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Chicago Weekend in Craft Beer, June 26-28Mark McDermotton June 25, 2020 at 3:45 am

The Beeronaut

Chicago Weekend in Craft Beer, June 26-28

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Chicago Weekend in Craft Beer, June 26-28Mark McDermotton June 25, 2020 at 3:45 am Read More »

No cops at Pride?Rachel Hawleyon June 24, 2020 at 6:05 pm

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No cops at Pride?Rachel Hawleyon June 24, 2020 at 6:05 pm Read More »

Local independent baseball teams will play home games this seasonSun-Times staffon June 24, 2020 at 6:03 pm

The Chicago Dogs and the Joliet Slammers, two area independent baseball teams, will play this year.

The Dogs originally were going to play home games at Franklin Field in Milwaukee, but with Illinois entering Phase 4 of COVID-19 guidelines, the team moved back to Impact Field in Rosemont with limited capacity.

“We’re thrilled to be playing baseball, and especially in front of our fans at Impact Field,” Dogs owner Shawn Hunter said in a statement. “This positive news will help all of us kick off the summer celebration.”

The Dogs open their season on July 3 in Milwaukee. The home opener will be July 7 in Rosemont.

The Slammers of the independent Frontier League will participate in the City of Champions Cup at DuPage Medical Group Field in Joliet beginning July 16.

The Slammers and three other teams will compete for the Cup, all playing a 27 game schedule each at DuPage Medical Group Field from July 16 through Sept. 6. The other teams will be made up of Frontier League players unable to play for their current teams and free agents from MiLB affiliated teams. “We are expecting a very high level of talent to be on the field for the Slammers and the other three teams,” said Nick Semaca, Slammers majority owner.

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Local independent baseball teams will play home games this seasonSun-Times staffon June 24, 2020 at 6:03 pm Read More »

Never forgive baseball’s owners and players for arguing over money during the pandemicRick Morrisseyon June 24, 2020 at 5:56 pm

I’ll be excited about the return of major-league baseball when there are replacement players, replacement owners and a replacement commissioner.

Until then, I’ll stick with the sentiment that’s been with me since the bickering began: What a bunch of selfish, tone-deaf jerks.

After months of everyone involved revealing their true colors, all various shades of green, baseball will begin its 60-game season either July 23 or July 24. Can I get a “hooray?” How about a “huzzah?” Didn’t think so.

Let’s settle for a “Who cares?”

It’s instructive to note that, in the end, the players and the owners couldn’t come to an agreement during financial negotiations and that the return to work is a matter of paperwork and procedure, like something out of Robert’s Rules of Order.

If and when fans are allowed back inside big-league ballparks, what if none show up? What a glorious thing that would be. What a well-deserved shunning of the people who, incredibly, despicably thought it was acceptable to argue over money while a pandemic raged.

The public anger is not about the games that weren’t played. It’s not about a feeling of loss. There wasn’t going to be baseball for a while because of COVID-19. We knew that. So another two weeks or month without games isn’t going to be the end of us.

And we certainly didn’t lose our innocence while the two sides fought. We’ve been on to these people and their greed for, oh, three or four decades, minimum.

But to be hit over the head with the idea that the paying customers don’t matter, especially in these worst of times, is about as bad as it gets. The owners and players were complaining about a lack of sparkling water while a fire blew across the country. Amazing.

I’d ask how they can look fans in the eye, but come on. They’ve been looking past fans forever. For players, fans were put on earth to provide cheering, to serve as the soundtrack to their video highlight reel. For owners, fans were created to provide pockets to be emptied.

If I’ve missed something good that has come out of three months of nasty negotiations, please let me know. Maybe a quarantined player sewed some dollar-sign masks and sent them to Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred.

This fight was never about the health and safety of players. It wasn’t about how to have a season while trying to beat back a disease. It was about money. The owners and players wanted you to think it was about COVID-19 and best practices, but it wasn’t. There would be some justice if the season ended up being shut down by the virus. Both sides used the cover of a pandemic to battle over dollars.

This is a long way of saying, if I have to hear the phrase “pro-rated salary” one more time, there’s a decent chance I will lose what’s left of my mind.

But now that the verbiage of a prior agreement has forced the players to agree to the commissioner’s plan for a season, you can bet players will get more and more nervous about the spread of the coronavirus. Several teams have had players recently test positive, with Rockies star Charlie Blackmon the first in the league to be publicly identified. Just another reminder that the virus isn’t going away any time soon, no matter how hard we try to wish it away.

Camps will open July 1. Not spring training, but summer training at home stadiums. Strange, but no stranger than anything else we’ve been through the past three months.

If you hold to the idea that baseball would have been a nice diversion while most of us were forced to stay close to home during the pandemic, what the owners and players did was unforgivable. They were given an almost sacred duty during a difficult time – please prepare to entertain the troops – yet they fought over money. Don’t forget that. When you want to know what the sport really thinks of you, remember that.

The regular season will end Sept. 27, followed by the same 10-team playoff format that has been in place since 2012. Winning the World Series in 2020 will be like winning the World’s Tallest Toy Poodle competition. The season will always have a virtual asterisk affixed to it, not just because it was truncated by COVID-19 but because it was polluted by two sides that proved to be thoroughly unlikeable.

And maybe, just maybe, because a fed-up public refused to watch the games.

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Never forgive baseball’s owners and players for arguing over money during the pandemicRick Morrisseyon June 24, 2020 at 5:56 pm Read More »

Lincoln Park Zoo Reopens This Weekend; Shedd Aquarium & Brookfield Zoo Will Open in JulyNishat Ahmedon June 24, 2020 at 4:54 pm

For the first time in over a century and a half, Lincoln Park Zoo was closed due to the severity of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re sure we’re not the only ones rejoicing in the fact that as of this weekend, Lincoln Park Zoo will reopen its doors again to Chicago, followed by Shedd Aquarium and Brookfield Zoo this July. 

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Those with memberships to the zoo can get early access to Lincoln Park Zoo starting this Friday, June 26th, through Sunday, June 28th. On Monday, June 29th, the zoo will be open to members and the public alike.

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Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo

Like all other establishments opening in the midst of the pandemic, Lincoln Park Zoo will be taking many precautions to ensure the safety of their guests. As per the recommendation by city and state officials, all visitors frequenting Lincoln Park Zoo will be required to make a reservation. As always, Lincoln Park Zoo remains a free admission institution and reservations will not incur a fee. 

To make a reservation, guests can use Eventbrite or call directly at 312-742-2000. Reservations can be made every hour, on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm. Guests have been kindly requested to keep their visit to around 2 hours so as not to exceed capacity limitations and allow for as many patrons as possible to experience Lincoln Park Zoo again after its extended closure.

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Aside from reservations, Lincoln Park Zoo is instituting the following safety guidelines:

  • Guests who are medically able will be required to wear a face covering
  • High touchpoints will have restricted access
  • Number of handwashing stations will be increased
  • Sanitation rounds will be increased
  • All gates, besides the East and West Gate entrances, will be open to the public to assists with the flow of traffic
  • Food and gifts will be available via outdoor, minimum, or no-contact transactions
  • Guests will be directed via one-way paths through the zoo in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

It should be noted that while the outdoor exhibits will be visible, all indoor habitats will be closed until further notice.

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Photo Credit: Brookfield Zoo Yelp Page

Brookfield Zoo announced their plans to reopen as well; members can go starting on July 1st and enjoy the grounds for a whole week until it opens to the general public on July 8th. Like Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo will require reservations and require that guests above the age of 2 wear masks. Brookfield Zoo will also be instituting a cashless environment, meaning that only debit and credit cards will be allowed for transactions accepted at food carts and merchandise kiosks. In a similar fashion as Lincoln Park Zoo, all indoor spaces at Brookfield Zoo will be closed. Admission to Brookfield Zoo is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children 3-11, and $19.95 for seniors 65 and older. Parking at the zoo is $15.

Photo Credit: Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium also plans to reopen its doors in the coming weeks. Beginning July 3rd, Shedd Aquarium will be open to the public. A members-only preview will be held the day prior on July 2nd. Member pre-sale for all available dates are now live; pre-sale for the general public for visits starting on July 3rd begins tomorrow, June 25th, at 12 pm. The Shedd Aquarium has implemented a number of safety guidelines to ensure guests are safe, given the fact that one must be indoors to experience Shedd’s attractions. For a full understanding of all the implementations, visit their website.

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Featured Image Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo

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Lincoln Park Zoo Reopens This Weekend; Shedd Aquarium & Brookfield Zoo Will Open in JulyNishat Ahmedon June 24, 2020 at 4:54 pm Read More »

Blackhawks History: Revisiting the Hjalmarsson and Panarin tradesRyan Sikeson June 24, 2020 at 2:00 pm

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

On June 23, 2017, the Chicago Blackhawks completed two of the worst trades in team history, dealing both Niklas Hjalmarsson and Artemi Panarin.

Three years ago, the Chicago Blackhawks made two trades that ultimately changed the course of where the franchise was headed. Coming off three Stanley Cup victories in six years, Niklas Hjalmarsson was critical for the Blackhawks blue line.

In ten seasons, he accumulated 23 goals with 120 assists for 143 points. Oddly enough, Hjalmarsson never scored a power-play goal during all that time, but he was so good at giving up his body to deny the opposition a shot on net.

During their Cup runs, the Blackhawks were frequently up against the NHL’s salary cap and had to say goodbye to several key members after the parade. On June 23, 2017, Niklas Hjalmarsson was that guy for the Blackhawks, who is currently making $5M AAV in his contract with the Coyotes.

When I think back on Hjalmarsson’s time in Chicago, I am reminded of his disallowed goal in Game 7 of the West Conference Semis against the Detroit Red Wings. Just before Hjalmarsson fired his blast on net, Brandon Saad was called for coincidental minors, a questionable penalty at best.

And I remember thinking that if the Red Wings pulled off that victory, that game would forever have an asterisk next to it. Thankfully, it didn’t come to that.

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Speaking of Saad, I think general manager Stan Bowman hung onto the nostalgia of those Stanley Cup teams, as Saad was a cap casualty after the 2015 Cup victory. Traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, an undrafted player named Artemi Panarin took his place on the second line next to Patrick Kane.

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All he did was average 30 goals and 45 assists a year, while also making Kane a better version of himself, as he led the Western Conference with 106 points during the 2015-2016 campaign. Still, that wasn’t enough to keep him around long-term, as Panarin was traded to the Blue Jackets for Saad, who hasn’t been able to replace Panarin’s production.

He was an electric player with fantastic stick handling, but my favorite memory of Panarin during his time in Chicago was his first career hat trick against the Rangers back in February 2016.

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While he was just one cog in the group of players, Panarin was a big reason why the Blackhawks finished third in the league with 57 power-play goals. And they haven’t finished within the top-ten for power-play goals since the 2015-2016 season.

This post was meant to be a trip down memory lane, honoring two great Blackhawks even if Panarin was here for just two seasons. Maybe the next general manager will trade for Panarin.

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Blackhawks History: Revisiting the Hjalmarsson and Panarin tradesRyan Sikeson June 24, 2020 at 2:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Bulls: What to do with Kris Dunn’s new qualifying offer?Ryan Heckmanon June 24, 2020 at 1:00 pm

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Chicago Bulls point guard Kris Dunn will see his qualifying offer for this coming offseason jump up a bit.

It has been quite a different year for the NBA, and for the Chicago Bulls, an especially eventful one. Following the suspension of the regular season, the Bulls got to work in hiring both Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley to help revamp the front office and, ultimately, the roster.

After the lengthy season suspension, though, some contractual details have moved around a little. One of the players impacted by this movement is Bulls point guard Kris Dunn.

It seems as though Dunn has been in the league far longer than just four years (three and a half, technically). But, this counts as his fourth season in the NBA after being a first-round draft pick back in 2016 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

When the Bulls executed the Jimmy Butler deal which netted them Dunn, Zach LaVine and rights to Lauri Markkanen, they inherited a decision to be made in the 2020 offseason. That decision, of course, will be whether or not to extend a qualifying offer to Dunn. Not only do they have that decision, but also the opportunity to match any offer sheet from another team.

Originally, Dunn’s qualifying offer was set at $4.6 million. However, due to the season being cut short, Dunn is looking at a much higher number by comparison.

Knowing now that the offer stands at just over $7 million, what should the Bulls do?

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I’ll put it this way: If the number had stood pat at $4.6 million, I think the Bulls would have at least offered that to keep him around as a reserve guard. However, that would be the highest I could see them going, especially knowing you’re going to be starting Coby White from here on out and already have an expensive backup in Tomas Satoransky under contract for two more years ($10 million annual average).

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Considering Dunn would be the fourth guard in line behind the three aforementioned, along with LaVine, there is no chance the Bulls should pay him $7.1 million for the upcoming season.

This past year, Dunn had some bright moments. He was a guy soon-to-be-ex head coach Jim Boylen grew to count on in the waning minutes of games. His defense was arguably the best out of all guards on this roster — but that isn’t saying much.

If Karnisovas and Eversley are looking ahead to the 2021 offseason — which they should be — then Dunn’s salary in the upcoming year truly doesn’t matter all that much. If they end up paying him $7.1 million for one more year, so be it. Is it the right decision? Probably not. But, as long as it doesn’t damage what should be an interesting free agency in 2021 for the Bulls, then it actually doesn’t matter all that much.

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Chicago Bulls: What to do with Kris Dunn’s new qualifying offer?Ryan Heckmanon June 24, 2020 at 1:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks: Marian Hossa will walk into the Hall of FameVincent Pariseon June 24, 2020 at 12:00 pm

SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 31: Marian Hossa #81 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on January 31, 2017 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 31: Marian Hossa #81 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on January 31, 2017 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks have had a few legends over the past decade and Marian Hossa walking into the Hall of Fame is the first of many.

The Chicago Blackhawks have been one of the league’s premier teams over the past decade. They won the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015 because they built their organization the right way. Well, they were a Western Conference Finalist in 2009 before being defeated in that series by the Detroit Red Wings. After the Cup was awarded a few weeks later, they signed Marian Hossa to a big free-agent contract.

Hossa was on that Detroit team that had just defeated Chicago in the Conference Finals and then was defeated in the Stanley Cup Final by the Pittsburgh Penguins. That was the second year in a row that Hossa was on the Stanley Cup runner up. Signing with Chicago gave them exactly the boost that they needed to put them over the edge and it gave Hossa a chance to finally get his name on the holy grail.

Well, Hossa was going to be a Hall of Fame player anyway because of how good he was in his regular-season career but the Stanley Cups make him one of the league’s all-time best. The thing that made Hossa so special is the fact that he was a winger that played the game in all three zones like a center. Think of the skill sets Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews each possess and combine them, that is Marian Hossa.

Hossa’s eight years with the Chicago Blackhawks ended up being the most of any team but he also had stints with the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Atlanta Thrashers, and Ottawa Senators. He was a super impactful player everywhere he went but getting to Chicago was the best thing for him and his career.

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Hossa’s career numbers are absolutely ridiculous. First, you can see his all-around prowess by looking at his 54.6 percent CorsiFor and plus-245 career rating. Simply put, the Blackhawks were so much more likely to have the puck and score than being scored against when Hossa was on the ice. That is why his 525 goals and 609 assists for 1134 points in 1309 games are even more impressive.

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You can argue he would have even more points if he cheated a little offensively but instead, he was committed to team defense and he still managed to be an all-time great offensive player. All of these facts will add up to Hossa being a first-ballot Hall of Famer when the class is announced later this afternoon.

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Chicago Blackhawks: Marian Hossa will walk into the Hall of FameVincent Pariseon June 24, 2020 at 12:00 pm Read More »