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A Wicker Park Wonder and a Tribute to Helmut Jahnon July 12, 2021 at 3:49 am

Real Estate Royalty

A Wicker Park Wonder and a Tribute to Helmut Jahn

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A Wicker Park Wonder and a Tribute to Helmut Jahnon July 12, 2021 at 3:49 am Read More »

Cubs take LHP Jordan Wicks, Sox take SS Colson Montgomery at 21 and 22 in first round of draftSteve Greenbergon July 12, 2021 at 1:51 am

DENVER — The Cubs and White Sox picked back-to-back at Nos. 21 and 22 Sunday in the first round of Major League Baseball’s first-year player draft.

The Cubs took Kansas State left-hander Jordan Wicks, a 6-3, 220-pounder with a mid-90s fastball and what analysts covering event on MLB Network called the best changeup in the draft. Analyst Harold Reynolds predicted Wicks will be the first player in the draft to reach the big leagues.

“It’s a surreal moment,” Wicks said. “It’s something you dream about. And I just couldn’t be happier to be wearing blue right now.”

Cubs vice president of scouting Dan Kantrovitz called Wicks the best college lefty in the draft and said he was in the top 10 overall on the team’s internal draft board.

“To get one of them was definitely exciting,” Kantrovitz said.

The Sox took high school shortstop Colson Montgomery, a 6-4, 205-pounder projected by some scouts as a third baseman. Montgomery, who hits from the left side, said moments after the pick that he wants to be a shortstop. He was his high school football team’s starting quarterback and the basketball program’s career scoring leader.

He seems to have picked the right sport.

“Especially with this moment here,” he said, choked up. “So I guess I made the right decision.”

Sox director of amateur scouting Mike Shirley was in on in Montgomery from the start of his high school career.

“He’s famous,” Shirley said, “and he really piqued my attention early on.”

Catcher Henry Davis, a first-team All-American at Louisville, went No. 1 overall to the Pirates. At No. 2 to the Rangers went Vanderbilt right-hander Jack Leiter, son of longtime big-league lefty Al Leiter. Mississippi State pitcher Will Bednar, the Most Outstanding Player in the College World Series, went 14th to the Giants.

The remaining 19 rounds will unfold Monday and Tuesday.

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Cubs take LHP Jordan Wicks, Sox take SS Colson Montgomery at 21 and 22 in first round of draftSteve Greenbergon July 12, 2021 at 1:51 am Read More »

Man arrested after pulling knife on CPD officers in West Rogers ParkSun-Times Wireon July 12, 2021 at 2:42 am

A man was arrested Sunday after he pulled a knife on officers in West Rogers Park, according to Chicago police.

About 7:20 p.m., officers responded to calls of an assault in progress in the 2600 block of West Devon Avenue, and were approached by a man who pulled out a knife and pointed it towards them, Chicago police said.

One officer fired a single shot towards the man, but did not strike him, police said. A second officers tased the man, and he was then taken into custody.

The man was taken to the hospital for an observation, police said. One officer was also taken to the hospital for an observation.

The officers involved have been placed on routine administrative duties for 30 days, police said.

The specifics of the incident, including a comprehensive use of force investigation, are being investigated by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability with the full cooperation of the Chicago Police Department.

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Man arrested after pulling knife on CPD officers in West Rogers ParkSun-Times Wireon July 12, 2021 at 2:42 am Read More »

Chicago Cubs Draft: Select Jordan Wicks from Kansas StateVincent Pariseon July 12, 2021 at 2:21 am

May 26, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Kansas State pitcher Jordan Wicks (33) delivers a pitch to TCU during the Big 12 Conference Baseball Tournament at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Kansas State pitcher Jordan Wicks (33) delivers a pitch to TCU during the Big 12 Conference Baseball Tournament at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs have made their selection in the 2021 MLB Draft. They selected pitcher Jordan Wicks from Kansas State University with the 21st overall pick. He is one of the most MLB-ready prospects in the entire draft. There is a legit chance that he is the first player from the entire draft to reach Major League Baseball. It is a great selection as the Cubs have needed to draft and develop pitching for a long time.

The Chicago Cubs are looking to continue drafting and developing pitching.

Everyone knows that the Chicago Cubs have been terrible at drafting and developing pitching. The biggest failure of the Theo Epstein era has been developing good pitchers. All of them that were successful for them were either free agents or trades. It is a big sore spot and the reason they only ended up with one World Series instead of multiple.

They are hoping that Wicks can be the beginning of a turnaround for that. He currently has the highest-rated changeup in the draft and the third-best command in the draft. If the Cubs can get this kid to his full potential, he could be at or near the top of their rotation one day.

The Cubs are about to start a rebuild based on their current situation with their core players along with their spot in the standings. Based on his comments after being drafted about “opportunity to compete”, he seems well aware of this situation that he is stepping into. That could be very good for him because he is going to be highly thought of.

Related Story: The Chicago Cubs ended their losing streak because of one thing

He will join Brailyn Marquez, Brennan Davis, and Ed Howard amongst other great Cubs prospects. All of those guys are going to be very good for the Cubs one day, at least they hope. Hitting on Wicks would make that young farm system look a lot better as they begin their rebuild. If they do a good job selling their stars before they leave for nothing, this farm system could become elite quickly.

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Chicago Cubs Draft: Select Jordan Wicks from Kansas StateVincent Pariseon July 12, 2021 at 2:21 am Read More »

For first Sundays on State, visitors pour onto that great street for arts, eats and communityKyra Seneseon July 11, 2021 at 11:05 pm

Henry Taplin and Lauren Brown were visiting Chicago from Detroit this weekend when their CTA bus driver happened to mention that a fun new street festival was kicking off in the Loop.

The pair visited the blocked-off portion of State Street on Sunday and saw a performance by students from the Joffrey Ballet Academy and Community Engagement Extension before stopping by a food truck for their first bites of Harold’s Chicken.

For the first time since the pandemic hit Chicago, residents and visitors enjoyed traffic-free pavement on State between Madison and Lake streets. The free outdoor festival featured booths from vendors representing local restaurants and bars, small businesses and performers from throughout the city from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

People line up at a Harold’s Chicken food truck during Sundays on State.
Brian Rich/Sun-Times

The Chicago Loop Alliance’s new Sundays on State series aims to give local businesses the chance to connect with the community. For many it was the first opportunity to engage with customers in a relaxed, in-person environment since the pre-pandemic era.

Some attendees and most vendors wore masks, exemplifying the uncertainty that remains at this stage of the pandemic. As the vaccine rollout continues and variants spread, attendees took to the streets in whatever way they needed to feel safe while enjoying the music and social interaction, despite some light rain.

Activities during the first Sunday lineup included a show by the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, which included free dance lessons for children in the audience, and free barre workouts and yoga classes were available at different locations throughout the day.

A small crowd watches students from the Joffrey Ballet Academy and Community Engagement Extension perform at Sundays on State.
Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Retailers took to State Street to show off their products and, in many cases, offer steep discounts, raffles and free goodies to those who stopped by.

Jamie Ramirez, an employee of It’s Oksana, a West Loop textile shop focused on natural and sustainable linens and home goods, said it was an exciting experience to get out into the public as the city continues to reopen.

The staff at It’s Oksana has been seeking opportunities to further interact with Chicagoans in pop-up settings. The timing of the Sundays on State event was helpful as other pop-up events remain somewhat limited, Ramirez said.

Chicago Loop Alliance spokeswoman Jessica Cabe said one priority for the group was bringing the artistic feel the ACTIVATE pop-up celebrations launched by the Alliance in 2014, with the added twist of more distinctive and interactive experiences.

The alliance began planning for Sundays on State in the fall of 2020, and the plans were tentative early on as it was unclear how quickly the city’s vaccination rates would allow for reopening for large gatherings.

The entertainment also included laidback fun with hula hoop and hacky sack demonstrations, as well as a Freelance Wrestling performance and a show from the Chicago Chorus Girl Project.

Future Sundays on State events are planned for July 18 and 25; Aug. 8, 22 and 29, and Sept. 5 and 12. Those who register for the events at loopchicago.com/events can enter to win a $1,000 Loop Staycation packagel.

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For first Sundays on State, visitors pour onto that great street for arts, eats and communityKyra Seneseon July 11, 2021 at 11:05 pm Read More »

Italy wins Euro 2020, beats England in penalty shootoutSteve Douglas | Associated Presson July 11, 2021 at 10:20 pm

LONDON — Italian soccer’s redemption story is complete. England’s painful half-century wait for a major title goes on.

And it just had be via a penalty shootout.

Italy won the European Championship for the second time by beating England 3-2 on penalties on Sunday. The match finished 1-1 after extra time.

Gianluigi Donnarumma dived to his left and saved the decisive spot kick by Bukayo Saka, England’s third straight failure from the penalty spot in the shooutout in front of its own fans at Wembley Stadium.

It was less than four years ago that the Italians plunged to the lowest moment of its soccer history by failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in six decades. Now, they are the best team in Europe and on a national-record 34-match unbeaten run under Roberto Mancini, their suave coach.

England was playing in its first major final in 55 years. It’s the latest heartache in shootouts at major tournaments, after defeats in 1990, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2006 and 2012.

England went ahead in the second minute when Luke Shaw scored the fastest goal in a European Championship final. Leonardo Bonucci equalized in the 67th.

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Italy wins Euro 2020, beats England in penalty shootoutSteve Douglas | Associated Presson July 11, 2021 at 10:20 pm Read More »

Cubs prospect Brennen Davis wins Futures Game MVP, looks ahead to making it to WrigleySteve Greenbergon July 11, 2021 at 10:21 pm

DENVER — Brennen Davis sat in the stands behind home plate at Wrigley Field on a September 2019 evening and watched his dream unfold before his eyes.

There was Anthony Rizzo, homering early in an important game against the division-rival Cardinals. There were Kris Bryant and Javy Baez, each scoring during a ninth-inning rally that sent the game to extra innings. There were those inimitable World Series winners — Cubs icons — whipping those famous fans into a frenzy while shining under the bright lights of the Show.

“That was electric,” Davis said Sunday at Coors Field, where he played — and homered twice as the National League won 8-3 — in the 22nd MLB All-Star Futures Game. “Those games are always unbelievable.”

Davis, a 6-4, 210-pound outfielder and right-handed hitter, was honored that night at Wrigley as the Cubs’ minor league player of the year. Now 21 and playing at Double-A Tennessee, the 2018 second-round draft pick is the organization’s No. 2-ranked prospect — first among non-pitchers.

His time is coming, and soon. Anyone who doubts that can ask the baseball he smacked over the 415 sign in center off Twins Triple-A righty Josh Winder in the fourth inning. Or the baseball he smacked over the 390 sign in left-center off Orioles Triple-A righty Marcus Diplan in the sixth.

“My dream is to be a big leaguer,” he said. “Whenever I get my chance, I’ll be ready.”

But will a recognizable Cubs lineup be waiting for him upon his arrival? How many of the stars Davis imagined himself eventually playing alongside of and learning from will still be around if he gets a September call-up or surfaces on the North Side in 2022?

The 2021 Cubs have gone off a cliff. With the July 30 trade deadline bearing down, that puts the statuses of impending free agents Rizzo, Bryant and Baez on red alert. Any Cub, though — or any prospect, including Davis, who is slashing .278/.381/.481 in 31 games at Double-A — could find himself part of a trade.

As far as the organization’s big-league picture, the view from below has changed.

“There’s a lot going on with the Cubs right now,” Davis said.

“It’s crazy how baseball works. You see these guys and you don’t even think that, like, they could play for another team. Like [Nolan] Arenado going to the Cardinals. You don’t imagine any of that. But, at the end of the day, baseball’s a business and you’ve got to put yourself in position to win. So whatever they have to do.”

Baseball itself is kind of crazy these days, up to its elbows in no-hitters, spin rates, sticky substances, the Trevor Bauer scandal and worries about a work stoppage after the current collective-bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1. But the game is going to be fine because the biggest names on everybody’s lips here this week — Fernando Tatis Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Shohei Ohtani — belong to superstars in their early and mid-20s, and that’s a sign of robust health.

The Futures Game is a nice annual reminder that the game belongs to the young and ever more talented. Tatis and Guerrero played in one of these spectacles on his way up. So did Miguel Cabrera, Clayton Kershaw, Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Jose Altuve and Bryant before them. This year’s game featured Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, Tigers infielder Spencer Torkelson and Mariners outfielders Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez — the top four prospects in baseball (not counting current major leaguer Wander Franco).

Also on the field was the Sox’ No. 2-ranked prospect — and their No. 1 among non-pitchers — Yoelqui Cespedes. Once the sport’s No. 1-ranked international prospect, Cespedes, a 5-9, 205-pound outfielder, is already 23. Less than two years after defecting from Cuba, with the pandemic and visa troubles having stalled his early progress, he’s only a few weeks into first minor-league assignment at High-A Winston-Salem.

But Cespedes sees the great thing the Sox have going at the big-league level and wants in ASAP. He’s under the impression that 2022 will be when it happens and won’t pretend he wouldn’t like to be in right field on Opening Day — 10 years after half-brother Yoanis Cespedes made his big-league debut with the A’s on Opening Day.

“I want to play with Eloy [Jimenez] in left field, [Luis] Robert in the middle and me in right field,” he said.

See, the view of the Sox from below has never been clearer or better.

Meanwhile, Davis — who won Futures Game MVP and received the trophy from Ken Griffey Jr. — is rooting for his own advancement while hoping it isn’t doesn’t lead him to a total afterthought of a team.

“It’s definitely in the back of everybody’s heads,” he said. “But you try not to worry about it. You just play your game. We’re all trying to get better. We’re all trying to help the Cubs win at some point.”

And if he can do that someday? Out of the stands and onto the field? Actually living the dream?

“I think playing at Wrigley Field is the epitome of baseball,” he said. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”

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Cubs prospect Brennen Davis wins Futures Game MVP, looks ahead to making it to WrigleySteve Greenbergon July 11, 2021 at 10:21 pm Read More »

Eating Healthy on a Budgeton July 11, 2021 at 10:13 pm

Spiritual and Physical Wellness

Eating Healthy on a Budget

©2021 CTMG – A Chicago Tribune website –
Crafted by the News Apps team

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Eating Healthy on a Budgeton July 11, 2021 at 10:13 pm Read More »

What’s Next in Line for the City of Chicago’s Businesses?on July 11, 2021 at 10:49 pm

The Good Life

What’s Next in Line for the City of Chicago’s Businesses?

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What’s Next in Line for the City of Chicago’s Businesses?on July 11, 2021 at 10:49 pm Read More »

‘Inspired’ manager Tony La Russa guides White Sox to 54-35 record going into breakDaryl Van Schouwenon July 11, 2021 at 9:23 pm

BALTIMORE — Tony La Russa hit the All-Star break feeling fine. Energized, in fact, said the 76-year-old White Sox manager.

Before the Sox defeated the Orioles 7-5 on Adam Engel’s three-run homer in the 10th inning Sunday to complete a three-game series sweep and a 6-3 road trip to post one their best pre-break records in franchise history, La Russa was asked how he was feeling. When you’re old enough to have managed against Earl Weaver, it’s a fair question.

“All the questions that were asked were fair,” La Russa said, noting the noise and pushback that surrounded his hiring in October for a second go-around with the Sox after being away from managing since 2011.

There were moments that set off alarms, and deservedly so, La Russa said, but none lately. A self described “fan” of baseball, La Russa will watch the All-Star Game on TV but most importantly, self evaluate and analyze a 54-35 team that has overcome myriad injuries to build an eight-game lead in the AL Central.

“If there is one message we have to abide by as a staff and team is that we need to play better,” he said. “We need to improve from here to the end.”

Before scattering home, or to short vacation destinations or the All-Star Game, the Sox (54-35) pinned a tough loss on the lowly Orioles (28-61) behind two homers by rookie left fielder Andrew Vaughn, a 447-foot sole shot to left and a three-run opposite field poke to right, and Engel’s blast after pinch hitter Trey Mancini forced extra innings with a two-out homer in the ninth against Liam Hendriks.

After Jose Ruiz gave up a run in the 10th, Matt Foster got the last two outs for his first career save, the game ending on DJ Stewart’s warning track fly to Engel in center.

“Tony is very much about winning,” Engel said. “The way he talks, manages, everything he does has just that feel of I want to win tonight and I want to win at all costs. That’s a huge part of our team. We started building that culture, and now that he’s part of it his personality suits us incredibly well.”

Dylan Cease (8-4, 4.11 ERA) threw five innings of two-run ball, striking out six and not allowing a hit after Austin Hays’ two-run homer in the first. He was at 85 pitches with the 3-4-5 hitters coming up, and La Russa went to Michael Kopech, who struck out the side in the sixth.

“I didn’t think it was a smart time to push him,” La Russa said. “I felt the sixth would be a tough inning. You trust your gut, that’s the way you manage.”

Cease had kept it close and Vaughn injected a couple of jolts as the Sox completed a 7-0 sweep of the Orioles, the first time a Sox team swept a season series of at least seven games. On the day before the break against a last-place team, the Sox didn’t let up.

“I’ve never thought we’ve had a flat day which is an amazing compliment to our team,” La Russa said.

The Sox have their most first-half wins since 2008 and best winning percentage since they were 57-31 in 2006 at the break.

“You have to execute and be productive,” La Russa said. “I’m not saying we’ve played perfect but more often than not we’ve executed and been productive. But we need to improve. We had the hiccups in New York and Houston [getting swept]. Other than that…”

For the most part, all good, especially considering the injuries. Eloy Jimenez will be back fairly soon, and Luis Robert might follow. That will keep a manager’s juices flowing. Not that La Russa needs reasons.

“If you can be this close to the action, you don’t get tired,” he said. “I’m fired up. Chance to win. It’s the most fun you can have.

“Every manager dreams of walking into a club that’s ready to win. Rarely does it happen. These guys inspire me.”

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‘Inspired’ manager Tony La Russa guides White Sox to 54-35 record going into breakDaryl Van Schouwenon July 11, 2021 at 9:23 pm Read More »