CHICAGO SPORTS TEAMS LOSE SOME BAGGAGE

In the last two days, there has been a different air blowing in Chicago.  Maybe that's why they call it the Windy City.   First, on Tuesday, the Bears began the day by firing General Manager Jerry Angelo.  Hours later, Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz and Quarterbacks coach Shane Day were shown the door.  Head Coach Lovie Smith suggested Martz left due to philosophical differences.  Martz commented that "the time was right for him to move on".  Shane Day was likely dismissed because of his association with the stubborn Martz who was never able to duplicate the "Fastest Show on Turf" he enjoyed in St. Louis.

For many fans, the Angelo and Martz dismissals were a day of great rejoicing.  Despite guiding the Bears to four divisional titles during his time, Jerry was never embraced by the public or the media.  These past two years explemified  Angelo's general lack of preparation for the unknown.  All National Football League teams must have a back-up quarterback.  When injuries sidelined Jay Cutler, the less than household names of Todd Collins and Caleb Hanie came to the rescue.  Neither were the answer.  In fact, they were horrible.  Then let's throw in Angelo's less than stellar drafting ability.  Only three number one choices are on the current roster since 2000.  Brian Urlacher, Chris Williams and Gabe Carimi.  Only Urlacher was healthy the entire year.....and he had to be held together with bubble gum and baling wire.  It didn't help that in 2006, 2009 and 2010 the Bears were without their number one pick.  That's hardly a direction to success, especially when division rival, the Green Bat Packers, have shown the ability to not only draft, but develop homegrown talent.

Now that the shoe has dropped on Angelo and Martz, the big question that is beginning to surface is, in what way will Bear's brass fill their positions.  There seems to be a mind-set the Bears will go cheap and could go in-house to replace Angelo.  Former Seahawk General Manager Tim Ruskell is on staff, he could get a look-see especially if Lovie Smith gets to weigh in on the decision.  If......and I say that will great apprehension, IF the Bears are truly committed to changing the landscape in Chicago, they will go outside the organization and hire someone with a track record of success.  And at this time there is only one person that fills that distinction, Bill Poilan.  However, given the age of the former Indianapolis head man,  it might be smarter to look at someone who has directed player personnel decisions and is young, creative and above all, able to stand up the test of the Chicago Bears fans and media.  Who could that be?  Try Baltimore Raven's Director of Player Personnel, Eric DeCosta.  He's 40.....has been interviewed and sought after by more than one organization in recent years. He's a hot item and he's your man. (Update 1/6.  DeCosta stays with Ravens)

With DeCosta in hand, you let him and Lovie come to an understanding as to who the replacement for Offensive Coordinator will be and that results will be expected.  Immediately.  (Update 1/6 Bears Line Coach Mike Tice accepts OC job)  And if they don't succeed, then Smith should be shown the door.  Is that a recipe for failure?  I think not.  The NFL has no time for middle of the roaders.  Either you succeed or you don't.  With one year observation, DeCosta will know if Luvable Lovie is his man.

On the North Side...Cubs fans were flabbergasted Wednesday when G.M. Theo Epstein sent Carlos Zambrano packing to the Miami Marlins.  Good riddance.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, by dumping overpaid and combustible players, Epstein could be thought of as Theo Einstein and not Epstein.  With this money dump of some $15 million, Epstein rids the ballclub of a big cancer.  The new general manager wants a change of attitude in Chicago.  This move signals a distinct move in that direction.

Are the Chicago winds still blowing?

Do these moves by the Bears and Cubs suggest to another team, for instance, the White Sox, that it's time to make some bold moves?  Outfielder Alex Rios has two years left on a contract that looks almost as ugly as Alphonso Soriano.  The only problem is, he doesn't produce anywhere near Soriano's numbers.  Then there is pitcher Jake Peavy and DH Adam Dunn.  Both suffered through the 2010 campaign, Peavy with injuries and Dunn experienced issues switching leagues.  Both have proven over the years to be capable professionals and have earned the opportunity to right their careers.  If they don't by mid-season, then they should be moved.  Then there's GM Kenny Williams.  The production of the three for mentioned is and should be tied to William's future.  Because of they don't come through, another big wind needs to wisk through the Chicago area and continue the seasons of change.  Wouldn't that be refreshing?        

Thanks for reading,

John