Chicago Bears: Is signing Richard Sherman a realistic possibility?Anish Puligillaon June 13, 2021 at 11:00 am

With the departure of Kyle Fuller, the Chicago Bears have a glaring lack of depth in their defensive back room. They did sign Desmond Trufant, but truth be told, that just means the top two defensive backs in the Bears secondary are extremely injury prone. The Bears do have a lot of talented young guys […]

Chicago Bears: Is signing Richard Sherman a realistic possibility? – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

Chicago Bears: Is signing Richard Sherman a realistic possibility?Anish Puligillaon June 13, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

Man critically hurt in Loop high-rise fireSun-Times Wireon June 13, 2021 at 10:07 am

A man was critically hurt in a fire June 13, 2021 in the Loop. | Chicago Fire Department

The fire broke out in a building in the 200 block of East Wacker Drive.

A man was critically hurt after a fire broke out Sunday morning in a high-rise in the Loop.

The blaze started after 4 a.m. in the building in the 200 block of East Wacker Drive, according to Chicago fire officials.

A man was transported to an area hospital in critical condition, officials said.

No other injuries have been reported.

The fire was put out just before 5 a.m., according to officials.

Man critically hurt in Loop high-rise fireSun-Times Wireon June 13, 2021 at 10:07 am Read More »

Horoscope for Sunday, June 13, 2021Georgia Nicolson June 13, 2021 at 5:01 am

Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 6 a.m to 1:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the Moon moves from Cancer into Leo.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Be aware that this is a loosey-goosey day. The sun is at odds with fuzzy Neptune, and yet, this afternoon, the moon is lined up with fiery Mars. This means you might think you know what you know — but do you really?

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

When it comes to financial matters be extra careful because some kind of confusion is present. It could be worse than confusion. There might be deceit. (Whaaat?) Don’t believe everything you see or hear.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Today the sun is in your sign at odds with fuzzy Neptune, which will drain your energy. You might feel discouraged or beaten down by the world. These feelings of inadequacy are a fleeting dark cloud on the horizon. Relax. This, too, shall pass.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This might be a challenging day because it’s easy to second-guess yourself or have doubts about something. And yet, with the moon lined up with Mars in your Money House, you might charge forward shopping or doing financial deals. Take it easy! Know what you’re doing.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You are a natural leader. This afternoon, the moon will be in your sign lined up with Mars also in your sign making you feisty and aggressive! Meanwhile, back at the lab, today is rife with confusion dealing with others. So, you might not have all your facts and yet, you’re keen to act! (Bad combo!)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

No matter what you’re doing, be very sure about what bosses and parents expect from you. Not only during the moon alert, but all day long there is an element of confusion and misunderstanding. Therefore, be clear about what authority figures want.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Mixed-up communications and confusion related to travel are classic today. Therefore, if you are traveling, double check all your facts. Be wise and give yourself extra time so that you have wiggle room to maneuver. Also be careful about endorsing ideas and philosophies that could be questionable. Be smart.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

With the sun at odds with fuzzy Neptune today, you might make a mistake about a financial matter, especially something to do with shared property, taxes, debt, the government or insurance issues. Make no assumptions. Double check everything. Forewarned is forearmed.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Very likely, you will be excited about travel plans or some ideas about philosophy, politics, religion or perhaps a racial issue. You feel there is something at stake. Meanwhile, conversations with partners and close friends are confusing. Don’t go out on a limb.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You hate waste, and, in particular, you would hate to lose money out of foolishness or carelessness. Therefore, be careful because you might have definite ideas about dealing with shared property or debt. Yet, you might not have all the facts. Tread carefully.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Be patient with partners and close friends because Mars is lined up with the moon directly opposite your sign. Conflicts are likely. Meanwhile, confusion about kids, social occasions, sports events and romance might occur. This could be an argument waiting to happen.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Something related to your health or perhaps a pet might get you emotionally excited. In turn, this could trigger some kind of confused communications with a parent or a family member. Be aware that all these things are possible. Go gently.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress Kat Dennings (1986) shares your birthday. You are bright, clever, fun-loving and spontaneous. You like to plan ahead; nevertheless, you are excellent at adapting to change. You live by your own, unique moral code. This year, your idealism will be aroused, which is why you might work on behalf of a charitable organization or do something to help society. This is the year to work hard!

Horoscope for Sunday, June 13, 2021Georgia Nicolson June 13, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »

Chicago Week in Beer, June 14-17on June 13, 2021 at 5:11 am

The Beeronaut

Chicago Week in Beer, June 14-17

Chicago Week in Beer, June 14-17on June 13, 2021 at 5:11 am Read More »

Cubs use power to beat CardinalsBrian Sandalowon June 13, 2021 at 2:35 am

Sergio Alcantara, left, celebrates with Joc Pederson after hitting a solo home run during the third inning of Saturday’s game. | AP Photos

The Cubs got homers from Ian Happ, Sergio Alcantara and Joc Pederson to win their fourth straight.

Joc Pederson knows what it takes to be a good team. His last game with the Dodgers saw them win the 2020 World Series to complete a long-awaited trip to the top of the sport.

“Details are very important. Good teams take care of the small things,” Pederson said. “There really are no small things; they’re all big. You can see that when two good teams play each other, the ones who make the least amount of mistakes usually win. The littlest mistake that you think is so small could end up losing you a game or a playoff game or a World Series.”

That’s all true, but power, patience and good starting pitching help too as the Cubs saw again Saturday in their 7-2 win over the Cardinals. Homers from Ian Happ, Sergio Alcantara and Pederson plus six innings from Kyle Hendricks helped the Cubs win their fourth straight and keep pace with the Brewers atop the National League Central.

The Cubs entered Saturday’s game having won 26 of their last 39, the best in the National League and second best in baseball over that stretch, and one reason has been their offense. They started the day with 85 home runs, which ranked fourth in the NL, and had the circuit’s fourth-best run differential at plus-33.

Those positive trends continued Saturday in front of a revved-up Wrigley Field crowd of 39,095.

Wearing their dark blue City Connect jerseys for the first time, the Cubs offense was detail-oriented against Cardinals starter John Gant. Nolan Arenado gave St. Louis a 1-0 lead with a second-inning home run, but that edge didn’t make it through the bottom of the frame.

Following a Willson Contreras walk, Happ got the Cubs in front with an opposite-field two-run homer to left, giving the team a home run in its 12th straight game. Gant’s problems were just getting started, as he walked the next three batters – including Hendricks – and then also handed a free pass to Kris Bryant to extend the Cubs’ lead to 3-1.

Jake Woodford then replaced Gant and gave up a Javy Baez RBI single before hitting Anthony Rizzo with the bases loaded to cap the Cubs’ five-run second.

Hendricks, meanwhile, earned a win in a career-best sixth consecutive start but the home run bug continued to bite him. Following Arenado’s drive, Paul DeJong homered in the third to cut the Cubs’ lead to 5-2, and up the number of home runs allowed by Hendricks to 19.

After the home runs, Hendricks settled in and gave up just the two runs for his ninth quality start. He retired the last 11 he faced, and has a 3.12 ERA in his last eight games.

The Cubs offense kept adding support for Hendricks.

In the third, Alcantara’s second homer of the week made it 6-2. Then in the fourth, Pederson became the second Cubs player this year to homer in three straight games, driving a Seth Elledge sinker to left.

The offense and Hendricks continued the Cubs’ surprisingly strong start, as a team perhaps not expected to contend is a first-place club in mid-June.

“I will give a lot of credit to the coaches, and a lot of credit to the players,” Cubs manager David Ross said. “My coaching staff is in tune with these guys. They communicate. They feel like they identify where they may need some work and when they might need a day off.

“We communicate about all that, and the players are very accountable. The players try to stay up to speed and ready, whether they’re role-players or starters or just [fluctuating] between the two.”

Cubs use power to beat CardinalsBrian Sandalowon June 13, 2021 at 2:35 am Read More »

14-year-old boy in West Woodlawn shootingSun-Times Wireon June 13, 2021 at 12:24 am

Chicago police work the scene where a 14-year-old boy was critically wounded in a shooting in the 6500 block of South Champlain Ave, in the West Woodlawn neighborhood, Saturday, June 12, 2021. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

The teen boy was grazed in the neck about 6:45 p.m. in the 6500 block of South Champlain Avenue.

A 14-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting Saturday in West Woodlawn.

The teen boy was standing in the sidewalk about 6:45 p.m. when someone opened fire in the 6500 block of South Champlain Avenue, Chicago police said.

He suffered a graze wound on the neck and was transported to Comer Children’s Hospital, where is condition is stable, police said.

Area One detectives are investigating.

14-year-old boy in West Woodlawn shootingSun-Times Wireon June 13, 2021 at 12:24 am Read More »

Brian Goodwin doubles and homers in first two at-bats with White SoxDaryl Van Schouwenon June 12, 2021 at 11:58 pm

Brian Goodwin greets Billy Hamilton after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Saturday, June 12, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) | AP Photos

Goodwin drives in five runs in White Sox 15-2 rout of Tigers

DETROIT — Brian Goodwin knows how to make a first impression.

The veteran outfielder made his White Sox debut in their 15-2 win over the Tigers Saturday and, batting second in manager Tony La Russa’s lineup, doubled in a run in the first inning and hit a three-run homer in the second against Tigers right-hander Jose Urena.

Goodwin became the third White Sox to reach base three or more times and drive in four runs in his first game with the club. The other two occurred in 1949 (George Metkovich) and Al Zarilla (1951). He collected his fifth RBI on a ground out in the eighth inning.

The ‘next man up’ mantra for the Sox is really becoming a thing. Signed to a minor league contract on May 4 after Luis Robert went down with a hip flexor strain, Goodwin was called up from Triple-A Charlotte Thursday after Nick Madrigal landed on the 60-day injured list with a proximal hamstring tear.

“It felt good, first game give the fans and teammates something to see,” said Goodwin, 30, a .250/.317/.455 career hitter over five seasons with four teams. He was released by the Pirates on May 3.

“I wasn’t too happy about it but it helped me keep that chip on my shoulder,” Goodwin said. “Signed here in May and I’m still [ticked] off. I’m going to take it out on everybody else with how I play.”

Cease 8-0 vs. Tigers

Dylan Cease pitched five innings of two-run ball, enough to improve to 8-0 against the Tigers in eight career starts.

Cease, who owns a 2.09 ERA against the Tigers, is the first Sox pitcher to win his first eight starts against a single opponent, and first in baseball to accomplish the feat since Jamie Moyer won his first 10 career starts against Florida from 2006-08.

Cease gave up a leadoff walk in the first and a two-run homer to No. 2 hitter Harold Castro, then breezed the rest of the way, getting 15 swinging strikes. Cease (5-2) struck out seven and walked one, lowering his ERA to 3.38. Because of several long delays during Sox at-bats, and with the big lead, he was limited to 82 pitches.

“I had to go throw in the batting cage probably five or six times today,” Cease said. “I can’t complain. If you gave me that much run support every time I’ll take it.”

Ryan Burr and Matt Foster each pitched two innings of scoreless relief.

This and that

Yermin Mercedes and Leury Garcia each had two hits and three RBI. The Sox had 13 hits and walked 11 times.

*Yoan Moncada had Saturday off, and Tim Anderson will get a day off Sunday. Jose Abreu will be the designated hitter as La Russa tries to keep players fresh.

*Sunday starter Carlos Rodon (5-2, 1.96 ERA) is 0-2 with a 3.45 ERA in his last five starts and 3-2 with a 6.00 ERA in seven career starts against the Tigers. Reliever Kyle Funkhouser starts a bullpen day for the Tigers.

*Tigers reliever Beau Burrows became nauseous pitching during a lengthy fifth inning. Grounds crew cleaned up the mound as he headed to clubhouse with the Sox leading 10-2.

Brian Goodwin doubles and homers in first two at-bats with White SoxDaryl Van Schouwenon June 12, 2021 at 11:58 pm Read More »

Tim Anderson pushes to lead, and to inspire: ‘His spirit is infectious,’ Tony La Russa saysDaryl Van Schouwenon June 12, 2021 at 10:44 pm

If we want to call Tim Anderson the face of the White Sox franchise, we may, it’s cool with him. If we don’t, no worries.

DETROIT – If we want to call Tim Anderson the face of the White Sox franchise, we may, it’s cool with him. If we don’t, no worries.

The White Sox star shortstop is going to be who he is off the field, and if that, coupled with the vast talent he display on it makes him not just the man in the middle of the Sox infield but the man on the South Side, it’s all good.

“It’s nothing like, hey I need to be that, I need this to happen,” Anderson said in a conversation with the Sun-Times this weekend. “But if I just keep being me, standing on what I believe in, then I’m happy in my spot where I’m at, where my feet are. And that’s cool, too.”

Anderson is part great player, great attitude, great teammate, great leader. His feet are firmly planted on the floor of the Sox clubhouse, where manager Tony La Russa needs him as a leader.

With his voice, and by example.

“I’m going to keep pushing,” Anderson said, echoing perhaps his most common refrain.

Push, push, push. Bring it every day.

“I’m going to keep leading, and be an example, leading and inspiring people and making my teammates better,” he said.

The White Sox were rolling toward their 40th win (against 24 losses) at Detroit Saturday, jumping to a 13-2 lead after five innings, and it was Anderson who started the proceedings with a hustle double leading off the game against Jose Urena. He would collect three hits in his first five at-bats including a two-run single in a five-run fifth inning.

There were concerns that Anderson, part of baseball’s new breed, might not mesh with La Russa, a prized pupil in baseball’s old school. But La Russa has had nothing but praise for Anderson, from spring training on. After observing him through the first two months of the season, La Russa is still praising.

“What I’ve learned is he has a gift and burning desire to win,” La Russa said Saturday, “and he communicates to his teammates and does it in a real positive way.

“I’ve got to be careful saying this because I’ve had outstanding, winning players along the way on our teams but to play with his vocal and spirit, it’s the best I’ve ever been around. He brings it every single day, from the time he gets to the park, before the game, during the game, even after the game.

“He has great spirit, and it’s all about wanting his team to win. That’s the best motivation there is and it’s infectious with our team.”

Anderson, in turn, has wisecracked about La Russa being the dad that the kids don’t list to but it’s obvious the kid respects the dad in this case.

“Tony is good. He’s awesome, man,” Anderson said. “I can go in and talk to him about whatever. He has a game plan. He knows his stuff. You want to learn from him, a Hall of Fame manager like him. Why wouldn’t you talk about things he’s experienced and things he went through?

“It’s definitely been great. We’ve been getting along fine, we’re one big happy family. We’re trying to keep the clubhouse great, keeping all the noise out, because we know what the ultimate goal is. We’re all pushing for the same thing.”

Tim Anderson pushes to lead, and to inspire: ‘His spirit is infectious,’ Tony La Russa saysDaryl Van Schouwenon June 12, 2021 at 10:44 pm Read More »

2 teen boys, 17, hurt in Little Village drive-by shootingSun-Times Wireon June 12, 2021 at 10:47 pm

Two teen boys, both 17, were shot June 12, 2021 in Little Village. | Adobe Stock Photo

The teen boys were in the alley about 3:25 p.m. when a light-colored vehicle drove past them and someone from inside fired shots in the 3500 block of West Cermak Road.

Two 17-year-old boys were hurt in a drive-by shooting Saturday in Little Village on the Southwest Side.

The teen boys were in the alley about 3:25 p.m. when a light-colored vehicle drove past them and someone from inside fired shots in the 3500 block of West Cermak Road, Chicago police said.

One boy was shot in the shoulder and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said. The other suffered a graze wound to the arm and was taken in good condition to the same hospital.

Area Two detectives are investigating.

2 teen boys, 17, hurt in Little Village drive-by shootingSun-Times Wireon June 12, 2021 at 10:47 pm Read More »