CHGO Digest: Cubs still need a closer, could Bears make big add to OL before camp?

Good morning, friends!

Remember the Kevin Costner baseball movie For Love of the Game? On the doorstep of retirement, a struggling pitcher giving his all for one final outing hurls a perfect game.

Good movie. A little corny. Vin Scully provides play-by-play. Underrated.

That’s what the first five no-hit innings of Kyle Hendricks’ return to the Cubs‘ rotation felt like on Wednesday. I can’t help but wonder — is Kyle Hendricks the key to the Cubs climbing back into contention?

— Patrick Norton

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Cubs’ bullpen its own worst enemy

Adbert Alzolay wasn’t getting results. Hector Neris isn’t getting results. Nobody else in the current bullpen seems capable of the rigors of being a major league closer — at least not yet.

If you felt like Keegan Thompson’s three-strikeout effort on Tuesday night was the first stress-free 9th inning for the Cubs in ages, you’re right.

Thompson’s outing was just the Cubs’ 4th 1-2-3 9th-inning save of 2024. The most recent was Neris’ against the Reds on June 9. Before that? Yency Almonte’s against the Dodgers on April 23.

• The Cubs’ 16 blown saves are tied with the Detroit Tigers for the second-most in MLB. Only the White Sox (20) have more. Adding to the frustration, the bullpen’s 4.19 BB/9 ranks 26th, and 1.11 HR/9 ranks 25th in baseball. At some point, relievers must provide relief — not the usual heartache and angst.
  
• If Hendricks can string together a few more outings like Wednesday’s, Ben Brown could reasonably slot into a high-leverage role out of the ‘pen when he returns from the 10-day IL. Otherwise, the onus falls on Jed Hoyer to acquire a steady arm capable of locking down wins in the 9th before it’s too late.
  

🔎 GO DEEPER | Become a Diehard to access Ryan Herrera’s CHGO Cubs Weekly newsletter! This week, Ryan writes about a familiar face on his way back to Chicago’s bullpen.

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$99 Trip to Milwaukee!

We’re heading up to Wrigley North! Join us on a bus ride up to MKE from Almost Home in Chicago or the Circa Sportsbook in Waukegan for just $99! Ticket includes a game ticket, bus ride, and other special perks!

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Should Bears pursue Connor Williams ahead of training camp?

If at any point during the Bears’ 2023 campaign, you found yourself shouting at the TV about the interior offensive line, you weren’t alone.

According to PFF, Lucas Patrick ranked 50th among centers in pass blocking and 32nd in run blocking last season. Ryan Poles brought in Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton to compete for the starting job this offseason, and it’s almost certainly an upgrade.

But what if there’s a third — potentially even better — option? Behind Door No. 3 is Connor Williams, a 27-year-old six-year NFL vet with an unlucky injury history. He also graded as PFF’s 3rd-best center before tearing the ACL in his left knee last December with the Dolphins.

• According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Williams is expected to be ready by the start of the regular season, and the free agent plans to find a new home before training camp begins.
  
• Regardless of Williams’ success and age, his injury history cannot be ignored, either. Williams’ season-ending knee injury in 2023 brought on the third knee surgery of his professional career. In 2019, he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee weeks before tearing the ACL in his right knee.
  

📺 WATCH | The CHGO Bears Podcast debates whether the Bears should make a push to sign Williams or if their remaining cap space is better served elsewhere.

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Roundup: Bulls not open to dealing Alex Caruso, Jonathan Cannon’s anomalous win

• According to CHGO’s Will Gottlieb, the Bulls have rejected multiple trade offers for Alex Caruso including one that would’ve sent Chicago a 2024 top-ten pick in exchange for the 30-year-old guard. The team’s refusal to deal its defensive stalwart reportedly stems from a directive from ownership to remain competitive.
  
• Jonathan Cannon did it! Before Tuesday night, White Sox starting pitchers were a combined 13-32. Cannon tossed an efficient masterpiece, striking out just four in 8.2 scoreless innings. The win made Cannon the first White Sox starter not named Garrett Crochet (6-5), Erick Fedde (5-1), or Chris Flexen (2-6) to receive a win in 2024.
  

⚾ TODAY | White Sox vs. Astros — 1:10 on NBC Sports Chicago

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How can you not be romantic about baseball?

Happy Kyle Farnsworth Day to all who celebrate!

On this day in 2003:

pic.twitter.com/kLpBfNDum7

— CHGO Cubs (@CHGO_Cubs) June 19, 2024

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