans had been waiting to hear from the Sox front office, Hahn made some comments that did not sit right with fans. Hahn had some condescending words for fans that made him sound unlikeable and full of himself.

“Two years ago our baseball operations department was getting nods for executive of the year. A year ago we won the division by whatever, 11 or 12 games and this year we were picked for being in the World Series and now we’re being asked if we should be in our jobs.”

“If it ever got to the point where I felt like I wasn’t the right person in my role, I’d step aside, and I’m lucky enough, again, to have the support [from Reinsdorf].”

As you would expect, many Sox fans voiced their displeasure about Hahn’s comments almost immediately.

Rick Hahn is on one today, folks. Legitimately trying to be unlikeable.

— Patrick Nolan (@SoxMach_pnoles) October 3, 2022

Rick Hahn is a confusing human. He’s made some decent trades, also some bad ones, and ultimately, the end results just aren’t there. But go off, my dude. Act like you’re bothered people have the audacity to question your employment. Lol. https://t.co/3iN8FwBxxJ

— Future Moncada (@FutureMoncada) October 3, 2022

Hahn also spoke about the White Sox off-season plans Which did not sound much different from previous years. The process for hiring a new manager sounded identical to the one used in 2020, and the front office does not seem keen to spend big in free agency either.

Hahn says he will be leading the Sox’ managerial search but that it will be a collaborative process with Jerry Reinsdorf and Kenny Williams, plus a few other front office higher-ups and maybe even some player input.

— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) October 3, 2022

Trade market may be more fruitful path than free agency in coming months, Hahn said. “We’re not going to be able to just throw money at the problem.”

— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) October 3, 2022

Although many Sox fans are happy to be getting a new manager next year, it seems like most of the front office frustrations that fans have will still be there. White Sox management will have some major decisions to make this off-season, so we’ll just have to see if Rick Hahn can make the correct ones.

 

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CINCINNATI — Cubs right-hander Javier Assad capped his debut season with 5 1/3 shutout innings against the Reds in the 3-2 loss Tuesday at Great American Ball Park.

“Javy threw great,” manager David Ross said after the game. “I thought he really had the two-seamer going today, a lot of balls running in on right-handed hitters, throwing some strikes. The breaking stuff wasn’t quite as sharp as it had been, but being able to navigate through the lineup and use the fastball into a lot of those righties, I thought he did a really nice job.”

Assad, who made his debut in late August, finishes the season with a 3.11 ERA. And after working through a lower-body mechanical issue earlier this month, he finished as strong as he started. He didn’t allow a run in his last two starts.

“A lot of learning, really,” Assad said of his first taste of the major leagues, through team interpreter Will Nadal. “Just a lot of learning from my teammates, opposing players, just everyone around me. It’s been a really good experience. Just happy to be here and continue to contribute.”

Assad’s role for next year isn’t clearyet. Especially if the Cubs add to the rotation this offseason, there will be a tight competition for back-end starting spots out of spring training. But as a rash of injuries to the rotation this year made clear, starting pitching depth is highly valuable.

“It’s really not up to me, the decision on where I’m going to fit next season,” Assad said, “but I know that I’m going to do my best, put in the work, make sure that I can be considered for next season.”

Long ball

In the penultimate game of the season, Willson Contreras and Nico Hoerner added to their home run totals.

Contreras hit his 22nd of the season, surpassing his total from last year and pulling within two of his single-season career high (2019).

Hoerner hit his 10th home run of the season, reaching double digits for the first time in his career. Before this season, Hoerner had only hit three home runs total, all in 2019.

Stroman chimes in on White Sox

With the names of potential managerial candidates for the White Sox flying around the internet, Cubs starter Marcus Stroman chimed in Tuesday on Twitter.

“Willie Harris needs that manager job next year,” he posted. “Absolute legend who’s well-respected in the game. Perfect man for the position!”

Harris, the Cubs’ third base coach, won the 2005 World Series with the Sox as a player. He interviewed with them before they hired Tony La Russa in October 2020.

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CINCINNATI — Cubs right-hander Javier Assad capped his debut season with 5 1/3 shutout innings against the Reds in the 3-2 loss Tuesday at Great American Ball Park.

“Javy threw great,” manager David Ross said after the game. “I thought he really had the two-seamer going today, a lot of balls running in on right-handed hitters, throwing some strikes. The breaking stuff wasn’t quite as sharp as it had been, but being able to navigate through the lineup and use the fastball into a lot of those righties, I thought he did a really nice job.”

Assad, who made his debut in late August, finishes the season with a 3.11 ERA. And after working through a lower-body mechanical issue earlier this month, he finished as strong as he started. He didn’t allow a run in his last two starts.

“A lot of learning, really,” Assad said of his first taste of the major leagues, through team interpreter Will Nadal. “Just a lot of learning from my teammates, opposing players, just everyone around me. It’s been a really good experience. Just happy to be here and continue to contribute.”

Assad’s role for next year isn’t clearyet. Especially if the Cubs add to the rotation this offseason, there will be a tight competition for back-end starting spots out of spring training. But as a rash of injuries to the rotation this year made clear, starting pitching depth is highly valuable.

“It’s really not up to me, the decision on where I’m going to fit next season,” Assad said, “but I know that I’m going to do my best, put in the work, make sure that I can be considered for next season.”

Long ball

In the penultimate game of the season, Willson Contreras and Nico Hoerner added to their home run totals.

Contreras hit his 22nd of the season, surpassing his total from last year and pulling within two of his single-season career high (2019).

Hoerner hit his 10th home run of the season, reaching double digits for the first time in his career. Before this season, Hoerner had only hit three home runs total, all in 2019.

Stroman chimes in on White Sox

With the names of potential managerial candidates for the White Sox flying around the internet, Cubs starter Marcus Stroman chimed in Tuesday on Twitter.

“Willie Harris needs that manager job next year,” he posted. “Absolute legend who’s well-respected in the game. Perfect man for the position!”

Harris, the Cubs’ third base coach, won the 2005 World Series with the Sox as a player. He interviewed with them before they hired Tony La Russa in October 2020.

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Lucas Giolito pitched seven innings of two-run ball in his final start of the season, Elvis Andrus belted a three-run homer, and the White Sox defeated the Twins 8-3 Tuesday night for their fifth win in the last six games.

The Sox (81-80) go for a series sweep against the Twins (77-84) in the final game of their disappointing season Wednesday afternoon ensured of not having a losing record.

Adam Engel, Yoan Moncada and Eloy Jimenez had RBI doubles, Gavin Sheets a two-run single. The Sox posted four-run innings in the the third and fourth against Josh Winder and Aaron Sanchez.

Giolito (11-9) struck out four and gave up two hits and two walks, lowering his ERA to 4.90 in what has been a disappointing season.

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Lucas Giolito pitched seven innings of two-run ball in his final start of the season, Elvis Andrus belted a three-run homer, and the White Sox defeated the Twins 8-3 Tuesday night for their fifth win in the last six games.

The Sox (81-80) go for a series sweep against the Twins (77-84) in the final game of their disappointing season Wednesday afternoon ensured of not having a losing record.

Adam Engel, Yoan Moncada and Eloy Jimenez had RBI doubles, Gavin Sheets a two-run single. The Sox posted four-run innings in the the third and fourth against Josh Winder and Aaron Sanchez.

Giolito (11-9) struck out four and gave up two hits and two walks, lowering his ERA to 4.90 in what has been a disappointing season.

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CINCINNATI – Evaluating the season of a team that wasn’t built to win is a tricky business.

Judging by record, this year was obviously a bust for the Cubs. After their 3-2 loss to the Reds on Tuesday, the Cubs will carry a 73-88 record into the final day of the season.

This roster, however, was built for a season in limbo – caught in between last year’s dramatic trade deadline teardown and a more competitive future.

“We knew a lot of things had to go really well to compete against where [the Cardinals] and the Brewers were this year,” president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said in late August.

They needed health. They needed a good chunk of their roster to perform above projections.

So, the success of this season was always going to hinge on how it laid the groundwork for the next phase of the rebuild.

“It’s been a lot of learning with some guys with not as much experience, some of the younger guys coming up, guys getting used to the big leagues,” manager David Ross said Tuesday. “There’s been growth within that. But, you’re evaluating on a daily basis. And as soon as you evaluate something wrong and try to address it.”

When that in-season process is over and Ross gets a moment to examine the year as a whole, what will he zero in on?

“The thing I’ll look back on is, how far away are we from championship-caliber baseball, and wrap my brain around. And what’s the next step?”

Pitching

The comeback story of the Cubs’ season goes to the rotation.

“We knew we could do some good things,” pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said last week. “Unfortunately, early, we had injuries, and we had things go on that limited some of those things.”

Marcus Stroman, Kyle Hendricks, Wade Miley, Drew Smyly, Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson all spent time on the injured list this year.

In the first half of the season, short starts – and their ripple effects – were a persistent issue. But the Cubs rotation entered play Tuesday with a 2.93 ERA since the All-Star break, with Adrian Sampson and rookies Javier Assad and Hayden Wesneski capitalizing on opportunities.

Only Dodgers (2.73) and Astros (2.76) starters were better in that span.

Hitting

The Cubs have holes in their lineup and will likely have to replace Willson Contreras next year. Entering play Tuesday, they ranked No. 23 in runs scored (640) in MLB.

The upside of inexperience, however, is they can expect growth from players like Seiya Suzuki and Christopher Morel in their sophomore seasons next year.

“When it comes down to being able to set the expectations and the standards which we’re trying to achieve, I think that’s been done in Year 1,” said hitting coach Greg Brown, who the Cubs hired last winter. “And I think that’s a success.”

Base running

Ross was frank in his evaluation last week.

“We’ve been awful on the bases from a getting-thrown-out standpoint,” he said. “We have not run the bases well. We have gone first to third maybe as good as anybody in the league. And we have stolen way more bases than had been projected and what you would say our team speed is. So, there’s two areas. But we have run into some outs on the bases that we definitely need to clean up.”

Entering Tuesday, the Cubs did, indeed, lead the National League in runners going from first base to third on singles (101). They’d stolen 108 bases, trailing only the Marlins (120) in the NL. But they’d run into 68 outs on base, the worst mark in the league.

Defense

Sloppy defense also contributed to losses. The Cubs have valued defensive versatility in their rebuild. But playing multiple utility players at a time comes with its own challenges.

The Cubs did have a couple individual players post breakout defensive seasons. Nico Hoerner proved he could be an everyday major-league shortstop. Ian Happ’s All-Star year included a standout performance in left field.

Overall, however, inexperience in the infield, especially, extended innings and cost runs.

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First baseman Jose Abreu has played his entire career with the White Sox, is one of their most popular players and is adored by chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

He has enjoyed a consistently productive career, plays hurt and was the American League Most Valuable Player in 2020.

And he might not be back with the Sox after he completes the third year of a $50 million contract Wednesday. The Sox finish a terribly disappointing season Wednesday afternoon.

“Look, he’s been exemplary in terms of what you want a White Sox player to be for nine years now,” general manager Rick Hahn said Monday. “No matter what the future holds for him here or elsewhere, I don’t think you are ever going to hear anyone with this organization say a bad word about Jose.”

It’s just that Abreu, probably because of his age and what he’ll cost and how many years he would want in his next deal — and perhaps because of sagging home run production — might be the odd man out as the front office figures out how to get less expensive first basemen Andrew Vaughn and Gavin Sheets out of the outfield. While designated hitter makes some sense for Abreu, it also does for Vaughn and Sheets, and it has become clear that left fielder Eloy Jimenez is best suited for DH.

“You find a way to do it,” acting manager Miguel Cairo said of keeping Abreu in the lineup. “You don’t want to lose that production.”

Finishing up a three-year, $50 million contract, Abreu said Tuesday there have been no discussions with the front office about a new contract. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf told Abreu he’d finish his career in a Sox uniform before striking that deal, so there’s that.

“I’m just thankful and loyal to Jerry,” Abreu said through translator Billy Russo. “He gave me the opportunity to play here and I appreciate the opportunity. I am a White Sox. I’ll be a White Sox tomorrow. We’ll see.”

Abreu appeared comfortable, relaxed and at peace before Tuesday’s game. When he talked about the fans, it felt like “this is the end” on the South Side.

“I want to thank them for all the support, for always having my back,” Abreu said through translator Billy Russo. “These were a special nine years and I hope there can be more. But up to now it’s been very special and I’m going to be forever grateful for them.”

Abreu, who will be 36, is certain he wants to keep playing.

“Claro! [of course]” he shouted in Spanish when asked.

“I’m still hungry about the game. Once I lose that, then I know that it’s time.”

Despite being held to 15 homers, easily a career low, Abreu hasn’t lost his hitting stroke. He hit his 40th double in the first inning against the Twins Tuesday, his 183rd hit of the season – second most in the AL. He entered with a .304/.378/.445 hitting line. He is not Gold Glove caliber but improved his defense since his first season in 2014.

His determination to never rest and play hurt was noted by Tony La Russa on his way out the door Monday. On a team wrecked by injuries, that is significant.

Abreu’s leadership was less “we can do this” as he said during the team’s ongoing struggle in 2022 and more about example, not unlike Derek Jeter, Cairo said.

In any event, the Abreu contract watch will be monitored in the coming weeks. Perhaps trading Vaughn or Jimenez for a significant return would make more sense.

“How it fits going forward, that remains to be seen come this offseason,” Hahn said. “Obviously there’s only so many different ways that you can fit various players on the roster and Jose returning would have a ripple effect on others, but we’ll have to wait to see how things unfold and make decisions accordingly.”

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The next White Sox manager and current front office need to address multiple issues before Opening Day 2023, includingdefense, baserunning, hitting and hustle. The pitching staff would be all in on seeing more plays made in the field.

“The saying goes ‘Defense wins championships,’ ” closer Liam Hendriks said. “From what I read the other day, we are the 28th-ranked defense in baseball. We had the 10th-ranked pitching staff in baseball. So there were certain times where the pitchers made up for the … deficiencies in the field.”

Not to pin run prevention problems solely on Sox fielders, Hendriks listed numerous things he needs to get better at. But catching the baseball prevents outs and makes pitchers last longer. The Sox gave away too many outs this season.

“You have to have the faith in everybody behind you,” Hendriks said.

“And that goes into everything, whether it be offense, defense, pitching, and it all combines into one. There’s definitely room for improvement, but there’s room for improvement in every single facet of our game.”

What about Ozzie?

While support among fans and in some media circles has increased for the idea of moving 2005 World Series manager Ozzie Guillen from his TV chair to the dugout, there are no indications Guillen would be considered for the manager’s job. Hahn answered a direct question about Guillen Monday with a brief answer.

“I’m not going to get into specifics of candidates,” Hahn said. “I sort of laid out the general parameters and you can go from there.”

Hahn said the selection will be a collaborative process including himself, chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and vice president Ken Williams coming to a consensus.

“I’ll be leading the process,” Hahn said. “I’ll be the one having these initial conversations here, over the coming months, or coming weeks I should say.”

Squandered

Similar to leaving runners in scoring position, the Sox’ failure to never really be in the race for the AL Central, let alone contend for a World Series, was an opportunity lost of major proportions. Contention windows last only so long.

“The squandering of this year is something I will carry with me for a while,” Hahn said.

“There’s no one associated with this organization, at least on the baseball side, including the guys in uniform, scouts, player development, who doesn’t find this past year unacceptable. And extraordinarily frustrating and disappointing. A lot of hours, time, effort, support for fans, dollars were poured in to try to create a successful expanded window for this team to contend.”

Anderson waits till next year

Tim Anderson played his last game Aug. 6 because of a finger injury but wasn’t terribly missed because of Elvis Andrus’ performance on both sides of the ball.

Andrus is a free agent and Anderson, who has been with the team but quiet while on the injured list, will open the season healthy.

“Definitely different, not being able to be 100 percent,” Anderson said Tuesday. “Just being up and down, battling through injuries. Definitely not a place you want to be at.”

Anderson’s energy and vocal presence on the field were infectious and he said he’ll be the same guy next season.

“Yeah,” he said. “I’m definitely going to go out and have fun, for sure.”

Anderson said playing for Tony La Russa was “definitely different.”

“Learned a lot from him,” Anderson said. “Definitely competitive. Things that he brought to the game were different. He’s super competitive. Just overall, it was good.”

La Russa’s record

Following the announcement of La Russa not returning in 2023, all wins-losses since he left the team are officially credited to acting manager Miguel Cairo. La Russa’s all-time record stands at 2,884-2,499, second all-time in wins behind Connie Mack.

The Sox are 17-15 since Aug. 30 under Cairo.

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