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Chicago art-pop wizard Sen Morimoto made national news in July, when the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events removed him from its Millennium Park at Home virtual summertime music series. Morimoto had prerecorded a series of mystical, gentle musical movements, but he began his set by delivering a brief statement lightly criticizing Mayor Lori Lightfoot for her inaction in the face of public protests about police brutality.…Read More

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Chicago Bears: Offensive line the root of the problems on offense by Dominique Blanton

The Chicago Cubs should make a move for Francisco Lindor this offseason.

The Chicago Cubs should make a serious push to trade for Cleveland Indians superstar shortstop, Francisco Lindor. According to MLB Trade Rumors, if the Indians look to move Lindor, the Cubs could make sense as a potential destination.

After another disappointing season and an early exit from the playoffs, the Cubs are on the verge of watching their championship window slam shut.

However, a trade for Lindor could jumpstart that championship drive once again and give them the best chance to squeeze every last drop out of this team.

For the umpteenth consecutive year, the Cubs Achilles’ heel has been their offense. No matter what they seem to do, they can’t get their offense jumpstarted. New hitting coach — same results. New manager — same results.

For whatever reason, they have struggled mightily to score runs and it continues to cost them. This postseason they managed to score a whopping one run in two playoff games against the Miami Marlins.

At some point, you have to look at the personnel on the team and wonder if a shakeup is really what’s in order. Beyond that, it feels like when the Cubs offense was humming during their World Series run, it was, at least in part, because they had a true and capable leadoff hitter in Dexter Fowler. Since his departure, the team has struggled to consistently fill that void. Lindor would fill that role for years to come.

Lindor is already a superstar in Major League Baseball and at only 26-years-old, is in the prime of his career. Over his six seasons in the big leagues, an average season for Lindor has been a .285 BA, 29 HRs, 86 RBI, 21 SB, with a .346 OBP, .488 SLG, and an .833 OPS.

He has put up these numbers while playing a premium position — shortstop. While the Cubs currently have Javier Baez at the position, he does have some experience playing second base. If they’re not inclined to move Baez, then perhaps Lindor would be willing to make the switch.

Next: Cubs offseason targets to watch in the World Series

Regardless, if a player of Lindor’s caliber is available, you accumulate the talent and find a way to make it work. He and Baez would form a formidable due up the middle, and he’d add a strong bat to an offense that can go impotent often.

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Protesters march during a rally and protest against police brutality after Marcellis Stinnettte,19, was fatally shot by police in Waukegan, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

Meanwhile, the FBI is assisting with the shooting investigation.

The Waukegan police officer involved in the fatal shooting of a teen has been fired “for multiple policy and procedure violations,” the city’s police chief announced Friday.

No other details were provided in Chief Wayne Walles’ brief announcement, which noted the Illinois State Police are continuing to conduct an independent investigation of the killing of 19-year-old Marcellis Stinnette, who was shot by the Waukegan officer in the northern suburb. The FBI is assisting the State Police in that effort.

In a statement, Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim said he contacted the U.S. Department of Justice Wednesday, and the department agreed to review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

“The FBI is aware of the death of Marcellis Stinnette and will review all available facts of the incident to determine if a federal response is warranted,” FBI Special Agent Siobhan Johnson said.

Provided

“I am confident in the work being done by the Illinois State Police and welcome the assistance of the FBI,” Nerheim said.

The incident began shortly before midnight Tuesday when an officer went to investigate a vehicle near Liberty and Oak streets, Waukegan police said in a statement. The car drove off from the officer but was found moments later by another officer. As that officer walked up to the car, the car reversed and the officer fired his pistol out of “fear for his safety,” police said.

Stinnette, a 19-year-old Black man, and his girlfriend Tafara Williams, who was driving the car, were both shot. Stinnette died from his gunshot wound at Vista Medical Center East, according to Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper. Williams survived and underwent surgery Thursday, according to her family.

The officer, who initially was placed on administrative leave, is Hispanic and has five years on the force, police said. Body camera and squad car footage of the incident is being reviewed by investigators.

“As I have said before, once the investigation is concluded, all the evidence will be reviewed and a final decision will be made with respect to any potential charges,” Nerheim said.

The shooting sparked outrage as it comes amid nationwide protests calling for an end to police brutality and racial justice.

On Thursday, protesters gathered outside a Waukegan police station, demanding justice for Stinnette and casting doubt on the Police Department’s version of what happened.

“I want justice for her,” Johnson said of her daughter. “I want the police to stop killing. You opened fire … for what? It’s not making sense to me. It’s not adding up,” said Williams’ mother Tina Johnson during the protest.

Contributing: David Struett, Mitch Dudek

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