NBA lookback: Bulls take down Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals — May 31, 1998ChicagoNow Staffon June 1, 2020 at 5:37 pm

ChicagoNow Staff Blog

NBA lookback: Bulls take down Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals — May 31, 1998

NBA lookback: Bulls take down Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals — May 31, 1998ChicagoNow Staffon June 1, 2020 at 5:37 pm Read More »

Goose Island Partners With Shea Couleé to Create a Charitable Drag Queen BeerAudrey Snyderon June 1, 2020 at 2:39 pm

A fabulous new hoppy concoction dreamed up by Goose Island Beer Company and Chicago drag queen and musician Shea Couleé is due for release in early June.

Shea Couleé is widely known for having competed on season 9 of the Emmy Award-winning VH1 series RuPaul’s Drag Race. She continues to make appearances nationwide and in her own music videos, and is the inspiration for the new cleverly-named Shea Coul-Alé: a citrus-y, dry-hopped ale sure to quench your summertime thirst. Sold in a rainbow-ombré can, adorned with a long-lashed, silver-spangled goose, this is a brew that truly emulates Miss Couleé, who describes herself on social media as “equal parts Bougie and Banjee.”

Goose Island Beer Company, founded by beer-lover John Hall, has been selling great beer to Chicagoans and outsiders alike since 1988. A brewery with strong ties to the community, Goose Island has made a habit of creating beers (some limited-release, some year-round) either inspired by or in collaboration with local institutions, including Sox Golden Ale with the Chicago White Sox; Green Line Pale Ale (named for the train line); The Ogden (as in William Ogden); and No Collar with Chance the Rapper.

With the 2020 Chicago Pride Parade postponed to preserve social distancing, the timing of this beer release seems appropriate; a portion of the profits from its sale are being donated to TransTech Social Enterprises — a charity focused on economic empowerment and technical skills training for trans folks. TransTech was founded in 2014 by Chicagoan Angelica Ross, who is known for playing Candy in the FX series Pose and for being a vocal advocate for the trans community. In a 2019 interview with CBC, Ross explained that, having been marginalized as a trans person herself and having had few options for work, she realized she was quite tech-savvy; she taught herself HTML and CSS, as well as WordPress and other content management systems. As a remote freelancer, it occurred to Ross that having a career option outside of an in-person office setting might be particularly attractive to other trans folks who “haven’t yet reached their transition goals, or they just want to be their own bosses.” This realization became the catalyst for creating TransTech.

Shea Coul-Alé, which is just the start of the “Drag a Beer” collaboration between Goose Island and DoStuff, is only the most recent charitable venture in which the Chicago-based drag performer has been involved. In April, she appeared in the live-streaming premiere of “Cooking With Couleé” as part of Digital Drag Fest — proceeds of which went to Meals on Wheels. The summery and refreshing Shea Coul-Alé (which comes in 4 packs of 16-ounce cans) is available for pre-order starting June 3 at 12 pm, and will be widely available for pick-up or delivery starting June 10.

For more information on Goose Island Beer Company and their collaboration with Shea Couleé, visit their website.

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Goose Island Facebook

Blackhawks: Patrick Kane will go down as the greatest Hawk everAdam Rosenon June 1, 2020 at 11:00 am

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Patrick Kane has done it all for the Chicago Blackhawks over his career.

Despite their recent shortcomings, the Chicago Blackhawks have been one of the best teams in the National Hockey League over the past decade. Led by franchise cornerstones Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith, the team won three Stanley Cups last decade, while making the playoffs nine years in a row.

But undoubtedly the best player on these teams has been Patrick Kane.

Over his 13 year NHL career, Patrick Kane has won countless awards. The Calder Memorial Trophy, the Conn Smythe Trophy, the Art Ross Trophy, The Hart Memorial Trophy, The Ted Linsay Award, and three Stanley Cup championships.

The numbers speak for themselves. 389 goals and 633 assists, which adds up to 1022 points. Those totals put him at 4th on the franchise all-time points list.

Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawk Up

Chicago Blackhawks: Top 3 Centers during the 2010s

More headlines around FanSided:

— Blackhawks: 5 Best Players During 2010s to not win a Stanley Cup — Blackhawks: The NHL Season Could Resume This Summer — Chicago Blackhawks Cancel 2020 ‘Summer’ Convention — Chicago Blackhawks: Making the case for drafting Yaroslav Askarov — Blackhawks: Patrick Kane had the most fun playing with Artemi Panarin

More News at Blackhawk Up

Kane, who will turn 32 in November, has yet to show any signs of a decline. If he finishes his career as a Blackhawk, then who is to argue that he will not have a case to be the greatest player in team history?

Kane is easily the best Chicago athlete since Michael Jordan, and he is continuing to climb the ladder of all-time greats. Can he pass up Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull, and Denis Savard?

Absolutely.

Barring severe injuries or a rapid decline, Kane will get to the 500 goal threshold, which would make him the third player in team history to do so.

Mikita’s point total is 1467, which puts him 445 ahead of Kane. If Kane were to score at his average 78 to 79 points a season, it would take roughly six years for him to pass up Mikita.

That’s entirely possible for Kane to do. Kane led the NHL in scoring over the last decade, and over the past five years, he has scored a total of 465 points.

Most Blackhawk fans will argue that Mikita or Hull is the greatest player in Blackhawks history. However, Kane has been chasing the all-time greats for years. By the time his career ends, it is entirely possible and fair to say that he is the greatest Blackhawk of all time.

Load Comments

Blackhawks: Patrick Kane will go down as the greatest Hawk everAdam Rosenon June 1, 2020 at 11:00 am Read More »

Chicago Cubs: What does future hold for Jon Lester?Ryan Sikeson June 1, 2020 at 12:00 pm

Jon Lester can become a free agent but would the Chicago Cubs welcome him back in 2021?

Jon Lester believed in what Theo Epstein was building here in the Windy City when he signed a six-year, $155 million deal with the Chicago Cubs in the 2014 offseason. Lester was 31 years old at the time and had won two World Series Championships with the Boston Red Sox and spent half a season in Oakland as well. I think most assumed he would return to Boston, a place he was comfortable, a place he had success, which shocked many when he picked Chicago.

Now nearly six years later, Lester will arguably go down as the best free-agent signing in Cubs history. Ben Zobrist is that for a position player, and yes, I know Andre Dawson exists. Lester was invaluable in the Cubs World Series run in 2016, pitching in relief in Game 7, after posting a career-best 19-5 record during the regular season.

He led the National League in wins during the 2018 season, earning his fifth All-Star selection in the process. But last year, specifically August, was not kind to him. Before the All-Star break, Lester looked ageless, posting a 3.72 ERA, but struggled in the second half.

In what was likely going to be his final year in Chicago, the coronavirus pandemic has put his future further in question. As part of his contract, Lester has a $25 million team option or $10 million buyout should he elect free agency.

[embedded content]

The Cubs have demonstrated that they aren’t afraid to exercise an expensive team option on a veteran pitcher – see Cole Hamels – but Lester will be 37 years old next year. Obviously, he’s not pitching right now, which helps his cause because no extra mileage is being added to his arm.

But with the Cubs set to lose two other starters to free agency, they are likely to retain at least one of them.

Is Lester worth the $25 million?

Lester’s veteran presence on the roster, especially when the Cubs’ top prospects were first called up, cannot be quantified. Every team has that one veteran on the roster that is essentially the glue holding everything together.

If the Cubs let Lester walk in free agency, the oldest player – outside of a free agent signing – will be Yu Darvish. The Cubs paid John Lackey $16 million per year at age 37 and 38, and he was the perfect back end of the rotation guy.

Lester could transition into that role in 2021 for the Cubs with either a young free agent sliding into the number three slot or a prospect doing the same. The Cubs don’t need Lester to be the ace of the staff anymore, nor should they expect him to be.

We all knew the regression would happen at some point. We just had to hope that the Cubs would win during the front-end of his contract, and they did. Lester, as a fourth or fifth starter, is perfect for him at this stage in his career. The $25 million would be a tough pill to swallow, but, again, his presence is so important, especially for a team that has underperformed the last couple of years.

Trending

Three-round mock draft 1.0

Read now >>

According to Spotrac, the Cubs have $96 million committed to 2021, so giving Lester the team option would not be the worst idea in the world. That said, they will need to pay a couple of their younger players rather soon. However, I’d like to see Lester stick around for another year while the Cubs continue to let some of their young pitching prospects develop.

Load Comments

Chicago Cubs: What does future hold for Jon Lester?Ryan Sikeson June 1, 2020 at 12:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks: Three additions to help beat EdmontonVincent Pariseon June 1, 2020 at 1:00 pm

Next1 of 4Prev post

Use your (arrows) to browse

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks might look a little different in the Edmonton “play-in” series.

The Chicago Blackhawks might consider themselves lucky to have a chance at playing again when hockey comes back. There were seven teams out of 31 that weren’t as lucky and they weren’t far behind Chicago in the standings. They are going to have a chance to somewhat redeem a tough season in a “play in” series against the Edmonton Oilers. It is a very intriguing matchup that should have sports fans excited to watch.

The Blackhawks, like many other teams in the playoffs, are going to be a much healthier version of themselves by the time they return to play. Every team deals with injuries and all that and the Blackhawks are no different. They also made an addition that might be able to help them once the playoffs roll around as well.

If all goes well with some of these guys, this could be the making of a nice upset for the Chicago Blackhawks. The Edmonton Oilers are a very good team that has some elite players at the top of their lineup but if you shut those guys down you have a chance to beat them. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were the league’s two leading scorers in 2019-20. McDavid was hurt there for a minute so Draisaitl was actually able to pass him in the points race and now he might win the Hart Trophy as a result.

With players like that on the other side, you need team commitment to shutting them down. If these three players are able to join the lineup and make an impact, the Blackhawks will have a chance against the Oilers:

Next: Andrew Shaw

Next1 of 4Prev post

Use your (arrows) to browse

Load Comments

Chicago Blackhawks: Three additions to help beat EdmontonVincent Pariseon June 1, 2020 at 1:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears: Do not doubt David Montgomery this seasonFrank Grizzlyon June 1, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears’ running back David Montgomery is in danger of being overlooked heading into this year.

When the Chicago Bears traded up to select Iowa State running back, David Montgomery in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft there was a feeling of excitement throughout Chicago. However, many would argue that Montgomery did not fully live up to expectations as the Bears lead back during his rookie season, I would argue against that notion.

During the preseason, sparks were flying after David Montgomery arrived on the scene with a stutter-step, cutback to open space for a Bears touchdown versus the Carolina Panthers.

I mean, can you blame the fanbase for getting excited? Hell, even Bears Head Coach, Matt Nagy was gushing over Montgomery…

As Matt Nagy gushed about David Montgomery tonight, he caught himself…

“I don’t want to over blow — he’s got a ways to go. I don’t want to make this… the next, you know, great back in this…”

(he looked over at @paytonsun and smiled)

“… yeah, in this great organization.”

— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 9, 2019

The Cincinnati native compiled 267 touches while racking up a total of 1,074 yards and seven total touchdowns in 2019. Montgomery proved to be a dynamic threat for the Bears out of the backfield, but my only gripe? Nagy failed to consistently feed Montgomery the ball when the Bears passing game was fluttering.

Many would argue that they expected more from Montgomery throughout his rookie year and while I could see a valid argument in relation to Montgomery’s per carry clip, I just can’t blame Montgomery for some of the rushing struggles throughout the season.

I mean, let’s be honest here — toward the end of the season, the Bears’ offense was riddled with injury and was starting third-stringers on the offensive line and at tight end.

Even Kyle Long discussed with his brother, Chris Long on his podcast, how the Bears’ offensive line lacked physicality, “If we beat you guys, could we have made a run? You said, ‘no shot, you guys weren’t physical enough.’ And I can attest to that because when we went out there it was like playing up against the varsity team in terms of pace, and physicality.”

In any other draft class, Montgomery would have been viewed by analysts as a “steal,” given that the Bears selected him in the third round. However, because the Bears didn’t have a first or second-round selection in Montgomery’s draft class, the spotlight was dead set on him from the get-go.

Think about it — Montgomery finished second among rookies in rushing yards and tied with Josh Jacobs for first in total touchdowns amongst rookie running backs. So what Montgomery didn’t win rookie of the year? Does that translate to him not meeting the expectations that fans had for him? Absolutely not.

The Bears offense was a train wreck last season with a non-existent passing game, shaky offensive line play, and mindless play calling. If anything, you should be impressed that Montgomery was able to produce at the rate in which he was.

To compound that statement, the Bears will enter the 2020 NFL season with limited training camp time and possibly a new quarterback under center. What does this translate to? Ideally, an increased volume in touches and less defensive personnel walking down into the box. Sounds fantastic, right?

Next: How Matt Nagy Has Failed Andy Reid…

What’s should you make of all this? Do not doubt David Montgomery entering his second season with the Bears. The Bears offense looked dangerous last year when they dedicated themselves to running the ball. If Matt Nagy truly has had an intervention on what he wants his offensive strategy to look like then it should mean a breakout season for #32.

Load Comments

Chicago Bears: Do not doubt David Montgomery this seasonFrank Grizzlyon June 1, 2020 at 2:00 pm Read More »

Chicago White Sox: Three-round mock draft 1.0Ryan Sikeson June 1, 2020 at 3:00 pm

The Chicago White Sox add the next wave of talent in this three-round mock draft.

In a year that they were expected to take a leap forward, the Chicago White Sox plans for an AL Central title, and possibly more, have been put on hold amid the coronavirus pandemic. As a result of the outbreak, MLB also shortened the upcoming Amateur Draft to just five rounds. While not ideal, the White Sox hold the 11th overall pick in the first round and are in a prime position to add an immediate impact player.

On paper, the south siders are solid around the infield or have promising prospects that will fill in the gaps as they enter their competitive window. The rotation remains suspect as the White Sox wait to see how Michael Kopech returns from Tommy John surgery. Lucas Giolito had a breakout year in 2019, but he’ll need to show that it wasn’t a fluke.

Pitching would seem to be the primary need in the draft, but the Sox also need some future help in the outfield. General Manager Rick Hahn may also take the best player available, should he love a player still on the board.

Let’s look at a three-round mock draft that seems feasible.

Round 1, 11th overall

Patrick Bailey, C, North Carolina State

I love Patrick Bailey to the White Sox with their first pick. He’s one of the best college bats in this draft, and he’s been highly-touted as a terrific defender behind home plate. Bailey was named the ACC Freshman of the Year in 2018 after posting a 1.023 OPS with 13 bombs and 40 RBI.

He backed that up with a strong sophomore year, hitting .288 (.903 OPS) to go along with ten home runs and 46 RBI. Bailey has a fantastic offensive-mind, and he’s very patient logging nearly a 1:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Before the shutdown, Bailey was off to a great start, hitting .296 with six home runs through the first 17 games.

Round 2, 48th overall

CJ Van Eyk, RHP, Florida State

Van Eyk has been slipping in some mock drafts, but he’s an excellent value for the White Sox in the second round. As a freshman at Florida State, he was eased into the starting rotation, making 19 appearances – including five starts – and struck out 71 batters in 56.2 innings of work. With a 2.86 ERA and limiting batters to a .208 average, Van Eyk was named ACC All-Third Team.

The following year, he was moved into the rotation, making 18 starts with a 3.81 ERA. Van Eyk tossed 99.1 innings and struck out 129 while limiting .234 batters. He was off to a strong start before the shutdown this season, spinning a 1.31 ERA through his first four starts. He has the tendency to walk a few batters and doesn’t feature overpowering stuff, so he may be better served in the bullpen. That said, he’d fit in perfectly behind Giolito, Kopech, and Dylan Cease.

Round 3, 83rd overall

Jake Vogel, OF, Huntington Beach High School

Vogel has a verbal commitment to play at UCLA next spring. At 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, he’s one of the fastest high school players in the country. His 6.15 60-yard dash ranked in the 99.96 percentile. He’ll need to fill out a bit as he physically matures, but scouts like that he’s already hitting the ball to all parts of the field.

Next: White Sox do right by their minor league players

He’s likely not going to be a huge power guy, but he’s going to hit a ton of triples. Vogel should compliment Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert nicely, both of who are projected to supply the power.

Load Comments

Chicago White Sox: Three-round mock draft 1.0Ryan Sikeson June 1, 2020 at 3:00 pm Read More »