How many times will I type 2022 before I remember that we are in 2023 now??? Another year… just crazy. I’m thankful for every day above ground, so to make it into a whole new year… yes, a blessing for sure. As I get older, the more and more I realize this, as some people in my life weren’t so lucky to get to 2023. What are we looking forward to in the new year? We just took a look at what we would leave in 2022 for each of our teams, now how about what we would like to see for them? OK, I’m game.
Sticking to the same order, how about our Cubbies? I want to see the Cubs spend money again, regardless of their interpretation on whether or not the “time is right”. Do they think they’re that smart, to know that? The time is right every year; no single year should be wasted, like we did in 2022. The early returns on the offseason were more of the disappointing same. The last addition, of Dansby Swanson, finally moved the needle… a bit. That was a great signing; we need more though. Will the Cubs continue to hold back, and allow us to flounder in a division that should be winnable for us every single year? Maybe another big free agent signing before the season starts. Yeah, that’d be nice.
How about our cross town brethren? Well, they already got an early gift for 2023, and that was a new manager. I also like the Benintendi signing. The Sox already have more talent than the Cubs, so adding a lot more may not be as critical. However, this “talent” needs to perform; there will be no LaRussa to blame for any shortcomings in 2023. Health will go a long way, this year like any year. How about a healthy year for the Sox? This will tell us if they really are on the right track or not, manager or not.
The Bears… woo, this is easy, and exciting. Once the last game is played this coming Sunday, we’ll be able to close the book on this season, officially, even though we’ve moved on from winning this year months ago. The draft and free agency this offseason will be HUGE for our boys. The Bears will have the picks; the Bears will have the money. The talent on the field next year should be substantially better than this year. Will that yield immediate results? Certainly a goal of 500 should be in play, and if that’s the case, looking around the league, then making the playoffs should be in the next breath. I’m ready for that. So… how about a true #1 WR and a menace on defense that will bring pressure on opposing QBs?
The Blackhawks, well, they already hit the reset button in the previous offseason; can’t get much more rock bottom than they are right now. Do we want to continue to lose and get a #1 draft pick? Is THAT the plan? Should we be asking for that? I never subscribe to that. I do understand it, but hate losing, and hate when our teams haven’t been given what they need to succeed. The Hawks are behind the 8 ball on the ice every single night. I guess we should already look to the offseason there as well, even though there are months left. Deliver us that #1 pick in the 2023 draft!
That brings us to the Bulls. Although changes are required, I don’t necessarily think a complete blow up is called for. Trading some of our guys, bringing in some fresh blood, switching our pieces around a bit, may be enough for us to get into the postseason again. Does this mean we have a real shot at a title this year? Man… hard to see that right now, but you can’t win if you don’t get in, so… It would certainly be nice for one of our teams to make the playoffs. So, yeah, playoffs for the Bulls.
It can’t get much worse than 2022 for Chicago sports can it? That means there’s only one way this thing can go, and that is up, uP, UP! Let’s do this. Happy New Year!
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