Happy New Year! We did it. We made it through another year; we’re starting a new year on this earth. Congratulations to us! How’d we do, or more importantly, how WILL we do? It’s always important to look back, if for anything, to see how we made it, what lessons did we learn, how can we do better. No need to take ill will from 2023 with us into this year, but yes, take what we figured out, and apply it going forward, for sure. We are still alive, and while we shouldn’t have to wait until the new year to make a change, here we are… Let’s make 2024 great!
OK, I’m not going to ramble on this whole post… haha. Well, I will ramble on, but like with most rambles, it will be about Chicago sports. How will our teams make this year great? Well, let’s just start with this upcoming Sunday, and the first Bears game in 2024. I’ll tell you what. The Bears beat the Packers to end their season, while bringing our win total to 8 from 3 last year… I’m happy as hell. Sure, decisions to be made, once the season is over, and hopefully, the Bears make the right ones for a change, but man… how sweet would it be, especially after they slapped us in Week 1 this year. Let’s win this game, end the season on a high note, stock up in the draft/free agency, and come back for blood next year. I’ve tried to be patient, but enough is enough. Next year MUST be a playoff year for the Bears; nothing else will be acceptable… no pressure.
Speaking about playoffs, or play in to be more specific, the Bulls are on that track… again. What I would like to see happen early in 2024, is Zach Lavine being traded. That ship has sailed. Get what we can, dump his max salary, and let’s keep it moving. I doubt what we will get in return for Zach and/or anybody else the Bulls decide to move before the deadline will end up propelling us up the Eastern Conference this year, but hopefully, it will position us for the future… to avoid a total rebuild, and be back in the playoffs with a new, improved roster next year. So playoffs for the Bears and Bulls; how about the Blackhawks?
My son couldn’t believe they were so bad this year; I tried to explain why. With Bedard, the Blackhawks hit the jackpot, from everything I can tell. Now, they need to build around him… quickly. Maybe next year for the Hawks will be like this year for the Bears, so they’re 2 years away, but… with Connor, anything should be possible with a decent roster around him. He’ll get better, the roster should get better… playoffs next year for the Blackhawks too? Sure.
Finally, the Cubbies… We were happy with Counsell, if for anything, it showed us the Cubs will be serious this offseason about putting a team on the field. Well, we’re still waiting. Not mad about missing out on Ohtani; I would have liked Soto. But who will we get? This should not be an IF but a WHEN question. The Cubs have some pieces. With some talent addition, and extra wild card spots, the Cubs should be in the playoffs in 2024 as well!
Yeah, I don’t ask for much… only playoffs for every one of my teams next year, although the Bulls and Blackhawks are still in-season. But like some coach speak, let’s take it one thing at a time; that’s all we can really do anyways. And that one thing… beating the Packers this Sunday. THAT would be the perfect New Year’s gift. Hope it’s a great one for everybody.
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