SB Nation Chicago: All Posts by David Cassilohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2012-11-23T13:49:10-06:00https://chicago.sbnation.com/authors/david-cassilo/rss2012-11-23T13:49:10-06:002012-11-23T13:49:10-06:00Matt Forte has limited fantasy upside in Week 12
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1skqcDZfxrhaaQs3EZQVvHlojh8=/0x190:2667x1968/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3784041/155474118.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Wesley Hitt</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bears running back cannot be expected to have a big week against Minnesota.</p> <p>During his career, <span>Matt Forte</span> has never had much success against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> running back has averaged just 71.6 rushing yards per game against Minnesota in seven games. He has also scored just one touchdown.</p>
<p>Furthermore, Fortre is coming off his worst two-game stretch of the season. In Week 10, he had 39 yards against Houston, which he followed up with 63 yards against San Francisco.</p>
<p>The Vikings rush defense isn't what it once was, but they still have their moments. In their last game against Detroit, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> had just 60 yards on the ground. Overall, Minnesota is allowing 111.6 rushing yards per game.</p>
<p>If <span>Jay Cutler</span> cannot play, the Vikings will likely focus more on stopping the Bears running game.</p>
<p>In his last game against Minnesota, Forte had 87 yards on the ground, and a similar performance can be expected in Week 12. Because of that, he has limited upside against Minnesota.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2012/11/23/3682884/fantasy-football-matt-forte-week-12David Cassilo2012-07-14T15:39:42-05:002012-07-14T15:39:42-05:00Cubs Vs. Diamondbacks: Jay Cutler Butchers Take Me Out To The Ball Game
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cmWVZDPbF6WZGWPFgXhd1yfCHyU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828105/large_chicago.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>It hasn't always been easy for Jay Cutler to endear himself to the city of Chicago. Butchering "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" at Wrigley Field won't do him any favors in that department.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/jay-cutler-sang-the-worst-rendition-of-all-time-of-take-me-out-to-the-ball-game-today/">Sports Grid gave him a scathing review of the performance, which you can also see on their website.<br></a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Apparently Cutler’s vocal chords find pitch change disagreeable, as he manages to maintain a steadfastly monotone voice throughout the song. And he didn’t even know the words either, which is shameful for any human being.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>But that was the only low point of the day for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>. They went on to defeat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> 4-1, and <span>Ryan Dempster</span> has now thrown 33 consecutive scoreless innings.</p>
<p><i>For updates, stay tuned to <a href="http://chicago.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Chicago</a>. For more comprehensive coverage, visit<a href="http://bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue</a>. and </i><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/">AZ Snake Pit.</a> </i><i>For more MLB coverage, check out<a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a> and <a href="http://mlbdailydish.com/">MLB Daily Dish</a>.</i></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL6969C40420638137&hl=en_US" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2012/7/14/3159480/cubs-vs-diamondbacks-jay-cutler-butchers-take-me-out-to-the-ball-gameDavid Cassilo2012-07-14T15:12:42-05:002012-07-14T15:12:42-05:00Cubs Vs. Diamondbacks: Ryan Dempster Brilliant As Cubs Win Third Straight
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cmWVZDPbF6WZGWPFgXhd1yfCHyU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828105/large_chicago.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> run of excellent pitching continued on Saturday as <span>Ryan Dempster</span> threw six scoreless innings in a 4-1 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>. The Cubs have allowed two runs in their last three games.</p>
<p>Most of the scoring was done in the fourth inning, when the Cubs expanded their lead to 3-0 with an RBI double by <span>Darwin Barney</span> and an RBI single by <span>Luis Valbuena</span>.</p>
<p>That was all that Dempster would need, who allowed four hits and struck out five batters in the game. He lowered his ERA to 1.86 with Saturday's performance.</p>
<p>Despite allowing a hit and a walk, <span>Carlos Marmol</span> held on for a save and gave the Cubs their 35th win of the season.</p>
<p>Chicago will go for the sweep on Sunday when it sends <span>Matt Garza</span> (4-7, 4.32 ERA) to the hill.</p>
<p><i>For updates, stay tuned to <a href="http://chicago.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Chicago</a>. For more comprehensive coverage, visit<a href="http://bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue</a>. and </i><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/">AZ Snake Pit.</a> </i><i>For more MLB coverage, check out<a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a> and <a href="http://mlbdailydish.com/">MLB Daily Dish</a>.</i></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL6969C40420638137&hl=en_US" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2012/7/14/3159451/cubs-vs-diamondbacks-game-2-recapDavid Cassilo2012-07-14T14:56:37-05:002012-07-14T14:56:37-05:00Chicago Bears Offseason: Matt Forte And Bears 'Extremely Close' On New Deal
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cmWVZDPbF6WZGWPFgXhd1yfCHyU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828105/large_chicago.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>When <span>Matt Forte</span> was franchised by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>, he wasn't too happy about it but said he would play. However, by the time training camp starts, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82a8ce28/article/matt-forte-reportedly-extremely-close-to-bears-deal?campaign=Twitter_atl_sessler">it appears that Forte will have a new long-term contract with the Bears</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Chicago Bears running back is "extremely close" to a long-term deal with the team, NFL Network's Michael Lombardi reported Saturday, citing a source with knowledge of the situation.</p>
<p id="yui_3_5_0_1_1342294427019_2511">Forte said Friday he planned to spend this weekend on phone with Chicago's front office, amid reports the sides had made "considerable progress."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Forte is set to enter the 2012 season at 26 years old. He ran for 997 yards in 12 games for the Bears last season. It was the first time in his career that he didn't play a full 16 games.</p>
<p><i>Stay tuned to <a target="new" href="http://chicago.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Chicago</a> for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/teams/chicago-bears">Chicago Bears</a>, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Windy City Gridiron</a>. And drop by SB Nation <a target="_blank" href="http://sbnation.com/nfl">NFL news hub </a>for more updates and commentary from around the league.</i></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL88E6B4E121781B75&hl=en_US" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2012/7/14/3159433/chicago-bears-offseason-matt-forte-contractDavid Cassilo2012-07-14T14:27:54-05:002012-07-14T14:27:54-05:00Chicago Bears Offseason: Jay Cutler Focused On Important Preseason
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cmWVZDPbF6WZGWPFgXhd1yfCHyU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828105/large_chicago.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>It's a particularly important season for <span>Jay Cutler</span>, who many Bears fans believe needs a big year to solidify himself as the starting quarterback of the future. Speaking at a charity event, he addressed the importance of the preseason.</p>
<p><object width="450" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.chicagobears.com/flash/popup/bears_hd_main_video_small_121611.swf">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="wmode" value="transparent">
<param name="flashvars" value="featureVideo=mp4:52567/52567/press_conferences/2012/071312_JayCutlerESPN_1000Party.mp4&preroll=ondemand/52567/52567/pre_roll/pro_shop_preroll&postroll=&loadPaused=yes&imageURL=http%3A%2F%2Fassets%2Echicagobears%2Ecom%2Fuploads%2Fmultimedia%2Fstills%2Fthumbs%2F3047%2Ejpg">
<embed src="http://www.chicagobears.com/flash/popup/bears_hd_main_video_small_121611.swf" mce_src="http://www.chicagobears.com/flash/popup/bears_hd_main_video_small_121611.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="450" height="300" flashvars="featureVideo=mp4:52567/52567/press_conferences/2012/071312_JayCutlerESPN_1000Party.mp4&preroll=ondemand/52567/52567/pre_roll/pro_shop_preroll&postroll=&loadPaused=yes&imageURL=http%3A%2F%2Fassets%2Echicagobears%2Ecom%2Fuploads%2Fmultimedia%2Fstills%2Fthumbs%2F3047%2Ejpg" wmode="transparent"></embed></object> </p>
<p>That wasn't the only appearance that Cutler made this week. Chicago fans were able to see how that arm was holding up at Wrigley Field on Saturday.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Bears">#Bears</a> QB Jay Cutler threw today's <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Cubs">#Cubs</a> ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field: <a href="http://t.co/vwdjZP0A" title="http://twitter.com/Cubs/status/224187030865846273/photo/1">twitter.com/Cubs/status/22…</a></p>
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/224187030865846273" data-datetime="2012-07-14T17:02:08+00:00">July 14, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Cutler played in just 10 games for Chicago last season. Entering his fourth season with the Bears, Cutler turned 29 years old in April.</p>
<p><i>Stay tuned to <a target="new" href="http://chicago.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Chicago</a> for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Windy City Gridiron</a>. And drop by SB Nation <a target="_blank" href="http://sbnation.com/nfl">NFL news hub</a>for more updates and commentary from around the league.</i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2012/7/14/3159399/chicago-bears-offseason-jay-cutler-preseasonDavid Cassilo2012-07-14T13:59:59-05:002012-07-14T13:59:59-05:00Bulls Offseason News: Rockets Won't Sign Omer Asik To Offer Sheet Until Jeremy Lin Decision
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cmWVZDPbF6WZGWPFgXhd1yfCHyU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828105/large_chicago.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>While it appears almost inevitable that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a> will match the offer the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> made to <span>Jeremy Lin</span>, the decision is affecting the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a>. That is because the Rockets will not sign <span>Omer Asik</span> to an offer sheet until there is a resolution with Lin.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Rockets will sign Omer Asik to his offer sheet after New York matches or - ahem - chooses not to.</p>
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/223869779373604864" data-datetime="2012-07-13T20:01:29+00:00">July 13, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>There has been little to indicate that the Chicago Bulls would even match the Rockets' offer to Asik, but they can't officially make that decision until Lin's future is decided.</p>
<p>Asik has played two seasons for Chicago and averaged 2.9 points per game during that time.</p>
<p><i>For more, stick with <a href="http://www.chicago.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Chicago</a>. For more on the Bulls, head over to <a href="http://www.blogabull.com/">Blog a Bull</a>. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's <a href="http://sbnation.com/nba">NBA news hub</a>.</i></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL4460A111BD749236&hl=en_US" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bulls/2012/7/14/3159362/bulls-offseason-news-rockets-omer-asikDavid Cassilo2012-07-14T13:40:15-05:002012-07-14T13:40:15-05:00Chicago Bears Offseason: Mike Tice Gives Update On Offensive Line
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cmWVZDPbF6WZGWPFgXhd1yfCHyU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828105/large_chicago.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Protecting <span>Jay Cutler</span> will be a top priority for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> this season after they saw firsthand what a year would look like without him. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=8886">Speaking to ChicagoBears.com</a>, offensive line coach Mike Tice gave an update of his unit's performance this offseason.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I feel like we have guys with talent. Unfortunately, some of it is unrealized talent in terms of not enough consistency. We have some young guys who have shown the ability to play at a high level, but some in the run game only and some only in pass protection. What we need from the younger guys is to take the next step and play at a high level with more consistency."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In a not too surprising statement, Tice added that <span>Chris Spencer</span> will likely start at one of the guard spots in 2012.</p>
<p><i>Stay tuned to <a target="new" href="http://chicago.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Chicago</a> for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Bears, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Windy City Gridiron</a>. And drop by SB Nation <a target="_blank" href="http://sbnation.com/nfl">NFL news hub</a>for more updates and commentary from around the league.</i></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL88E6B4E121781B75&hl=en_US" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bears/2012/7/14/3159329/chicago-bears-offseason-mike-tice-offensive-lineDavid Cassilo2012-07-14T12:58:12-05:002012-07-14T12:58:12-05:00Bulls Offseason News: Jimmy Butler Ready For Bigger Role
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cmWVZDPbF6WZGWPFgXhd1yfCHyU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828105/large_chicago.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>With <span>Kyle Korver</span> gone and <span>Ronnie Brewer</span> still unsigned by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a>, the door could be open for <span>Jimmy Butler</span>. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/bulls-jimmy-butler-eager-embrace-greater-role.html">The second-year player told NBA.com that he is ready to contribute more</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Tremendously excited," said Butler this week when asked about the possibility of embracing an expanded role. "This is the time I’ve been waiting on and working towards. All the time I’ve put in at the gym, now I can let it show."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In his rookie season with the Bulls, Butler made an appearance in just 42 games, averaging 2.6 points per game. He will play in the Las Vegas Summer League next week.</p>
<p>He was the Bulls first round pick the 2011 NBA Draft.</p>
<p><i>For more, stick with <a href="http://www.chicago.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Chicago</a>. For more on the Bulls, head over to <a href="http://www.blogabull.com/">Blog a Bull</a>. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's <a href="http://sbnation.com/nba">NBA news hub</a>.</i></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL4460A111BD749236&hl=en_US" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bulls/2012/7/14/3159249/bulls-offseason-news-jimmy-butlerDavid Cassilo