LAS VEGAS — Pedro Grifol will manage the first game of his career against the World Series champion Houston Astros on March 30, probably after a ring ceremony that should inspire the White Sox manager and his team to play out the same scene.

What Grifol’s starting lineup will look like that day behind Cy Young Award finalist Dylan Cease, maybe the first easy choice of Grifol’s career when he names his Opening Day starter during his first spring training, is something of a mystery four days after Grifol was hired.

At the general managers meetings this week, perhaps Sox GM Rick Hahn will reveal a hint about the plans he, Grifol and vice president Ken Williams have for the roster now that Grifol is in place and the hot stove will commence.

Grifol takes over after two seasons of Tony La Russa including a disappointing 81-81 season in 2022, with a core of the roster intact, although Jose Abreu, Johnny Cueto, Elvis Andrus and Vince Velasquez became free agents Monday. But with Cease, Michael Kopech, Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito returning from the rotation, Liam Hendriks and Kendall Graveman and other veterans and maybe healthier versions of left-handers Aaron Bummer and Garrett Crochet (Tommy John surgery) in the bullpen, as well as position players Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Andrew Vaughn back, Hahn remains bullish on what was put together in a rebuild that has netted two unsuccessful playoff appearances.

“We view this as still very, a championship caliber core,” Hahn said Thursday. “Obviously we had significant regression across the board in several key players. Job one is figuring out which of those is correctable.”

And how to get the underperformers back to levels that were “reasonable to project them for last season before they fell off. If we’re able to accomplish that with numerous players, wholesale changes or radical shift in direction is by no means necessary.”

Improvement hinges on “regaining our offensive approach” under a to-be-named new hitting coach and Grifol, himself a former hitting coach in the minor leagues, and staying healthier, Hahn said.

“Those are two keys to our success,” he said. “Improving ourselves defensively, how we run the bases, a little better lineup balance, [better] approach to each at-bat is called for as well. Whether that comes from internal improvement or external additions, we’re hoping for a combination of both.

“But we don’t view this as drastic wholesale changes on the horizon. We need to get these guys back to the level they’re capable of playing at.”

Cuban outfield prospect Oscar Colas would provide a left-handed bat to a right-hand heavy lineup, and with center field abilities, upgrade right field defensively. Pinning hopes on an unproven rookie coming out of spring training has risks, however.

Re-crafting a balky configuration that includes defensively challenged outfielders Jimenez, Gavin Sheets and Vaughn — the latter two converted first baseman -is one thing, even if Abreu walks away.

“We had a few guys playing out of position last year just out of the way the roster fit together,” Hahn said, “and then driven more significantly due to the injuries. We want to avoid that. We want to get to the point where we have guys playing in a role they’re more suited for and if that means we have to make some alterations from the roster from the outside [via trades and free agency] that’s the route we’ll have to go.”

Anderson’s $12.5 million option was exercised, as expected, and 35-year-old second baseman Josh Harrison’s $5.625 million option ($1.5 million buyout) was not. Left fielder A.J. Pollock has a $13 million player option or $5 million buyout to choose. The Sox don’t have any qualifying offers to consider, and as for arbitration eligibles, Giolito, Cease, Kopech and Reynaldo Lopez will be tendered contracts, Danny Mendick and Jose Ruiz probably will and Adam Engel might not.

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As we know, the Chicago Blackhawks first month of the 2022/23 season was a pleasant surprise to most, if not many.

The Blackhawks team had exceeded expectations and impressed in all aspects of the game played well according to the coaching, if not for the many injuries that have plagued the team.

The best part about it is that we are just getting started folks and hopefully the wins do start accumulating.

For me, living in Toronto, having the privilege of watching the games here at home has been an experience as of late.

Chicago’s fore check is an incredibly strong force that is being recognized in the league, and is taking shape as each game progresses.

As the season continues, we may see if any moves are made to better tweak the team or a stellar acquisition is made to better improve the team’s outlook by possibly making a run for the playoffs.

With a current projected cap space at approximately over/under five million dollars US.

So, what is my evaluation of the team?

As I reiterate, the Chicago Blackhawks fort check has been incredible to watch, garnering plenty of opportunities in and around the net.

The most important aspect of their game is that each player on the Blackhawks unit is aware of each others presence that gives them that A to B type chemistry with the puck movement.

The captain, Jonathon Toews’s hot-start, I credit to his younger line mates who are also off to a red-hot start themselves.

They are a feisty team to watch play as they have the endurance to play on when down a goal or two.

Not to mention the best combination of youngsters mixed with veteran like players.

This team is poised to move forward and keep picking up pace as to where they left off.

Another thing to watch will be the progression of the forwards who seem to be having career years to speak.

How do I rate the Defense?

The defense in my opinion should be a little more productive and needs to improve along the far-side of the ice, where the team has made careless turnovers, especially in the offensive zone.

Overall though, the team is improving quite well under the direction of the coaching staff, and due to injuries it is somewhat hard to hold this system accountable to say.

Once a healthy team, we should see all cylinder’s firing on pace and the team playing amongst the elites to maintain position, if not a wild card spot.

Hopefully, we can see more goals scored rather then goal opportunities that lead to the wins column.

The Goalie System.

Understanding the fact the Chicago Blackhawks are currently in a crisis with goaltenders, it will be a solid fact that the team will have a steady group of netminders going forward.

The injurie bug is tough, but the Chicago Blackhawks are tougher and will improve.

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The Chicago Bulls head back to the United Center for the second night of a back-to-back with the Raptors following Sunday night’s loss in Toronto.

Through 11 games of the 2022-23 season, the Chicago Bulls have teetered around the .500 mark. Last night’s loss marked their second straight, and pushed the Bulls to a 5-6 record heading back to the United Center for the beginning of a three-game home stand.

Tonight’s game will mark the fourth time this season that the Bulls have played a back-to-back stretch, with the most recent ending successfully with wins over Brooklyn and Charlotte. This time around it will be two straight with the Toronto Raptors, who took down Chicago 113-104 in Toronto Sunday night led by Rockford native, Fred VanVleet’s 30 points.

The big finish from Fred hurt the Bulls in the loss column and also gave a blow to our best bet record, as the best bet blog falls for the third consecutive game. Have no fear, for we won’t stand for a losing streak, and while I won’t be going to the Bulls’ spread or moneyline, I do have some confidence that our guys can get this one done. Let’s see some red tonight and get things back on the right track and GO BULLS!!

2022 Bulls Best Bet Record: 6-5

Chicago Bulls Team Total Over 111.5 (Sportsbook Odds May Vary)

Despite playing on the second night of a back-to-back, I actually think the Bulls offense has a great opportunity for a bounce back tonight. In last night’s loss, Chicago showed times throughout the game of consistent offense, scoring at least 30 points in the first and third quarters, but were unable to sustain the output late into the game.

It remains unclear if Zach LaVine will suit up in tonight’s game for the Chicago Bulls, as they continue to act with caution throughout this “injury management” process. To this point in these blogs, I have been blatantly wrong when trying to speculate injury availability, and while I have fortunately managed to stay successful in spite of those misses, I am going to keep my foot out of my mouth this time and say I like the Bulls offense tonight no matter who is active.

With LaVine in the lineup, the Bulls are 4-3, averaging 111.7 points per game. Without LaVine, they are 1-3 with only a small drop to exactly 111 points per game. While the difference is small in point output, LaVine’s presence improves the offense, and also vastly improves the depth and roles of the bench players and their impacts.

Elsewhere on the Bulls injury report, Andre Drummond has been listed as doubtful, and Coby White has been ruled out.

The other factor that I love for this pick and quite frankly the Bulls chances in general tonight, is the bounce back opportunity, playing a team for the second consecutive night. Around the NBA, teams that matchup with each other in consecutive games, or even over the span of a couple of weeks, tend to see those matchups see an even split.

I love the Bulls opportunity for a split with Toronto tonight, and in addition to the split trends, the rematch situations typically see a flip in offensive production on that second night, whether it be regression or positive regression. In the case of the Bulls, after scoring just 104 last night, I feel strongly that they can put together a nice consistent outpouring that could reach 120.

The healthier this team can get, the more competitive they will continue to be, and the more they will give some of these guys the opportunity to grow. Much of Bulls nation was quick to cast away Patrick Williams after not only a slow start, but also by the eye test, a completely uninspiring effort that lacked any impact on the game.

Across his last six games, Williams appears to be turning a corner and has shown a massive uptick in confidence and aggression. Over these last six, he is averaging 11.16ppg/4.83rpg/48 FG%/8-21 3-pt shooting. That is a huge boost from his opening five games, averaging 6.2ppg/1.6rpg/40FG%/3-12 3-pt shooting. He will be a big factor on both ends tonight, and remains one of the bigger x-factors to the Bulls elevating as a team to the next level.

Let’s get a bounce back performance for not only the Bulls tonight, but for our best bets as well! Best of luck, and GO BULLS!!

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LAS VEGAS — It was a forgone conclusion the White Sox would exercise their 2023 option on shortstop Tim Anderson. Second baseman Josh Harrison wasn’t a given, though, and on Monday the veteran who played one season in Chicago became a free agent.

Harrison, 35, had a $5.5 million club option for 2023 with a $1.5 million buyout.

Anderson’s option was for $12.5 million.

Harrison batted .256/.317/.370 with seven home runs, 19 doubles, 27 RBI and 50 runs scored in 119 games last season after signing as a free agent on March 15. Harrison’s No. 5 jersey was given to new manager Pedro Grifol when he was hired Thursday.

Anderson, 29, made his second All-Star Game but was limited to 79 games because of injuries. He batted .301/.339/.395 with six homers and with 13 doubles.

The Sox will likely look to free agency or the trade market for a second baseman. Internal options include Danny Mendick, Romy Gonzalez and Leury Garcia, although each of them seem best suited for utility roles.

Since 2019, Anderson has not played in more than 123 games due to an assortment of injuries, but he led the major leagues in batting with a .335 average in 2020 and won the Silver Slugger award as the best hitting shortstop in the AL in 2020.

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INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have fired coach Frank Reich after another lackluster offensive performance in the team’s third consecutive loss.

The Colts announced the move on Monday, one day after it went 0 for 14 on third down and totaled just 121 yards of offense in an ugly 26-3 loss at New England.

Indy (3-5-1) has the league’s lowest scoring offense. Team officials are expected to speak about the decision Monday night.

Reich was hired in 2018 after serving as offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles. He led the Colts to the playoffs in two of his first four seasons and had them on the cusp of making it last season. But Indy lost its last two games to miss the postseason.

This is the third major move in three weeks for Indy. Two weeks ago, Reich announced the benching of longtime NFL veteran Matt Ryan, the league’s 2016 MVP. Last week, he fired offensive coordinator Marcus Brady even though Reich was the one calling plays.

General manager Chris Ballard also traded running back Nyheim Hines last Tuesday, just before the trading deadline.

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Ian Mitchell’s long-term destiny with the Blackhawks could be determined this season. So a significant injury at the very beginning of training camp was the worst possible thing for him.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened.

“It was brutal,” Mitchell said. “All summer you train for [camp], get ready for it. And then you feel like it’s all for naught, because you’re out for an extended period of time and you lose your conditioning.”

The 23-year-old defenseman suffered a tendon injury in his left wrist that ruled him out for an estimated six weeks on Sept. 22, the second day of camp.

It has been six and a half weeks since, and although Mitchell did return to Hawks practices last week wearing a non-contact jersey, he still hasn’t returned to game action. He described the current issue as a “pain tolerance thing,” which is improving.

The injury was identical to the one Caleb Jones suffered near the end of camp last season, which derailed an equally important moment in Jones’ own NHL career.

“It’s not all that uncommon in hockey,” Mitchell said. “You’re using your wrist all the time and [the tendon] pops out. It’s frustrating, but there’s nothing you can really do about it.”

Once he does return to action, Mitchell will face some considerable pressure to quickly take the next step in his career.

He was a favored prospect under ex-general manager Stan Bowman. New GM Kyle Davidson doesn’t have the same preexisting investment in Mitchell, however, and Davidson has also proven eager to move on from many of Bowman’s other failed projects.

Worryingly, 5-11, 175-pound Mitchell falls into a mold of defensemen — undersized puck-movers — that Bowman valued much more highly than Davidson. The Hawks have shifted their focus toward bigger, stronger defensemen since the regime change.

Given that he’ll turn 24 in January, that his entry-level contract will expire next summer and that he has played in just 47 NHL games so far, Mitchell is furthermore on the cusp of falling out of the “prospect” tier and into the “depth defensemen” category. That’s not a good place to be.

Mitchell still has the rest of this season to alter his trajectory, though. He believes his experience as Rockford’s heavily relied-upon No. 1 defenseman last season — in addition to his summer work on improving his breakout passes — has him poised to break out this winter.

“Last year in Rockford was really good for me,” he said. “I was playing at a really high level. Just being able to be in one spot throughout the year and grow my game was important for me. … I was able to settle in. I didn’t have to do too much, and I could just play my position and let my skill shine through.”

Hawks coach Luke Richardson said last week he wasn’t sure whether Mitchell, even once medically cleared, would start in the AHL or NHL. His destination will depend on the health of the Hawks’ current “D” core.

But if Mitchell is to remain in Chicago beyond this year, he’ll probably need to fight his way into the NHL sooner rather than later.

“Coming into this year, I’ve had a ton of confidence,” Mitchell said. “My goal [was that] this was my year to make and lock down a roster spot. So my mindset now is that it’s just delayed, and I’m just starting a bit later. I still have a ton of confidence, and I feel like I can help this team.”

Note: The Hawks activated Petr Mrazek (groin) off injured reserve Monday but placed fellow goaltender Alex Stalock (concussion) on injured reserve, retroactive to Nov. 1. The Hawks will likely provide an injury update on Arvid Soderblom on Tuesday, when they’ll resume practicing after taking Sunday and Monday off.

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It has been an arduous season and a half in the NFL for Bears quarterback Justin Fields, but things are starting to click.

Fields rushed for an NFL regular-season record 178 yards rushing in the 35-32 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday and completed 17 of 28 passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns for a 106.7 passer rating.

“It’s really a joy to see him mature and get better, and him wanting to improve each week,” coach Matt Eberflus said Monday. “And this week will be no different.”

It’s an ideal week for Fields to put up another big game. The Bears host the Lions on Sunday, and Detroit has allowed a league-worst 29.3 points per game. The Lions rank 29th in opponent passer rating and 31st in run defense.

Despite the Bears falling to 3-6, there has been a lot to like about their offense lately.

Over his last five games, Fields has completed 63.3% of his passes, averaged 170.2 yards passing and thrown eight touchdown passes against two interceptions for a 99.7 passer rating. He has raised his season passer rating to 85.0, up 11.8 points from his rookie season.

Fields has also rushed for 455 yards and three touchdowns on 57 carries during that span.

As Fields has improved, so has the offense. The Bears have averaged 24.6 points per game over their last five after scoring just 16 points per game over the first four.

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LAS VEGAS — Pedro Grifol will manage the first game of his career against the World Series champion Houston Astros on March 30, probably after a ring ceremony that should inspire the White Sox manager and his team to play out the same scene.

What Grifol’s starting lineup will look like that day behind Cy Young Award finalist Dylan Cease, maybe the first easy choice of Grifol’s career when he names his Opening Day starter during his first spring training, is something of a mystery four days after Grifol was hired.

At the general managers meetings this week, perhaps Sox GM Rick Hahn will reveal a hint about the plans he, Grifol and vice president Ken Williams have for the roster now that Grifol is in place and the hot stove will commence.

Grifol takes over after two seasons of Tony La Russa including a disappointing 81-81 season in 2022, with a core of the roster intact, although Jose Abreu, Johnny Cueto, Elvis Andrus and Vince Velasquez became free agents Monday. But with Cease, Michael Kopech, Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito returning from the rotation, Liam Hendriks and Kendall Graveman and other veterans and maybe healthier versions of left-handers Aaron Bummer and Garrett Crochet (Tommy John surgery) in the bullpen, as well as position players Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Andrew Vaughn back, Hahn remains bullish on what was put together in a rebuild that has netted two unsuccessful playoff appearances.

“We view this as still very, a championship caliber core,” Hahn said Thursday. “Obviously we had significant regression across the board in several key players. Job one is figuring out which of those is correctable.”

And how to get the underperformers back to levels that were “reasonable to project them for last season before they fell off. If we’re able to accomplish that with numerous players, wholesale changes or radical shift in direction is by no means necessary.”

Improvement hinges on “regaining our offensive approach” under a to-be-named new hitting coach and Grifol, himself a former hitting coach in the minor leagues, and staying healthier, Hahn said.

“Those are two keys to our success,” he said. “Improving ourselves defensively, how we run the bases, a little better lineup balance, [better] approach to each at-bat is called for as well. Whether that comes from internal improvement or external additions, we’re hoping for a combination of both.

“But we don’t view this as drastic wholesale changes on the horizon. We need to get these guys back to the level they’re capable of playing at.”

Cuban outfield prospect Oscar Colas would provide a left-handed bat to a right-hand heavy lineup, and with center field abilities, upgrade right field defensively. Pinning hopes on an unproven rookie coming out of spring training has risks, however.

Re-crafting a balky configuration that includes defensively challenged outfielders Jimenez, Gavin Sheets and Vaughn — the latter two converted first baseman -is one thing, even if Abreu walks away.

“We had a few guys playing out of position last year just out of the way the roster fit together,” Hahn said, “and then driven more significantly due to the injuries. We want to avoid that. We want to get to the point where we have guys playing in a role they’re more suited for and if that means we have to make some alterations from the roster from the outside [via trades and free agency] that’s the route we’ll have to go.”

Anderson’s $12.5 million option was exercised, as expected, and 35-year-old second baseman Josh Harrison’s $5.625 million option ($1.5 million buyout) was not. Left fielder A.J. Pollock has a $13 million player option or $5 million buyout to choose. The Sox don’t have any qualifying offers to consider, and as for arbitration eligibles, Giolito, Cease, Kopech and Reynaldo Lopez will be tendered contracts, Danny Mendick and Jose Ruiz probably will and Adam Engel might not.

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