changechest3-blog

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Work begins on skyscraper across from Holy Name Cathedral

The skyline-altering development known as One Chicago Square is officially off to the races with the arrival of construction crews working to prepare the block-sized site across from Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral in River North.

“I am pleased to inform you that construction on the future One Chicago Square project, located at 1 W. Chicago Avenue, is now underway,” wrote 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins in an email update to residents on Wednesday.

Wasting little time, crews already erected fencing around the former parking lot and started removing trees and light poles and breaking up the pavement. The block’s low-rise structures along Dearborn Street (except for the hold-out Bella Luna Cafe building) are expected to be demolished within the next two weeks, according to Hopkins.

They will be replaced by a pair of soaring 78- and 49-story glass towers designed by Chicago architecture firms Goettsch Partners and Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture. The duo will rise to the respective heights of 969 and 574 feet, the development team confirmed. This represents a slight reduction from previous figures putting the height of the taller building at 1,011 feet.

The towers will feature a mix of 870 apartment and condo units. Below, a shared podium will contain offices and retail spaces anchored by a Whole Foods Market and Life Time Athletic club. The plan, as approved by the city in early 2018, also includes 865 parking spaces plus 225 stalls reserved for Holy Name parishioners.

Estimated to cost more than $850 million, One Chicago Square will be the most ambitious project to date from JDL Development. The Chicago-based developer was previously planning to team up with Lincoln Yards developer Sterling Bay on the River North high-rise, but that is no longer the case, according to Crain’s.

Construction on One Chicago Square is expected to take up to 42 months and will be completed in three phases, according to Hopkins. The project is the most significant Chicago skyscraper to start construction since Vista Tower broke ground in 2016.

Source: https://chicago.curbed.com/2019/3/21/18275779/construction-holy-name-skyscraper-one-chicago-square

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SoundCloud Goes Full Damage Control Mode After Contract Leak

On Friday, Dani Deahl and Nilay Patel at The Verge published a copy of the artist agreement for SoundCloud’s new monetization program.

It included provisions which directly contracted their pre-launch announcements (such as regular monthly payments; instead, artists would have to reach a $100 threshold to trigger any payment at all). The contract also included a covenant waiving the artist or rights-holder’s right to sue SoundCloud.

What’s worse: the 17 page contract was not downloadable, and by sheer length seemed to encourage artists to click through in the manner most internet users do when agreeing to Terms & Conditions on random websites without agreeing to clauses that directly contracted their published claims.

I strongly encourage everyone to read The Verge’s updated story, which is devastating. If I had to speculate, it appears SoundCloud’s legal department and C-level executives are at war, and legal screwed them hard.

“SoundCloud did not contest the authenticity of the document,” Deahl and Patel note. “Instead, the company emphasized that the agreement was easily accessible to anyone participating in the program…

“Once the agreement is signed, the full terms are accessible at the URL SoundCloud mentions, along with a bulleted list to the right of the contract labeled ‘Here’s a summary of what you agreed to.’  

“But these bullet points do not include the covenant not to sue, or other contentious clauses like the flexible payment percentage and shortened statement challenge period.”

Later in the day, SoundCloud issued a statement to The Verge, reiterating their pre-launch claims but not explaining why the contract contradicts them. “We are always looking for ways to simplify our agreements for the benefit of our creator community,” it read, “and will take the opportunity here to avoid future confusion.”

Now SoundCloud has just released a third statement directly to the public on their blog. In response to “feedback that some language in the original program agreement was too broad,” their “team” reviewed the agreement and “clarified or removed elements that may be unclear or not relevant.”

Rather than publish the contract publicly, SoundCloud again requires “eligible creators” to sign up for Premier and view the updated agreement here.

This has been a critical stumble for SoundCloud, which under its highly caffeinated CEO Kerry Trainor has attempted to wedge the service into a more “artist friendly” niche between Spotify, Pandora and Apple Music. Part of this has been through insisting on transparency. Keeping contracts (and not itemizing changes to them) is pretty much the opposite of transparency, not to mention stupid: anything that tens of thousands of artists and representatives are going to have to sign is going to be leaked anyway, as The Verge just showed.

Source: http://5chicago.com/news/soundcloud-damage-leak-artist-contract/

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FanPulse voters have Bears beating the Eagles, Matt Nagy as Coach of the Year, and much more...

Welcome to SB Nation FanPulse — a survey of fans across the NFL, powered by SurveyMonkey. Each week, we send 32 polls to 100+ plugged in fans from each team. Bears fans, sign up HERE to join FanPulse.

We’ve received some results in the year end FanPulse voting and the Chicago Bears were well represented.

Voters from all 32 fanbases have head coach Matt Nagy as an overwhelming choice for NFL Coach of the Year.

I agree with this pick (duh), although those other guys on that list are all deserving of some praise. But here’s why I believe the Nagy edges all those guys out. Three of those four runner-up coaches all had winning teams last year, and all four of those coaches had established quarterbacks running their offenses in 2018, whereas Nagy helped get his team to a seven game improvement while developing second year QB Mitchell Trubisky.

When it comes to who will win this Sunday in the Bears vs Eagles wildcard matchup, the fanbases of all 32 teams went with the Bears by a wide margin.

I can’t say I disagree with this FanPulse result either.

For all the WCG staff picks check out the following link.

And for my podcast preview of the game, check this out.

When it comes to the league’s MVP, FanPulse voters went with the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes in a landslide, but check out the couple of defensive players listed.

This will almost always be an award that goes to a quarterback, but adding Mack to the Bears in 2018 gave the entire team some juice and Aaron Donald nearly set the sack record this year. I wonder if Mack wasn’t injured for those games in the middle of the season if he couldn’t have closed the gap even more.

I say closed the gap, because I see no way Mahomes doesn’t win this award. He had a fantastic and historic season for K.C.

Mack even came up short in defensive player of the year voting, but I can’t argue with this one either. Aaron Donald had a fantastic season, and if you take out that one game on Sunday Night Football in Chicago, he flat out dominated the competition.

Rookie of the year voting didn’t have room for Chicago's Roquan Smith to even make the ballot, but when looking over the performances from the five on the FanPulse, I can’t falut them. Smith had a great rookie year and will no doubt be on some All-Rookie Teams.

And finally, let’s check out the Bears final confidence results.

Win or lose this Sunday, I expect good things from this franchise moving forward. Bears fans have been the most level headed of all the fanbases this season.

Anything stand out to you about these results this week?

Bears’ fans, if you aren’t a part of WCG’s FanPulse, join now!

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/1/4/18157834/chicago-bears-philadelphia-eagles-matt-nagy-as-coach-of-the-year-mvp-rookie-defensive-khalil-mack

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Angels Claim Kevan Smith, Designate Joe Hudson

The Angels announced Friday that they’ve claimed catcher Kevan Smith off waivers from the White Sox and cleared a spot on the 40-man roster by designating fellow backstop Joe Hudson for assignment.

Smith, 30, has spent parts of the past three seasons with the White Sox, totaling 146 games and 497 plate appearances with a .281/.318/.376 batting line, seven homers and 23 doubles in that time. He’s struggled enormously when it comes to controlling the running game, though, posting an anemic 14 percent caught-stealing rate. From a pitch-framing standpoint, Baseball Prospectus has given Smith rougly average marks between the Majors and minors over the past few seasons while rating his blocking skills to be below average.

Smith is out of minor league options, meaning he can’t be sent to the minors next year unless he first clears waivers — assuming he even sticks on the 40-man roster all winter, which is far from a given.

As for Hudson, the 27-year-old hit well with the Double-A and Triple-A affiliates for the Angels this season, albeit in minuscule sample sizes. Hudson notched a .970 OPS in seven games with the Double-A club before moving up to Triple-A and hitting .311/.380/.478 in 101 PAs. He’s also drawn solid framing marks over the past couple of seasons in the minors and has a career 43 percent caught-stealing rate.

Hudson went 2-for-12 in a late-season cameo with the Angels — a brief stint that marked his MLB debut. Generally speaking, however, he’s struggled with the bat in the upper levels of the minor leagues, hitting just .196/.297/.289 in parts of three Double-A seasons.

Source: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/10/angels-claim-kevan-smith-waivers-white-sox.html

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Matt Nagy on wanting to get Jordan Howard more involved

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Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-nagy-wanting-jordan-howard-205828867.html?src=rss

[changechest3-blog]

Ten Thoughts on the NFL and the Bears

1) Patrick Mahomes’ special season continues as he went over 300 yards passing for the seventh straight game. He leads the league in both passing yards (2,526) and touchdowns (26). There’s no question the Kansas City Chiefs’ second year quarterback is the front runner for league MVP.

Spending a full year working with his knowledgeable offensive coordinator in 2017 has him really playing at a high level in 2018.

2) The Baltimore Ravens have lost 3 of their last 4 games after a 3-1 start and they may be inching closer to a quarterback change. Joe Flacco isn’t going to be more than what he’s shown throughout his 11-year career, and that’s an average QB. You can win with him, and the Ravens have, but I wonder if it would be best to get rookie Lamar Jackson some consistent playing time. Inserting him would require a tweak to the offense, but he might provide the O a spark that they’s been missing.

3) The Cleveland Browns have fired head coach Hue Jackson after a disastrous 3-36-1 record during his two and a half years with the franchise. Even with his .500 stint as head coach with the Raiders, Jackson is still one of the worst of all time.

From Pro Football Talk:

The Browns’ loss today drops Jackson to 11-44-1 as an NFL head coach: 8-8 in Oakland and 3-36-1 in Cleveland. That’s a winning percentage of .205.

How bad is that? There have been 219 coaches in NFL history who coached at least 40 games in their career. Jackson ranks 218th in career winning percentage.

Shortly after the Jackson news was announced yesterday, it came out that the Browns’ also fired offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Then it was revealed that they named defensive coordinator Gregg Williams (yes, that Gregg Williams) interim head coach.

This organization is set for a complete overhaul in 2019, and my guess is that they build the coaching staff full of guys that can get the most out of quarterback Baker Mayfield.

4) The Packers lost to the Rams on Sunday, partly because when the Rams kicked off to Green Bay with about two minutes left (with a 2 point lead), Ty Montgomery ran the kickoff out of the end zone when he was instructed to take a knee.

Aaron Rodgers was not pleased.

I think Adam Rank’s Tweet speaks for all Bears’ fans.

5) It may not last, but I’m glad to see Ryan Fitzpatrick back at quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His run to open the season was fun, and if it wasn’t for the buzz-saw defense he ran into week 4, he may have kept the starting job over Jameis Winston.

Fitzmagic came off the bench in Cincinnati and went 11 of 15 for 194 yards and 2 TDs, but a field goal as time expired won it for the Bengals.

5a) Fitzpatrick is going to look great with Jon Gruden and the Raiders next year.

6) A bit more on Jameis Winston from Peter King...

Interceptions, game by game, by NFC South QBs in their last 5 games:

Brees: 0, 0, 0, 0, 1.

Ryan: 0, 0, 0, 0, 0.

Newton: 0, 2, 1, 0, 0.

Winston: 3, 2, 2, 2, 4.

Sort of says it all.

That lone Drew Brees interception was his first of this season.

7) Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back James Conner is a great story.

He’s only playing because Le’Veon Bell is holding out, but he’s the NFL’s third leading rusher with 599 yards (9 TDs) through 7 games, and he has 31 receptions for 323 yards.

And did I mention he beat cancer?

8) Adam Thielen > Randy Moss

9) The Washington Redskins lead the NFC East with a 5-2 record, but I’m not even sure if they’re any good. They do have solid line play on both sides of the ball, so I guess that’ll keep then in most games. I guess I just keep waiting for 33-year old Adrian Peterson to go back to playing like a running back over 30. If he can sustain this type of production, then maybe they hold off the Philadelphia Eagles to win that division.

10) This is a crazy stat...

Mitchell Trubisky is playing pretty good football this year for the Chicago Bears, but his best is yet to come. This season is still a journey, but it’s going to be a record setting journey.

Yes, much of that has to do with how mediocre Chicago’s QB play has been through the years, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s primed to become the best to play the position in Chicago since the 1940s.

Anyone shitting on his play is either still mad that the Bears moved up in the 2017 draft to get him, or still trying to prove how right they were that he’s going to be a bust.

Get over it.

I wasn’t happy with the trade up, and he wasn’t my favorite QB in that class, but I’m not going to sit here and drive my personal agenda into the ground like some whiny child not getting my way.

The 2017 quarterback class could go down as a damn good one, which is funny, because we had to listen to internet scouts tell us how awful it was going to be.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/10/30/18038058/ten-thoughts-matt-nagy-nfl-chicago-bears-los-angeles-rams-packers-aaron-rodgers-ravens-browns-chiefs

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Alex Cora puts off question about Red Sox visiting White House: 'We'll talk about it later on'

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora was too busy celebrating his team’s World Series win to talk about politics. When asked whether the Red Sox will visit the White House, Cora put off the question, saying the team would “talk about it later on,” according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

[Yahoo Store: Get your Boston Red Sox championship gear right here!]

The White House visit has become a more prominent issue in recent years, as teams in other sports have pulled out of the event or had their invitations rescinded by President Donald Trump.

The Golden State Warriors did not visit Trump in the White House following their NBA finals wins in 2017 and 2018. LeBron James called Trump a “bum” after the president pulled the Warriors’ invite in 2017. Had the Cleveland Cavaliers won the title last season, James said the team would not have gone to the White House. The Philadelphia Eagles never settled on a date, and then were disinvited over the kneeling controversy in the NFL.

That trend hasn’t extended to baseball just yet. Both the Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros visited the White House following their World Series victories.

Cora — who was born in Puerto Rico — has been critical of Trump’s response to Hurricane Maria. In September, Cora called Trump’s comments regarding the destruction caused by the hurricane “disrespectful.” Trump said the hurricane resulted in “6 to 18 deaths.” Studies estimated the death toll was near 3,000. 

Following the Red Sox’s World Series win, Cora expressed a desire to take the trophy to Puerto Rico so he could show it off in the island.

Cora and the Red Sox have some time to come to a decision. The Astros didn’t announce their trip to the White House until January and did not visit until March.

Alex Cora didn’t want to talk about whether the Red Sox will visit the White House. (AP Photo)

More

– – – – – – –

Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik

More from Yahoo Sports: • 4 Jags players detained after dispute at London nightclub • Viral FSU fan explains what he was doing during Clemson game • LeBron shows support for Senate hopeful with wardrobe choice • Watch ASU’s N’Keal Harry make crazy OBJ-esque catch

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/alex-cora-puts-off-question-red-sox-visiting-white-house-well-talk-later-055255182.html?src=rss

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Only a few apartments are available at the hot new Old Town Park

Old Town Park, 1140 N Wells, is the newest apartment tower in Old Town on Chicago’s hot Near North Side. Only a very few apartments are available for rent.

This luxury community offers spacious studio to 3-bedroom apartments with designer finishes and fixtures. The apartments have attractive floor plans, high ceilings, plank flooring throughout, balconies, in-unit washers and dryers, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

A single studio is available for $2,160, and a single 2-bedroom, 2-bath for $4,005. One-bedrooms start at $2,750. Two high-floor 3-bedroom, 2-baths with private terraces rent at $6,500 and $8,000. Floor plans and near real-time rent and availability info are online.

Old Town Park has extensive amenities, including multiple resident lounges, a sprawling landscaped pool deck with a basketball court, a fitness center, a co-working space, grilling areas, dog runs and a tot lot.

Old Town Park is pet-friendly. It has on-site management, maintenance and leasing staff and 24/7 door staff.

Source: http://yochicago.com/only-a-few-apartments-are-available-at-the-hot-new-old-town-park/60705/

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Dunc'd on Podcast suggest possible landing spots for Bulls' Jabari Parker

Dunc'd on Podcast suggest possible landing spots for Bulls' Jabari Parker originally appeared on nbcsportschicago.com

On Wednesday's episode of the Dunc'd on Podcast, hosts Nate Duncan and Danny Leroux wento over the current state of the Bulls and discussed potential teams that could be interested in Jabari Parker.

Duncan and Leroux are two of the more reasonable basketball minds, and they quickly came to the conclusion that it would be tough to find a team that necessarily needs Parker. But they nonetheless went through a couple of teams that could possibly make good use of the 23-year old forward.

Orlando Magic:

Duncan and Leroux weren't that into the idea of Parker on Orlando but acknowledged that they certainly could use some help in the scoring department.

The Magic are currently 26th in the league in PPG (103.5) but are hovering around a .500 record due to their strong defense and slow pace of the play-the same style of play that has improved the Bulls D while torpedoing their offensive efficiency.

But the Magic do have skilled offensive players like DJ Augustin, Terrence Ross and Nikola Vucevic. All three players have managed to be efficient scorers this season, but only Vucevic and Ross have been able to do it while also shouldering a big offensive workload. Outside of Ross, Jonathon Simmons is the only other Magic bench player who carries a decent usage rate. Parker-for all of his shortcomings-offers more size and upside than Simmons.

On top of that, the Magic are one of the more pass-happy teams in the league, averaging just over 25 assists per game. It would be a solid team to compensate for Parker's occasional penchant to develop tunnel vision when looking to score.

Parker's terrible assist-to-turnover ratio wouldn't hurt Orlando too much either, as they currently sit inside the top 10 in team AST/TO ratio.

Atlanta Hawks:

The Hawks are very short on quality forwards. And that is exactly what Leroux stated when trying to picture Parker on the Hawks:

"[Atlanta] needs depth basically everywhere on the forward line, especially with Taurean Prince out."

At full strength they place John Collins-a very solid young talent-at the four next to Dewayne Dedmon or Alex Len, with the latter being the much stronger tandem. But with Atlanta rebuilding at the moment, having functional lineups is much more important than having effective ones. And that is where Parker helps them.

According to Basketball-Reference play-by-play information, 41-year old Vince Carter is playing 61 percent of his minutes at power forward. So it is no shocker that he is posting one of the five worst individual defensive ratings on the team.

After Collins and Carter, rookie Omari Spellman and Taurean Prince play the most minutes at PF. Spellman is more of a center and Prince is good enough at guarding small forwards and wings to make it unnecessary for him to play the PF.

Slotting Parker into their rotation allows all the aforementioned players to return to their natural positions more often. At his natural PF position, Parker would be free to slide into a role as a (moderately) high usage player. Trae Young, Collins and Jeremy Lin could actually form quite a potent offensive combination with despite how bad that lineup would be.

But being bad at defense is another key to Parker's possible success with Atlanta. Out of all the likely NBA lottery teams, perhaps only the Hawks, Knicks and Cavaliers had less expectations than the Bulls, who some (not many) pegged as a possible dark-horse No. 8 seed in the playoffs.

New Orleans Pelicans:

The Pelicans are in the same situation as the Bulls in terms of needing a quality small forward and struggling to attract star free agents. Parker doesn't help with either of those issues and that is why Duncan suggested he could essentially be a nice depth piece for New Orleans, stating that Parker could help just by being on their roster as "a forward for when [Julius] Randle and [Nikola] Mirotic are inevitably hurt.

Though Pelicans general manager Dell Demps has had his fair share of misses, it is unlikely he would be looking to back up his oft-injured forwards with another injury-prone player. But if the New Orleans front office truly thinks Parker can improve from his current level of play, it would be worth it to part ways with Solomon Hill and salary filler for Parker. Whatever draft compensation Chicago wants would make or break this deal.

Story continues

But with fellow Chicago-native Anthony Davis drawing tons of attention on his dives to the rim, it isn't impossible to imagine a world in which Parker scores effectively as a pick-and-roll ball-handler with Jrue Holiday providing some floor spacing.

Philadelphia 76ers:

We'll keep this one short. Nate Duncan had perhaps the best line of the episode when he stated flatly "they don't need more usage on this team."

But while the Sixers certainly don't need more player who want the ball in their hands, Duncan himself brought up the fact that they need more quality players in general. Parker has glaring holes in his game but that doesn't mean he couldn't be good in a complementary role.

After the recently acquired Jimmy Butler and Wilson Chandler, the Sixers don't have many players who can hold down the forward spots. Ben Simmons can obviously play in the frontcourt in a pinch, but the point of Simmons' uniqueness is that you can keep him at the one and surround him with big, two-way guards and forwards.

So Parker would actually fill somewhat of a need for the Sixers. Again, for all of his shortcomings, I don't think anyone is going to strongly argue that Mike Muscala is clearly a better backup option at power forward than Parker. Muscala fits better because he is a great 3-point shooter, whereas Parker would cramp the floor spacing in Philly. But Muscala is a terrible rebounder for his position, averaging 4 rebounds per game compared to Parker's 6 boards a game, which actually leads the rebound-deficient Bulls.

And in a best case scenario where Parker is engaged on defense, he and Simmons could have some great success as a duo in transition.

They both possess the coveted "grab-and-go" ability that allows them to turn quick shots by an opponent into an easy bucket. Parker was around the 60th percentile as a transition scorer in his last year in Milwaukee (which is good) but has fallen off this year on an injury-riddled Bulls team.

A big reason for Parker's transition offense falling off is his high turnover rate. But the hope would be that Simmons-who also turns the ball over a lot-Butler and Embiid would have the ball in their hands so much that Parker's turnovers would decrease dramatically.

As far as the framework for this deal? Markelle Fultz, Muscala and Jonah Bolden would be enough to make the trade work. This trade wouldn't really weaken the Sixers in any way on the court. And off the court, Parker's expiring deal would be interesting for a Sixers team that will be trying to re-sign Butler while adding depth around the margins.

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/duncd-podcast-suggest-possible-landing-212156236.html?src=rss

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My Style: Anne Stromayer, Broker, Baird & Warner, Libertyville

December 17, 2018

Number of years in real estate: 25

Describe your look: Classic and polished

What do you consider a “fashion don’t”? Wearing clothes that are absolutely too tight

What is your favorite piece of clothing and why? Skirts are my favorite. You can create different looks with a shirt, sweater or blouse.

What do you consider a must-have accessory? A watch

What is a fashion crime you have committed in the past? Wearing too much of one color because I thought I had to “match”

Where are your favorite places to shop? Banana Republic, Michael Kors, White House Black Market and Nordstrom

What, besides your wardrobe, completes your look? A pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses, the right shade of lipstick and a great attitude

What is in your bag/briefcase? A Tory Burch tote

My closet is full of… Pencil skirts and sweaters

Dress: Banana Republic; watch: Michael Kors; necklace: White House Black Market shoes: White House Black Market

Source: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2018/12/17/style-anne-stromayer-broker-baird-warner-libertyville/

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NBC Sports Chicago provides extensive coverage of Bulls and Blackhawks drafts

NBC Sports Chicago provides extensive coverage of Bulls and Blackhawks drafts originally appeared on nbcsportschicago.com

Chicago, IL (June 19, 2018) – With the Chicago Bulls holding the #7 overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft and the Chicago Blackhawks holding the #3 overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, NBC Sports Chicago - THE Home of the #AuthenticFan - is set to provide fans with extensive multi-platform coverage of both drafts on Thursday, June 20 and Friday, June 21.  Please note NBC Sports Chicago's draft coverage details below:

 THURSDAY, JUNE 20 -- BULLS/NBA Draft coverage

11:00 AM & 2:00 PM CT -- "The 2019 NBA Draft Preview Show" - NBC Sports National NBA Insider Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) previews the upcoming draft featuring NBC Sports Regional Networks NBA experts from coast-to-coast, including NBC Sports Chicago's Mark Schanowski. Hosted by NBC Sports Philadelphia's Amy Fadool, "The 2019 NBA Draft Preview Show" will be presented in two live airings this day and fans can submit their draft questions to the panel by utilizing the Twitter hashtag #NBAdraftNBC (NOTE: This digital-exclusive presentation will stream live on NBCSportsChicago.com and via the "MyTeams by NBC Sports" app; fans located anywhere in the U.S. can download MyTeams for free on iOS and Android devices in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.)

6:00 PM -- "SportsTalk Live presented by The Chevy Silverado" - Special NBA Draft preview edition LIVE from the Bulls/NBA Draft headquarters at the Advocate Center. (NOTE: Live stream available to authenticated NBC Sports Chicago subscribers at NBCSportsChicago.com/WatchLive) 

Between 7:30-8:30 PM (time approx.) -- Live #7 pick reaction/commentary from NBC Sports Chicago's Bulls experts Mark Schanowski, Kendall Gill, and Will Perdue via an extended Periscope segment on the network's dedicated Bulls Twitter handle (@NBCSBulls), which will include the trio's responses to fan questions and comments.

10:30 PM -- "Bulls Draft Special presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois" - Featuring Schanowski, Gill, and Perdue live from the Advocate Center, the Bulls Draft Special will dive into detailed discussion surrounding the Bulls first and second round picks, along with showcasing podium moment highlights/interviews featuring the new Bulls rookie from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, an overview of every trade made throughout the evening, plus, post-draft press conference coverage featuring Bulls Executive VP/Basketball Operations John Paxson, along with a post-draft recap interview with Haberstroh. (NOTE: Live stream also available to authenticated NBC Sports Chicago subscribers at NBCSportsChicago.com/WatchLive and via the "MyTeams by NBC Sports" app.)

11:00 PM -- "Bulls Outsiders: Draft Special" - Hosts Matt Peck, David Watson, and John Sabine recap the NBA Draft from their perspective, along with their thoughts on how the Bulls first round pick will impact next season's roster.  In addition, the Bulls Outsiders: Draft Special will also emphasize heavy viewer interaction via fan engagement on a number of the network's social media platforms including Twitter (@NBCSBulls; fans urged to utilize the Twitter hashtag #BullsOutsiders in their posts) and Facebook Live (Facebook.com/NBCSChicago). (NOTE: Live stream also available to authenticated NBC Sports Chicago subscribers at NBCSportsChicago.com/WatchLive and via the "MyTeams by NBC Sports" app.)

NBCSportsChicago.com/"MyTeams by NBC Sports" app – NBC Sports Chicago's Bulls digital reporter/producer Mark Strotman will also provide fans with thorough digital coverage of the NBA Draft from the Advocate Center on Thursday night, which will include real-time coverage/commentary throughout the night via @NBCSBulls and on the "MyTeams by NBC Sports" app.  In addition, "Sights & Sounds" moments from the Advocate Center will be provided from ‘NBCSChicago' through Instagram and Instagram Stories. For full NBA Draft content and videos, fans are urged to visit the network's dedicated Bulls section at NBCSportsChicago.com/Bulls.  

"Bulls Talk PODCAST presented by Coors Light" - Bulls fans can also download NBA Draft preview/recap editions of NBC Sports Chicago's "Bulls Talk PODCAST" throughout the week. Fans can download all of NBC Sports Chicago's podcasts at NBCSportsChicago.com/podcasts and simply subscribe to them via Apple Podcasts, Google Play or Stitcher.  The podcasts can be played on any mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer.

 FRIDAY, JUNE 21 -- BLACKHAWKS/NHL Draft coverage

6:00 PM CT -- "SportsTalk Live presented by The Chevy Silverado" - Special NHL Draft preview edition featuring on-site, pre-draft reports from NBC Sports Chicago Blackhawks expert Pat Boyle and Blackhawks digital reporter/producer Charlie Roumeliotis LIVE from Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C. (NOTE: Live stream available to authenticated NBC Sports Chicago subscribers at NBCSportsChicago.com/WatchLive) 

6:30 PM -- 2019 NHL Draft (LIVE on NBCSN) – NBCSN will provide live first round coverage of the 2019 NHL Draft from Rogers Arena, which will feature in-depth player profile coverage of the Blackhawks #3 overall pick (live stream available via NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app). Liam McHugh and Kathryn Tappen will host coverage alongside Emmy Award-winning analyst Pierre McGuire and NHL Insiders Bob McKenzie, Craig Button, and Darren Dreger.

NBCSportsChicago.com/"MyTeams by NBC Sports" app (Blackhawks draft coverage presented by Elgin Hyundai/Dundee Ford) – Boyle and Roumeliotis will be on location in Vancouver throughout the weekend providing fans with thorough digital coverage of the Draft, which will include draft capsules of every Blackhawks draft pick, along with scheduled interviews featuring Blackhawks SVP/GM Stan Bowman and VP/Amateur Scouting Mark Kelley. NBC Sports Chicago will also deliver up-to-the-minute coverage/commentary throughout the weekend via NBC Sports Chicago's dedicated Blackhawks Twitter handle @NBCSBlackhawks and on the "MyTeams by NBC Sports" app. In addition, "Sights & Sounds" moments from Rogers Arena will be provided from ‘NBCSChicago' through Instagram and Instagram Stories. For full NHL Draft player profiles, content, and videos, fans are urged to visit the network's dedicated Blackhawks section at NBCSportsChicago.com/Blackhawks.    

"Blackhawks Talk PODCAST presented by ChevyDrivesChicago.com" - NBC Sports Chicago will also deliver NHL Draft preview/recap editions of its "Blackhawks Talk PODCAST" featuring Boyle, Roumeliotis, along with special guest interviews. Fans can download all of NBC Sports Chicago's podcasts at NBCSportsChicago.com/podcasts and simply subscribe to them via Apple Podcasts, Google Play or Stitcher.  The podcasts can be played on any mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer.

  NBC Sports Chicago, a partnership between the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB) and the NBC Sports Group, features over 275 live pro games in high definition each year.  In addition, NBC Sports Chicago delivers extensive pre/post-game coverage for its core pro team partners, as well as Chicago Bears postgame coverage, local sports discussion programs that includes SportsTalk Live, and massive cross-platform coverage provided by the network's growing digital platform, NBCSportsChicago.com, the new "MyTeams by NBC Sports" app, and its variety of fan-focused social media outlets. Fans can follow the network on Twitter via @NBCSChicago.  

 NBC Sports Regional Networks is NBC Sports Group's portfolio of nine regional networks that delivers more than 2,200 live sporting events and original content to more than 35 million homes. Aligned within Eastern and Western Divisions, the NBC Sports Regional Networks are: NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBC Sports Philadelphia +, NBC Sports Washington, NBC Sports Washington + and SNY; and NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Chicago/NBC Sports Chicago+, and NBC Sports Northwest. For more information on NBC Sports Group properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios, headshots and logos, please visit www.NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

  ####

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nbc-sports-chicago-provides-extensive-160151031.html?src=rss

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Bulls News: Lauri Markkanen Expected to Return from Elbow Injury vs. Rockets

Chicago Bulls power forward Lauri Markkanen is reportedly expected to make his season debut Saturday against the Houston Rockets.

According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Markkanen will play if he gets through warm-ups without issue, but the Bulls have yet to determine if he will start or come off the bench.

Regardless of how he is utilized, Markkanen will be on a minutes restriction.

Markkanen had an encouraging debut season as he earned first-team All-Rookie honors in 2017-18 after getting selected No. 7 overall out of Arizona. He averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds and also shot 36.2 percent from three-point range.

He injured his elbow in practice prior to the start of the 2018-19 campaign, which caused him to miss Chicago's first 23 games.

Although the Bulls signed Jabari Parker to a two-year, $40 million deal this summer, they remain in rebuilding mode. Missing Markkanen for the start of the season didn't help matters, either.

The Bulls are off to a disappointing 5-18 start, but Markkanen's return could provide a significant boost to a frontcourt that has primarily featured Parker and rookie Wendell Carter Jr.

Power forward Bobby Portis has appeared in just four games this season because of a knee injury, so Markkanen will add some much-needed depth.

Look for Parker and Carter to get the bulk of the minutes up front on Saturday, but once Markkanen shakes the rust off, it could result in Parker either being relegated to the bench or playing more small forward in place of Justin Holiday.

Source: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2799178-bulls-news-lauri-markkanen-expected-to-return-from-elbow-injury-vs-rockets

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From closing to campaigning: Local agent throws hat in the ring for aldermanic race

by Scott Klocksin February 18, 2019

Cynthia Bednarz of d’aprile properties has been knocking on doors in the real estate business for about a decade. Now, as a candidate for alderman of the 27th Ward, she’s knocking as a candidate for elected office. “Volunteering and advocating have always been part of my lifestyle,” said Bednarnz, who announced her intention to run last year and is challenging six-term incumbent Walter Burnett, who would otherwise run unopposed.

After moving to her East Garfield Park home back in 2000 — where she now lives with her husband and two school-aged daughters — Bednarz helped revive a block club that had fizzled out. She volunteers at her kids’ elementary school and last fall, she also started a softball league for anybody — from the local neighborhood or not — who wanted to get together in a park in a nearby neighborhood and be active together.

The idea to run, she insisted, wasn’t hers alone. Two former aldermen approached her, she said, and suggested that she consider running.

The campaign, she said, is rooted in local considerations and issues. The crucial one that drew her into the race was what she saw as a need for more affordable housing and mixed-income development that could help attract new businesses to the western parts of the ward — the neighborhood where she’s raising her family and owns a home.

The 27th Ward is among the city’s most economically diverse, and includes parts of struggling East Garfield Park, as well as the booming Fulton Market District and portions of the Gold Coast. These neighborhoods are among those that have seen a surge of new development in recent years, from Google’s Midwest headquarters opening in Fulton Market in 2015 to new mixed-income residential buildings in and around the former site of the Cabrini-Green housing project on the Near North Side.

“This new development hasn’t necessarily benefitted every part of the ward,” Bednarz said. Unlike in other parts of the ward, “west of Western Avenue, there’s been a lot of [aldermanic] resistance to new development, and it’s meant that new businesses often aren’t interested in coming to the area. That doesn’t have to be the case.”

It’s issues like these that drove her to run, Bednarz said, rather than the growing number of women of color running for and winning elected office at the state and national level. But, she said, “Any time you create diversity within an organization, it just makes it stronger.” Out of the Chicago City Council’s 50 aldermen currently serving, 14 are women.

Bednarz readily acknowledged that running for office isn’t for everyone. But the lifestyle of a real estate agent can lend itself to the rigors of campaigning — even if it isn’t always easy. “Partially because I’m a real estate agent, I’ve been able to fit this into my schedule. If you have a typical nine-to-five job, doing this would be extremely difficult, but I was able to balance it,” she said, before a pause. “‘Balance’ might be the wrong word. ‘Undertake’ might be a better word.”

And undertake she does. Bednarz said since she’s been on the ballot, she has regularly been putting in days as long as 18 hours, juggling showings and closings with flyering and door-knocking. But she does it all with a goal firmly in mind. “If I didn’t think I could win, I wouldn’t put in the 18-hour days.”

The days might not get much shorter if she wins the election. Many aldermen maintain businesses outside of their elected positions, looking at serving as alderman as a part-time job. Bednarz said her plan, if she wins, would be to invert that common splitting of time, and practice real estate part-time. “If I had the opportunity to serve, I’d give it the time it really deserves. There’s a lot to be done around here.”

The long days of the past several months have included some encouraging interactions. Bednarz described one day out and about in the neighborhood, in which half the people who opened their doors after she knocked thanked her for running. There was even a hug.

It’s the kind of warm reception she attributes to having longstanding ties in the neighborhood and knowing it well. “As a real estate agent, part of what you want to do is be a resource for your clients, helping them to become more familiar with services, people and organizations that can do positive things for them. Being an alderman is really just doing that on an even higher level.”

Source: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2019/02/18/closing-campaigning-local-agent-throws-hat-ring-aldermanic-race/

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Plant Chicago endorses the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment

Plant Chicago has joined voices with over 250 companies, governments, and non-profits to endorse the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment spearheaded by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with the UN environment.

This Global Commitment to eradicate plastic waste includes many of the world’s largest packaging producers, brands, retailers and recyclers, as well as governments and NGOs. The signatory companies represent a total of 20% of all plastic packaging produced globally! The Commitment aims to create ‘a new normal’ for plastic packaging. Targets are going to be reviewed every 18 months, and become increasingly ambitious over the coming years. Businesses that signed the commitment will ensure transparency by publishing annual data on their progress.

Targets of the Commitment include:

• Eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging and move from single-use to reuse packaging models

• Innovate to ensure 100% of plastic packaging can be easily and safely reused, recycled, or composted by 2025

• Circulate the plastic produced, by significantly increasing the amounts of plastics reused or recycled and made into new packaging or products Eliminating unnecessary and problematic plastics is an essential part of the Global Commitment vision, and will make it easier to keep remaining plastics in the economy and out of the environment

Read more about the New Plastics Economy and commitment here.

As a non-profit Plant Chicago has not only endorsed the ambitious goals, but set our own. In the coming year we will diver 90% of materials in our programs from the landfill, and partner with our co-located businesses to set equally ambitious landfill diversion goals.

Source: http://plantchicago.org/2018/10/30/plant-chicago-endorses-the-new-plastics-economy-global-commitment/

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Bulls outlast Knicks 116-115 in Double OT Thriller

The Bulls wins these season, with a third Monday 116-115 in double overtime against the New York Knicks, have been revolutionary. And not only because each has been against a team from one of the original 13 colonies. Those wins have been radical because they have required a special breakthrough, and the Bulls have gotten it each time from Zach LaVine, who Monday scored a career high 41 points and the winning free throw with two tenths of a second left.

“At the end of the day, I am going to do what I do to help us get a win,” said LaVine. “I’ve worked hard to get to the next level.”

It’s becoming a special place as LaVine scored all the Bulls points in the second overtime, overcoming a pair of Knicks leads with bursts to the basket that eventually made the difference.

“I am going to attack,” said LaVine, who had three driving scores with his explosive first step and a pair of free throws to hold off Knicks rallies in the second extra session. LaVine also scored the Bulls last 11 points in regulation with a triumvirate of three-point baskets and had the score to tie the game at 108 in the first overtime. That one did come after LaVine dribbled out of bounds among his eight turnovers.

“I had some costly turnovers I have to clean up,” LaVine acknowledged. “But at the end of the day I did what I had to do.”

With so many regulars injured, LaVine is basically the last hope before defeat.

LaVine played 49 minutes against the Knicks with 11 of 14 from the free throw line highlighting his new career high game. In the Bulls three wins, LaVine is averaging 33.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and four assists with an average of 10 made free throws in each victory.

“I was just doing what I had to do to get us a lead,” LaVine said about that decisive second overtime. “Get to the cup, get to the free throw line, and I feel I did that. Then I knew I either was going to lay it in with time on the clock (or get fouled). I knew there was (time) on the clock; the ball was out of my hands.”

LaVine had to make just one free throw for victory with .02 left. He made the first and intentionally missed the second, which ended the game since .03 automatically runs off the clock on a rebound. In a similar situation last month in a win over Charlotte, LaVine accidentally made a second free throw with .05 left when he tried to miss. In that game, LaVine stole a Charlotte inbounds pass with seven seconds left in a tie game that led to LaVine’s winning free throws going to that orange circular cup.

And as a result, the Bulls again could raise their cups in a toast to success.

“Our guys needed to get a close one,” said Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg. “We needed our guys to get a little confidence. We had a lot of miscues (19 turnovers and three for stepping out of bounds within a few minutes), but we needed a big stop and we got it (at the end of regulation and the first overtime). The guys hung tough and they stuck together. We found a way to get the win.”

The Bulls improved to 3-8, the same record as the Knicks. The Bulls also got 17 points off the bench in 20 minutes from Antonio Blakeney, 15 points from Jabari Parker and 11 points and 13 rebounds from Wendell Carter Jr. before he fouled out late in regulation. The Knicks were carried by their reserves with 66 points, including 23 points and 24 rebounds from Enes Kanter. That enabled the Knicks to crush the Bulls on the boards 62-48 and 21-11 on the offensive boards. But led by LaVine, the Bulls had 64 inside points. Despite the offensive rebounding dominance, the rebuilding Knicks had just 11 second chance points.

That was helped by a late, emergency appearance from Robin Lopez, who played the overtimes after Carter fouled out in place of Cristiano Felicio and had a pair of vital blocks and ferocity at the basket.

“I give Robin Lopez a lot of credit for being ready when we needed him,” said Hoiberg.

Neither team was truly ready for this game, which became entertaining, if not exactly artistic and captivating. The Bulls led 24-21 after the first quarter when Blakeney got hot to close the quarter. Though the middle part was weighted down by a sequence of eight shared possessions which produced two Bulls shots blocked and one Knicks shot blocked, a lob out of bounds and two other turnovers. The game overall featured 20 lead changes and 15 ties, but felt the weight of the injury absences. Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, Bobby Portis and Denzel Valentine were out for the Bulls. Leading Knicks scorer Tim Hardaway Jr. was out and top rookie Kevin Knox played only briefly in a recovery from an ankle sprain. Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis is still recovering from an Achilles injury.

And so former Bull Noah Vonleh was in the starting lineup for the Knicks along with two second round picks and undrafted Allonzo Trier. Trier had 21 points and was the Knicks main go to guy for the late shots.

The game skittered back and forth in the second quarter with a 47-47 tie at halftime. LaVine also was the prime ball handler for many possessions, though some of his turnovers were when teammates failed to look for the ball or veered away to the safety of spectator status.

“I feel like I made some good passes,” said LaVine. “I’m trying to create open shots for the guys.”

Parker had a nice scoring run in the third quarter as the Bulls took a 78-72 lead going into the fourth quarter. Chandler Hutchison continued to show flashes with this long armed drives to the basket and eight points, though Hoiberg elected to close with Parker and Justin Holiday. Holiday shot just two of 10, but he came away with a vital loose ball to send the game into a second overtime.

The game was tied at 93 with four minutes left when LaVine made back to back pull up three pointers and an even longer three for a 102-97 Bulls lead with two minutes remaining.

Trier then scored five straight with a three around a pair of LaVine misses to tie the game at 102 with 49 seconds left in regulation. Then came the first of many wild scrambles between these two teams unpracticed in success. LaVine drove and spun, but lost the ball. It bounced to Holiday. He threw to Cameron Payne, who began dribbling endlessly, a habit that’s been too frequent with this Bulls group. Payne had eight points and two assists in 40 minutes. Finally his drive was blocked out of bounds by Vonleh. With five seconds on the shot clock, LaVine missed a baseline jumper that went off Payne. The Knicks had a last chance with 25.9 seconds. Trier drove and missed a baseline jumper and Mario Hezonja missed the follow just short.

The first overtime appeared to be assembled by Rube Goldberg with LaVine and Hezonja exchanging air balled threes and then Parker and LaVine stepping out of bounds for turnovers on consecutive possessions sandwiching a Vonleh turnover. It was still tied at 106. LaVine matched a New York score with a baseline fade with 1:13 to tie at 108 and neither team scored again. Though there were chances.

First LaVine stripped Vonleh for a turnover and then missed a three. The long rebound went to Payne with 33 seconds left. He then rushed a three pointer that went well long to the Knicks for a last shot.

Again the last shot went to undrafted Trier, who beat Holiday right. But Lopez came darting across the lane to block the shot with 4.1 seconds left. Holiday stole the inbounds pass switching to his bright orange head band. LaVine then had a last shot and stepped out of bounds turning around for the three. The Knicks didn’t have a timeout and had to go full court. Kanter’s three went long.

It felt like half a league as these somewhat noble 10 rode into the valley of misses in the second overtime. Trier gave the Knicks a 111-108 lead with a three. LaVine seemed to have had enough. After all, the Bulls were staying overnight before leaving for New Orleans. LaVine put his head down so the Bulls finally could hold their heads high. His back to back driving scores gave the Bulls a 112-111 lead. Trier scored again on a drive to give the Knicks a one-point lead with two minutes left. LaVine evened it with one of two free throws. LaVine then rebounded a Kanter miss and drove full court, crossed over and laid the ball in on the left side of the basket for a 115-113 Bulls lead with 43.5 seconds left. Trier missed a rushed runner that went to Kanter. LaVine stripped it away again and it was recovered by Holiday. But LaVine missed a baseline jumper as the Bulls could not run out the clock. The Knicks got the miss and Emmanuel Mudiay running full court blew by Payne and Holiday for the basket to tie with 2.7 seconds left in the second overtime.

Madison Square Garden long has been known as the mecca of basketball. Players cherish big games in New York with the theater lights type setting for the court. It’s the game’s greatest spotlight. There was Michael Jordan’s famous double nickel 55 points in his 1995 comeback. Kobe had a 61, Curry a 54, LeBron a 52. And don’t forget Wilt’s 73 in 1962, which he pretty much scored everywhere.

“You get up for these types of games,” said LaVine. “It’s the mecca. You hear about everybody throughout history, the greats always having great games here. They get up for it; you can feel the energy.”

So LaVine waiting to spring from the left elbow with his fifth game this season already surpassing 30 points got an inbounds pass from Parker with 2.7 seconds left. Trier was trying to defend LaVine. Lopez screened Trier and LaVine got the ball above the three-point circle on top. The Knicks brought a double team with Damyean Dotson. But LaVine blew by him also down the left side. Mudiay came over late, grabbing LaVine’s arm with .02 left. The official under the basket immediately called the foul, but there was, of course, a review. LaVine went to the free throw line and swished the first for point No. 41. LaVine finally revealed a bright smile. As soon as the ball caromed off the backboard on the second free throw the game was over.

“I was up for this game,” said LaVine. “We were ready and earned this win.”

Because Zach LaVine did just about everything he could to produce some of his own history.

Source: https://www.nba.com/bulls/gameday/bulls-outlast-knicks-116-115-double-ot-thriller

[changechest3-blog]

Your first look at Foxtrot Delivery Market Southport Corridor

Foxtrot Delivery Market opened today in Chicago's Southport Corridor neighborhood and here is your first look around the new store!

Source: http://southportcorridorchicago.blogspot.com/2018/09/your-first-look-at-foxtrot-delivery.html

[changechest3-blog]

Another updated look at the Cubs’ 2019 payroll and luxury tax

With the Cubs’ seven arbitration-eligible players all signed as of Friday’s deadline, it’s a good time to take another look at the team’s estimated payroll and luxury-tax hits for 2019. Here’s the updated table as of today:

Cubs payroll and luxury tax hits for 2019

Player Salary Tax hit

Player Salary Tax hit

Jon Lester $25,000,000 $25,833,333 Jason Heyward $20,000,000 $23,000,000 Yu Darvish $20,000,000 $21,000,000 Cole Hamels $20,000,000 $20,000,000 Kris Bryant $12,900,000 $12,900,000 Tyler Chatwood $12,500,000 $12,666,667 Ben Zobrist $12,000,000 $14,000,000 Anthony Rizzo $11,000,000 $5,857,000 Jose Quintana $10,500,000 $10,500,000 Brandon Morrow $9,000,000 $10,500,000 Kyle Hendricks $7,405,000 $7,405,000 Steve Cishek $6,500,000 $6,500,000 Pedro Strop $6,250,000 $6,250,000 Javier Baez $5,200,000 $5,200,000 Brandon Kintzler $5,000,000 $5,000,000 Brian Duensing $3,500,000 $3,500,000 Addison Russell $3,400,000 $3,400,000 Kyle Schwarber $3,390,000 $3,390,000 Mike Montgomery $2,440,000 $2,440,000 Carl Edwards Jr. $1,500,000 $1,500,000 Daniel Descalso $1,500,000 $2,500,000 Willson Contreras $650,000 $650,000 Albert Almora Jr. $620,000 $620,000 Ian Happ $600,000 $600,000 Kendall Graveman $575,000 $575,000 Victor Caratini $570,000 $570,000 David Bote $570,000 $570,000 40-man minor leaguers (estimate) $2,250,000 Player benefits & misc (estimate) $14,500,000 TOTAL $202,570,000 $223,677,000 LUXURY TAX THRESHOLD 1 $206,000,000 LUXURY TAX THRESHOLD 2 $226,000,000 LUXURY TAX THRESHOLD 3 $246,000,000

Just six players of those listed above don’t officially have salary figures for this year; those are the pre-arb players, including Kendall Graveman, who at this time has a listed salary of $575,000. Graveman’s salary (and tax hit) could increase to $2 million if he spends one day on the active roster in 2019, so the team has to take that into account when figuring the luxury tax.

As you can see, the fact that the seven arb-eligible players’ salary figures came in somewhat below previous estimates means that the Cubs have a little bit of room left below the second level of luxury tax, which kicks in at $226 million. Currently the Cubs sit $2,323,000 below that at $223,677,000 (estimated). Graveman making about $1.4 million above his current minimum salary would eat up about 60 percent of the “under.”

Also, it’s entirely possible that some of the other pre-arb players’ salaries will differ from what’s listed above, which are strictly estimates. The Cubs might wind up paying Willson Contreras more than the $650,000 listed. On the other hand, you’ll note that there are 27 players listed in the table. Graveman will start the year on the 60-day DL, but still draw his salary. David Bote, however, might wind up spending some time at Triple-A Iowa, especially with Daniel Descalso on board. If that happens to Bote, he’s likely going to be on a split contract which pays him more only if he’s on the big-league roster. So overall his number might be less than the $570,000 I have estimated. The MLB minimum for 2019 is $555,000.

The Cubs currently have about $22 million or so of estimated space below the top luxury-tax level, which is widely assumed to be the Cubs’ budget ceiling for 2019. I’m not here to debate whether or not that’s a good thing (it probably isn’t, either for players or for the game), but the Cubs appear to have made that choice and we all have to live with it.

Theo & Co. generally like to leave about $10-$12 million in reserve for midseason acquisitions, so that presumably leaves about $10 million of “cap space” for an acquisition now. We have been told, however, by Ken Rosenthal that the Cubs would need to move salary even to afford a reliever in the $6 million range like Adam Warren:

In​ late​ November,​ the Cubs’ budgetary​ restrictions caused​ them to lose​ free-agent reliever Jesse​​ Chavez to the Rangers on a two-year, $8 million contract. Little has changed since then, and the Cubs would need to clear money to sign even a modestly priced reliever such as free-agent righty Adam Warren, according to major-league sources.

So that would seem to indicate that maybe the Cubs don’t want to go over that $226 million level, at least not before the 2019 season begins.

Cubs pitchers and catchers report to the Mesa spring-training complex in just 29 days. It would seem that those on the 40-man roster now, plus whoever the Cubs give non-roster invites to, are who you’re going to see there.

Source: https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/1/14/18179779/cubs-payroll-luxury-tax-2019