SB Nation Chicago: All Posts by Jason Patthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2012-12-25T07:00:59-06:00https://chicago.sbnation.com/authors/jason-patt/rss2012-12-25T07:00:59-06:002012-12-25T07:00:59-06:00Bulls host Rockets on Christmas Day
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oBFQCZZMymqIigypvSEUPstNrbY=/0x38:4000x2705/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5449861/158628652.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Joakim Noah and the Bulls welcome back former teammate Omer Asik when they face the Rockets on Christmas Day. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bulls</a> host the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> in the fourth of five NBA games on Christmas Day. The game features a matchup of two of the league's best young centers in <span>Joakim Noah</span> and <span>Omer Asik</span>, who played together in Chicago the past two seasons.</p>
<p>The Bulls have been playing well despite the absence of <span>Derrick Rose</span>. They are currently in a battle with the <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Bucks</a> and <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Pacers</a> at the top of the Central Division, thanks in large part to the play of Noah. The center's making a case for his first All-Star game with his strong all-around play.</p>
<p>For the Rockets, Asik is averaging a double-double in his first season in Houston. <span>James Harden</span> has also been dynamite with his new team, as he finds himself among the top five in the league in points per game. The Rockets have been up-and-down this year, but they have been playing well lately.</p>
<p>Chicago fell to Houston in the first meeting between the two teams back on Nov. 21, with Harden's 28 points leading all scorers.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a> and <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brooklyn Nets</a> kick off the action on Christmas Day. That game is followed by the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a> visiting the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, and then a rematch of last year's NBA Finals between the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a> and <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>. The <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Clippers</a> host the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a> in the nightcap.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bulls/2012/12/25/3795808/nba-christmas-games-schedule-2012-bulls-rocketsJason Patt2012-12-22T11:38:54-06:002012-12-22T11:38:54-06:00Bulls tops in Central, 4th in East
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/puPRhxWRstAq5_vhd6j6UkFV3PQ=/0x305:3280x2492/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5443533/158628840.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bulls are one game ahead of the Bucks and Pacers in the Central Division and currently hold the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a> remain on top of the Eastern Conference's Central Division thanks to their thrilling 110-106 road victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a> on Friday night at Madison Square Garden.</p>
<p>The Bulls are now 15-10, one game ahead of both the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a> in the Central. Chicago is fourth in the East and 3½ games out of the top spot, which is currently held by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> with a record of 17-6.</p>
<p>The Bucks kept pace with the Bulls on Friday night by beating the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a> 99-94 in overtime at the TD Garden. Milwaukee is 14-11 on the year and currently tied for fifth in the East with Indiana. The Pacers are 15-12, winners of two in a row.</p>
<p>Way back in the division are the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>. The Pistons are 8-21 and nine games behind the Bulls, while the slumping Cavaliers are a woeful 5-23, 11½ games back.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bulls/2012/12/22/3795386/nba-standings-2012-bullsJason Patt2012-12-18T08:15:05-06:002012-12-18T08:15:05-06:00Cubs face big decisions on Garza and Samardzija
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ouxgR6g0P-oFObLCzsuLMlza6Qg=/10x0:989x653/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5198341/20120414_tjg_ac1_390.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cubs have big decisions coming up regarding the futures of starting pitchers Matt Garza and Jeff Samardzija. </p> <p>After missing out on starting pitcher <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> in free agency, the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Cubs</a>' next major decisions on their rotation will likely involve two men already on the roster, <span>Matt Garza</span> and <span>Jeff Samardzija</span>.</p>
<p>Garza just turned 29 and has one year remaining on his contract. There was some talk about trading the right-hander last season, but discussions were put on hold when Garza suffered a right elbow injury. He's slowly working back to full health, and any decision on his future will likely not be made until that happens.</p>
<p>As for Samardzija, the Cubs have talked about a possible extension, but it's looking like no new deal will be reached this winter. He's currently eligible for arbitration the next three seasons, so there's no real rush, but it's looking like the Cubs are prepared to make him a part of their future for a long time. Manager Dale Sveum has not named a No. 1 starter, but says Samardzija is certainly in the mix (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-cubs/cubs-talk/After-pursuing-Sanchez-would-Cubs-go-all?blockID=814755&feedID=10336&awid=5938091433925508019-914">via CSN Chicago</a>):</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Obviously, it's a little early to announce our No. 1 starter, but he's ready to go," Sveum said during an interview at the winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn. "The biggest thing is he can go into this season knowing that there's not that 165th inning coming up soon."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Samardzija had his best season as a pro in 2012, compiling a 3.80 ERA with 180 strikeouts in 174⅔ innings. The big right-hander was brilliant after the All-Star break, but was ultimately shut down in September to limit innings. In 2013, Samardzija is prepared to take on a leadership role and is ready to go beyond 200 innings.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2012/12/18/3779060/matt-garza-jeff-samardzija-chicago-cubs-major-decisionsJason Patt2012-12-15T13:43:53-06:002012-12-15T13:43:53-06:00Matt Forte fantasy analysis vs. Packers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PtpEErECgVfXKs0QAJ3WMpAP7N0=/0x58:4000x2725/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5059747/20120913_kkt_bs5_841.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bears running back Matt Forte has had a disappointing 2012 season, and is a risky play against the Packers this weekend. </p> <p><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> running back <span>Matt Forte</span> has been a huge disappointment for fantasy owners this season after cashing in on a big payday this offseason. The running back will look to help the Bears grab a much-needed win against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> this Sunday, but he could be risky fantasy play.</p>
<p>Forte is coming off a pretty strong effort in Week 14 against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a>, rushing for 85 yards on 13 carries and also adding 34 receiving yards. However, he did not get in the end zone, which has been a theme this season. While Forte has over 1,000 total yards on the season, he has only managed four touchdowns, due in large part to backup <span>Michael Bush</span> getting the majority of the goal line carries. Also, in the four weeks prior to the Vikings game, Forte's highest rushing output was 66 yards. He did not score a single touchdown on the ground in those four weeks, but did get one receiving.</p>
<p>Against the Packers in Week 2, Forte only had 31 yards on seven carries, although he did catch four passes for 49 yards. The Packers' rush defense has been nothing to write home about since that game, coming in at No. 15 in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. Clay Matthews will be returning from an injury to bolster Green Bay's defense.</p>
<p>If the Bears commit to the run, there could be some opportunities against the average Packers' rush defense. But if the Bears start slow like they have in many games this season, they may choose to abandon the run, which is what happened in Week 2. Forte is still a weapon in the passing game, but he has not been nearly as prolific as past years. Because of all this, it's hard to feel great about playing Forte this weekend.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2012/12/15/3770610/matt-forte-bears-fantasy-footballJason Patt2012-12-15T13:13:22-06:002012-12-15T13:13:22-06:00Brandon Marshall fantasy analysis vs. Packers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WbOeZExzBsLbiwvlRqDvfBOlC5I=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5056165/20120921_kkt_sh5_263.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Packers shut down Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall back in Week 2, but the wide receiver should perform better in the second meeting. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> wide receiver Brandon Marshall has had a dominant year in his first season in Chicago, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> are one of the few teams that have managed to shut him down this season. The star wide receiver will look to get some revenge when the Bears take on the Packers this Sunday at Soldier Field.</p>
<p>In Week 2 at Lambeau Field, the Packers bracketed Marshall all night long and held him to just two catches for 24 yards. The wide receiver has only had one game with fewer receiving yards this season, when he finished with two catches for 21 yards in the Bears' ugly Monday night loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>.</p>
<p>Besides those two games, Marshall has been magnificent. He has 101 catches for 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns on the season, and has reached 160 yards receiving the last two games. Marshall has been the only consistent weapon for <span>Jay Cutler</span> in the Bears' passing offense, ranked just 27th in the NFL in passing yards per game.</p>
<p>The Packers' passing defense is in the middle of the pack, ranking 17th in passing yards allowed per game. The injuries to <span>Clay Matthews</span> and <span>Charles Woodson</span> have hurt, but Matthews is expected back this Sunday.</p>
<p>While Marshall struggled in the first meeting this year, expect him to perform much better this time around. The Packers will likely attempt to do many of the things they did in that first game to slow Marshall, but the Bears are sure to make some adjustments to get him the ball as much as possible. Matching his production from the last couple of games is asking a bit much, but it would be no surprise to see Marshall go over 100 yards.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2012/12/15/3770388/brandon-marshall-bears-fantasy-footballJason Patt2012-12-15T11:34:24-06:002012-12-15T11:34:24-06:00Cubs went hard after Anibal Sanchez
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a4JJJraTeoU537O33HymVIaf-yw=/110x80:3915x2617/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5053425/154845912.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cubs pursued starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez for about a month, but were ultimately outbid by the Tigers. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> may have lost out on starting pitcher <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> in free agency, but it was not for lack of trying. The Cubs quietly pursued Sanchez for about a month before <a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-cubs/cubs-talk/Cubs-lose-out-to-Tigers-in-Anibal-Sanche?blockID=813739&feedID=11020&awid=5224432251772179541-914" target="_blank">making a strong final push on Thursday night</a> when president Theo Epstein and chairman Tom Ricketts met with the pitcher in Miami. That night, the Cubs put a five-year, $77.5 million offer on the table and waited for the pitcher's response.</p>
<p>Sanchez and his agent Gene Mato went back to Detroit with news of the offer, and the Tigers quickly eclipsed it with a five-year, $80 million offer of their own. The Tigers reportedly opened with a four-year, $48 million offer, but valued Sanchez enough to outbid the Cubs.</p>
<p>Losing out on Sanchez certainly stings for the Cubs, as they were hoping the 29-year-old could be a top of the rotation starter for the next couple of seasons. But what made the whole situation even worse was the fact that erroneous reports popped up on Twitter Thursday that said a deal had been reached between the Cubs and Sanchez. It's the third time in the past year that a deal involving the Cubs had been reported online before ultimately falling apart.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2012/12/15/3770228/anibal-sanchez-cubs-offerJason Patt2012-12-11T09:01:05-06:002012-12-11T09:01:05-06:00Bulls moving up in most NBA power rankings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u7s2N7IE_rj1Bf964w-vQu6XprY=/0x187:2558x1892/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4770001/158013290.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bulls' strong week has them moving up in multiple power rankings from around the web. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a> are on a bit of a roll, winning three straight games and sitting atop the Central Division with a record of 11-8. The Bulls' hot streak has made them a consensus top-10 team in the NBA, according to most pundits from around the league.</p>
<p>In the latest batch of power rankings, the Bulls find themselves as high as eighth, with <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings" target="_blank">ESPN's Marc Stein</a> giving Chicago that distinction. Stein moved the Bulls up one spot from No. 9 last week. No. 9 is where <a href="http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/" target="_blank">NBA.com's John Schuhmann</a> has the Bulls this week, up three spots from last week.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/12/10/3746898/nba-power-rankings-2012-spurs-thunder" target="_blank">SB Nation's Seth Rosenthal</a> kept the Bulls steady at No. 10, citing strong defense and the emergence of Marco Belinelli as a key to their success:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>With the exception of a near-disaster in Detroit (praise be to <span>Joakim Noah</span>), Chicago's defense looks back where it's supposed to be. The Bulls kicked off a harsh stretch of a schedule by dismantling a Melo-less but still dangerous <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a> offense on Saturday. Meanwhile, I don't know what's gotten into <span>Marco Belinelli</span>, but I imagine the Bulls would like to keep it in there.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2012-12-10/nba-power-rankings-okc-thunder-la-lakers-news-ny-knicks-nets-miami-heat" target="_blank">Sporting News' Sean Deveney</a> also has the Bulls at No. 10.</p>
<p>There is a little disagreement over what the top team in the league is, but none over which are in the top two. Rosenthal and Stein both have the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> on top and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> second, while Schuhmann and Deveney have the exact opposite.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bulls/2012/12/11/3752902/nba-power-rankings-2012Jason Patt2012-12-11T08:01:37-06:002012-12-11T08:01:37-06:00John Groce not comparing Illini seasons
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IMfB8qwt6u9O-vGA3ZWcrvpHxUE=/14x0:3985x2647/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4774777/20121208_pjc_an2_552.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>New Illinois coach John Groce says he and his team are not comparing this year's team to last year's squad, which also started 10-0 under former coach Bruce Weber. </p> <p>After grabbing a huge road win over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/gonzaga-bulldogs" class="sbn-auto-link">Gonzaga Bulldogs</a> on Saturday night, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/illinois-fighting-illini" class="sbn-auto-link">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> sit at 10-0 and hold a No. 10 ranking in both the AP and USA Today Coaches Poll. The 10-0 record is a familiar feeling for many of the Illini players, as Illinois started last season 10-0 before collapsing down the stretch and getting Bruce Weber fired.</p>
<p>Despite the similarities between the two starts, new coach John Groce said this year's team is not focusing on what happened last season (<a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/colleges/post/_/id/8093/illini-groce-not-looking-to-compare-seasons">via ESPN Chicago</a>):</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I haven't heard them talking about it," Groce said of comparing the two seasons. "I haven't certainly talked to them about it at this juncture and maybe in large part of it is I wasn't here last year and don't have relevance to that. <br><br>"We've tried the best we can to just kind of focus on the 2012-2013 season and leave all of that in the rear view mirror as something we can't control. I haven't heard them talking about it and I haven't."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Illinois is one of just 14 undefeated teams left in the country. While Groce does not want to focus much on the past, he realizes just how important this fast start is for a rabid fan base that became extremely frustrated with the previous regime.</p>
<p>Groce knows his team is far from perfect, even if its record is spotless so far. Before the Gonzaga win, Illinois barely got by Western Carolina on Wednesday. The Illini have also won two games this season thanks to last-second shots.</p>
<p>Groce and Illinois will look to avoid a letdown when Norfolk State visits Assembly Hall on Tuesday night.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/illinois-fighting-illini/2012/12/11/3753318/john-groce-bruce-weber-iillinois-fighting-illiniJason Patt2012-12-11T08:01:29-06:002012-12-11T08:01:29-06:00Jay Cutler expects to play vs. Packers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DuSKQ739QhPd3Z0WCIHtRd5HAUM=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4773331/20121209_jla_ah7_365.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said on Monday that he should be ready to go for Sunday's game against the Packers. Cutler suffered a neck injury in a loss to the Vikings this past weekend. </p> <p><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> quarterback <span>Jay Cutler</span> injured his neck in Sunday's loss to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a>, but <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/football-chicago-bears/bears-talk/Cutler-expects-to-play-Sunday-vs-Green-B?blockID=812251&feedID=10990&awid=9021381022747513308-914">Cutler said on Monday</a> that he fully expects to be ready to play when the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> visit Soldier Field this weekend.</p>
<p>Cutler left the loss to Minnesota in the fourth quarter after taking a big hit from Vikings defensive end <span>Everson Griffen</span>. <span>Jason Campbell</span> entered the game and led the Bears on a touchdown drive, but Chicago failed to recover the ensuing onside kick and time ran out on the comeback attempt.</p>
<p>Chicago is in free fall, losing four of its last five games after starting 7-1. The Bears need Cutler at his best in order to beat the first-place Packers and halt the slide, but the quarterback has not had a lot of success against Green Bay in his career.</p>
<p>In a Week 2 loss to the Packers, Cutler threw one touchdown and four interceptions. The Bears are just 1-5 in their last six games against their biggest rival.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2012/12/11/3753184/jay-cutler-injury-bears-packersJason Patt2012-12-11T07:01:39-06:002012-12-11T07:01:39-06:00Bulls host Clippers in battle of red-hot teams
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ycEhWTWaYd7gGfQGNEdu5IkJFd0=/110x0:3888x2519/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4775963/156648592.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bulls are in search of their fourth straight victory when the red-hot Clippers come to the United Center on Tuesday. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bulls</a> will be looking for their fourth straight victory when former coach <span>Vinny Del Negro</span> and the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Clippers</a> visit the United Center on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>Chicago is coming off an impressive 93-85 victory over the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a> on Saturday in a game where <span>Richard Hamilton</span> was out, <span>Kirk Hinrich</span> left with an injury and <span>Taj Gibson</span> was ejected in the first half. The Bulls held the normally high-powered Knicks to just 32.1 percent shooting. <span>Luol Deng</span> and Marco Belinelli led Chicago with 22 points apiece.</p>
<p>Hinrich, who suffered an elbow injury in the Knicks game, did practice on Monday and will be back to face the Clippers. Hamilton remains out against Los Angeles, which has won six straight games overall and its last three by double-digits. <span>Blake Griffin</span> leads the team in scoring at 18.0 points per game.</p>
<p>Chicago and Los Angeles have played once already this season, with the Clippers destroying the Bulls, 101-80, back on Nov. 17 at the Staples Center. Griffin scored 26 points in the game, while <span>Jamal Crawford</span> came off the bench to add 22.</p>
<p><b>Game Time:</b> 8:30 p.m. CT at the United Center.</p>
<p><b>TV:</b> ESPN</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bulls/2012/12/11/3753430/clippers-vs-bulls-preview-game-time-tv-scheduleJason Patt