Bruce Levine
Dycusburg
Articles by Bruce Levine
Cubs continue to make adding young pitching a priority
(670 The Score) The rebuilding Cubs on Sunday once again made adding young pitching a priority. A year after taking Kansas State left-hander Jordan Wicks with their first-round pick, the Cubs selected 20-year-old Oklahoma right-hander Cade Horton at No. 7 overall in the MLB Draft and followed it up by nabbing 18-year-old left-hander Jackson Ferris out of IMG Academy at No. 47 in the second round.
Expectation is Cubs will select a position player with No. 7 overall pick in MLB amateur draft
(670 The Score) For the first time since 2015, the Cubs will have a top-10 pick in the MLB amateur draft. The Cubs will select at No. 7 overall when the draft gets going Sunday, their first pick among the top 10 since taking outfielder Ian Happ at No. 9 overall seven years ago. Despite the Cubs’ lack of homegrown pitching, the expectation is they’ll take a position player, and vice president of scouting Dan Kantrovitz hinted at that being the case.
Javier Baez thought he'd be a Cub forever, shares a message for fans: 'Tell them I love them'
CHICAGO (670 The Score) – In town with his Detroit Tigers to face the White Sox in a four-game series, shortstop Javier Baez has returned to Chicago for the first time since being traded by the Cubs to the Mets last July. Despite knowing a trade was on the horizon, Baez never really got a chance to say goodbye to the city and Cubs fans before being dealt to the Mets. So he was happy to share a message for Cubs Nation on Thursday.
White Sox continue to be hurt by their poor fundamentals
CHICAGO (670 The Score) – Halfway through the season, the White Sox have been hurt too often by fundamental mistakes and mental gaffes. The most high-profile meltdown came Monday, when AJ Pollock flew out into the first 8-5 triple play ever recorded in MLB history because of baserunning mistakes by teammates Adam Engel and Yoan Moncada. It ended a rally in a tie game that the White Sox eventually lost to the Twins in 10 innings.
Cubs aiming to be All-Star Game hosts, but a few matters still need to be worked out
(670 The Score) The Cubs have tried to land the MLB All-Star Game since chairman Tom Ricketts and his family bought the franchise from the Tribune Co. in 2009, but there have been various reasons for that failing to come to fruition. Initially, the Cubs had been assured that the All-Star Game would come to Wrigley Field once the expensive stadium renovation was completed.
White Sox’s staff still trying to find its way to top form
(670 The Score) The White Sox haven’t looked like the class of the AL Central like they were billed as, and part of the reason is because their starting rotation that was a huge strength in 2021 hasn’t been as productive. Michael Kopech and Dylan Cease are each having terrific seasons, but the White Sox haven’t gotten enough consistency from their other rotation spots. Entering play Friday, White Sox starters had combined for a 4.14 ERA this season, a mark that ranked 18th in MLB.
Christopher Morel has been a breath of fresh air for Cubs
(670 The Score) One of the bright spots in the Cubs’ rough season has been rookie sensation Christopher Morel. In his MLB debut on May 17, Morel homered in his first at-bat. He has been making a big impact since, as he’s hitting .264 with five homers, 15 RBIs and an .805 OPS in 31 games. Morel’s love of the game has also been plenty evident. "This chance to be with the team is like family to me," Morel said. “It's great to go out and play for these fans.
Willson Contreras keeps head held high amid Cubs' brutal losing streak, uncertain future
(670 The Score) Amid an uncertain future with the organization and his team’s brutal 10-game losing streak, Cubs catcher Willson Contreras is leaning on advice from a former teammate and a new one. "I learned from my old teammate Pedro Strop and my young teammate Christopher Morel that it doesn't matter if you are having a good or bad day, you should always have a smile on your face,” Contreras said.
Ferguson Jenkins honored by Cubs with statue at Wrigley Field: 'I am humbled by this tribute'
CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- The Cubs honored the great Fergie Jenkins on Friday with a statue, which was placed alongside those of teammates Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Ron Santo in the Gallagher Way courtyard outside of Wrigley Field. Jenkins, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991 and had his number retired by the team in 2014, was emotional throughout the 45-minute ceremony. "I am humbled by this tribute and the statue dedication" Jenkins said after the ceremonies.
Reflective Anthony Rizzo proud of helping build Cubs' culture, admits trade stung
CHICAGO (670 The Score) – Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo’s initial order of business on his first trip back to Chicago since being traded by the Cubs last July was to travel to the Italian deli that he loved best. “I had to go to Bari deli,” Rizzo said Thursday as his Yankees prepared to open a four-game series against the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Ian Happ shines in lifting Cubs to win over Brewers on Opening Day
CHICAGO (670 The Score) – Fans and outside observers might not expect much out of the Cubs in 2022, but for at least one day, there was plenty to enjoy at Wrigley Field. Cubs outfielder Ian Happ hit a tiebreaking two-run double in the bottom of the seventh, helping lift Chicago to a 5-4 win against Milwaukee on Opening Day on Thursday.
Cubs' pitching is the wild card in predicting their ability to compete in 2022
(670 The Score) The Cubs’ pitching was their big weak link in 2021, and it’s their wild card as the team now enters the new season. Gone from the starting rotation are Jake Arrieta, Zach Davies and Trevor Williams, who all struggled mightily for Chicago in 2021 as the Cubs ranked 27th in MLB with a 4.87 ERA. Among the fresh faces in the rotation now are Marcus Stroman and Wade Miley, who’s set to open the season on the injured list with elbow discomfort.
White Sox's pitching depth already being tested before Opening Day
GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- A White Sox club that enters the 2022 season with World Series expectations has encountered adversity near the end of a truncated spring training. The White Sox’s pitching depth will be tested after news came Sunday that ace Lance Lynn is expected to be out about two months due to a knee injury that will require a surgical procedure.
Rick Hahn, White Sox excited to add AJ Pollock
(670 The Score) The White Sox’s acquisition of AJ Pollock in a trade that sent reliever Craig Kimbrel to the Dodgers on Friday does more than just address a void in right field in the mind of general manager Rick Hahn. “We are thrilled to add a player of AJ Pollock's caliber to this roster,” Hahn said. “We view him as making us better both offensively and defensively. He will provide us with some real flexibility and depth as we progress through the peaks and valleys of the season.
Leury Garcia continues to be the man for all positions for the White Sox
GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) – Set to begin his 10th season with the White Sox, utilityman Leury Garcia remains a man for all positions for his club. And that’s once again how manager Tony La Russa envisions using him in 2022 after Garcia made eight or more starts at six different positions last season. Garcia made 33 starts at second base, 28 in right field, 22 in center field, 18 at shortstop, eight in left field and eight at third base in 2021. “Not everyone can play shortstop,” La Russa said.
Cubs rotation still a work in progress as Opening Day nears
MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) – As the Cubs’ regular-season opener looms April 7, only the first two rotation spots are secured as the team maps out the order of its staff to start the year. “It's like a jigsaw puzzle you break out every Christmas,” pitching coach Tommy Hottovy told reporters. “There are pieces missing, and you're trying to find them on the floor.” Right-hander Kyle Hendricks and right-hander Marcus Stroman are on track to start the first two games of the season in some order.
Cubs love how Seiya Suzuki fits their vision, needs and timeline
MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) – In a room packed with both American and Japanese media members, outfielder Seiya Suzuki was introduced by the Cubs on Friday afternoon after signing a five-year, $85-million deal with the team. The Cubs’ addition of Suzuki was a significant move for an organization that had a big need in the outfield after a 71-91 campaign in 2021.
White Sox trade chip Craig Kimbrel just wants to win games, wherever that may be
(670 The Score) After a roller coaster 2021 season, White Sox reliever Craig Kimbrel is bracing himself to play for two teams in 2022 once again while also trying to stay in the moment. With a desire to be a closer but Liam Hendriks filling that role for the White Sox, the 33-year-old Kimbrel remains a potential trade chip.
Jason Heyward ready to play center field more after Cubs' addition of Seiya Suzuki
MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) – Cubs veteran Jason Heyward is embracing the team’s acquisition of Japanese star Seiya Suzuki on a five-year deal, a move that will push Heyward off of his regular position. Suzuki projects to be the Cubs’ everyday right fielder, a position that Heyward has primarily manned since joining the club in 2016. Heyward will move to center field and will also likely see a reduced role.
To David Ross, Cubs' addition of Seiya Suzuki represents a commitment to winning
MESA, Ariz. (670 There Score) – There was a noticeable excitement level at Cubs camp Wednesday after news broke in the morning that the team has added Japanese star outfielder Seiya Suzuki on a five-year deal worth a reported $85 million. Suzuki, 27, has played for the Hiroshima Carp for the last nine seasons and been one of the best players in the Nippon Professional Baseball league.
Cubs' Kyle Hendricks vows to be better after career-worst season in 2021
(670 The Score) As the Cubs’ ace and one of three players left from the 2016 championship team, right-hander Kyle Hendricks holds himself to the highest of standards. In the 2021 season, he was unsatisfied with his performance, as he posted career-worst marks with a 4.77 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 181 innings across 32 starts. Hendricks also knew the exact source of his struggles. “Last year my pitches were so flat and hung over the plate,” Hendricks said.
Protecting pitchers' health top of mind for Tony La Russa, White Sox in shorter camp
(670 The Score) With 24 more days left to get ready for the regular season, MLB teams are going to be in a hurry in spring training to get their players prepared after the end of the lockout. Of course, the key is to avoid being in too big of a hurry, as health is paramount. “The bottom line is we must be prepared for 162 games,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said Sunday. “Health is going to be our priority. I would rather lose a game than lose a player or pitcher.
White Sox hope to add more pitching
(670 The Score) With the MLB lockout over and player movement set to ramp up again, the White Sox are ready to add to what general manager Rick Hahn calls “an already strong team.” To that end, Hahn was on the phone a great deal Thursday night as the new MLB Opening Day awaits April 7. "We are going to get our guys ready for a quick Opening Day in Detroit, but at the same time, it’s like the Winter Meetings are going on,” Hahn said Friday.
Young shortstop prospect Cristian Hernandez impressing the Cubs this spring
(670 The Score) Already rated as the No. 3 prospect in the Cubs’ farm system, 18-year-old shortstop Cristian Hernandez is getting a fair deal of attention in minor league camp. Hernandez signed with the Cubs on the international market in 2021, and he’s now preparing for the next step of his professional journey after playing in the Dominican Summer League last season. “He is pretty impressive physically,” Cubs minor league hitting coach Rachel Folden said.
Cubs pitching prospect Caleb Kilian could be on fast track to Wrigley Field
MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- The Cubs have been pleasantly surprised with the quick progress of 24-year-old right-hander Caleb Kilian, who was one of the prospects acquired when Chicago dealt star Kris Bryant to San Francisco just before the trade deadline last July. "He has a ton of feel for pitching and is a really, really smart kid,” pitching development coordinator Casey Jacobson said. “He knows now what he wants to do with the baseball, and that makes our job a hell of a lot easier.
Ed Howard keeps focus after struggles in 2021
(670 The Score) Like everyone in his draft class, 20-year-old Cubs shortstop prospect Ed Howard’s baseball journey has been disjointed in recent years. Howard missed his senior season of baseball at Mt. Carmel in Chicago when the pandemic hit in spring 2020, and he didn’t make his professional debut until the fall of that year after the Cubs selected him at No. 16 overall in the amateur draft that summer.
Jordan Wicks feeling benefits of Cubs' pitching lab as minor league camp continues
(670 The Score) Left-hander Jordan Wicks has felt the benefits of the Cubs’ pitching lab since the team drafted him at No. 21 overall in the first round of the amateur draft last summer. “You learn about analytic stuff early in college,” Wicks said. “But you don't really understand the meaning of it or what to put emphasis on. Here, they actually teach you about it and at the same time they say what it means.
With big goals in mind, Oscar Colas happy to be playing baseball in America
(670 The Score) Joining the White Sox on Sunday in their minor league camp was a moment that 23-year-old outfielder Oscar Colas will never forget. “Today is the beginning of my professional career in this country,” Colas said through a translator Monday. "It was kind of a dream come true for me.
Alabama, the accusation
It’s always the same question. Alabama!?! We said question, but really, it sounds like an accusation. That’s understandable. What could possess a coastal businessman and a Canadian to converge on … that state? Like every good yarn, it starts somewhere in the middle. Meet the nerd who reads maps for fun Bruce Levine has worked in residential real estate in the Washington, D.C. area and in San Diego for over three decades.
White Sox top prospect Colson Montgomery aims to show he belongs
(670 The Score) White Sox minor league shortstop Colson Montgomery’s professional education is taking another step forward. A first-round pick last summer and the team's top-rated prospect by MLB Pipeline, Montgomery is one of 60-plus players working at the White Sox’s minor league camp at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona as the MLB lockout continues. It’s the next step in a path that began when he played in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League last season after signing with the White Sox.
White Sox minor league mini-camp gets underway
(670 The Score) As the start of MLB spring training and the beginning of the regular season remain in limbo amid the lockout, minor league mini-camps have opened. On Tuesday, the White Sox welcomed many of their top minor league players who aren’t on their 40-man roster to Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. “Our ultimate goal is to supplement our major league club,” assistant general manager/player development Chris Getz said after the first day of workouts for 60-plus players.
Bobby Hull is no longer an ambassador for Blackhawks
Blackhawks great Bobby Hull greets fans in 2017. Photo credit Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images (670 The Score) The Blackhawks and arguably the greatest player in team history have ended their official partnership. Bobby Hull, 83, has stepped down from his ambassador role with the franchise, sources said Monday. The two sides decided on that at a meeting in November. The team confirmed the news in a statement.
Levine: A reunion between Anthony Rizzo, Cubs would makes sense for both sides
(670 The Score) As the MLB lockout has now entered its third month of disrupting the offseason, front offices continue to internally discuss the options to fill out their rosters once a new labor deal is reached. Free agency will happen quickly, and teams will have to be ready to act. In the case of the Cubs, they could look to bring back a familiar face.
Nicky Delmonico returns to White Sox organization as minor league hitting coach
(670 The Score) Former White Sox outfielder Nicky Delmonico has returned to the organization to begin his coaching career. Delmonico, 29, will serve as the hitting coach for Winston-Salem, the team’s high-A affiliate. He decided to go into coaching after nagging injuries took a toll and made playing more difficult each season. Delmonico played for the White Sox in 2020 before joining the Reds organization in 2021, when he played 19 games at the Triple-A level.
Oscar Colas thrilled to get back into flow of organized baseball after joining White Sox
(670 The Score) The White Sox on Monday officially agreed to deals with 23-year-old outfielder Oscar Colas and 17-year-old outfielder Erick Hernandez during this international signing period. Colas signed for a $2.7-million bonus. He was the fifth-ranked international prospect by MLB Pipeline. Colas hasn’t played organized baseball for the past two years due to his circumstances after defecting from Cuba in 2019.
Levine: There will never be another Les Grobstein
Les Grobstein Photo credit 670 The Score (670 The Score) My first day in a press box 40 years ago, Les Grobstein came rushing into the seating area at Wrigley Field and tossed two huge shoulder bags on the countertop and on the floor under his seat. "Nice to meet you – who are you working for and where are you from?” Les asked with a smile while he unraveled his microphone cord and pulled out his Marantz tape recorder.
Cubs have serious interest in Carlos Correa
(670 The Score) While contact between MLB teams and players is prohibited amid the ongoing lockout, there remains mutual interest between the Cubs and free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa, according to multiple sources. The sides had interest before the lockout went into effect on Dec. 1, and no transactions have been allowed since.
Miñoso’s family thrilled by his Hall of Fame election: 'Minnie would have cried'
(670 The Score) White Sox legend Minnie Miñoso’s long Hall of Fame wait ended Sunday evening, when he earned induction into Cooperstown by garnering 14 of 16 votes from the Golden Days Era committee. “Minnie would have been surprised,” widow Sharon Rice-Miñoso said Monday. "He would have been honored. Minnie was very humble when it came to something like this. Honestly, I know Minnie would have cried.
While the White Sox haven't made splashy additions, Rick Hahn expects to further fortify his 'damn good team'
(670 The Score) While the White Sox haven’t made a high-profile addition in free agency this offseason, general manager Rick Hahn has been pleased with their work so far and likes his team’s standing as MLB heads for a lockout and transaction freeze late Wednesday night. “You can't lose sight of the fact we have a damn good team,” Hahn said Wednesday afternoon on a Zoom call.
Kendall Graveman thrilled to join contending White Sox club
(670 The Score) For reliever Kendall Graveman, it was general manager Rick Hahn and the White Sox’s championship potential that made his decision to join the team in free agency the right one. "I want to thank Rick Hahn during this whole process for being so upfront and professional,” Graveman said Tuesday. "They felt adding me will really help this club. I felt wanted here the most.
Lance Lynn believes White Sox learned plenty in season's disappointing end
(670 The Score) With time to reflect on the White Sox’s season in 2021, right-hander Lance Lynn was proud of his club’s accomplishments. And while the finish was mighty disappointing, Lynn believes the White Sox learned a lot as they lost to the Astros in four games in the American League Division Series after going 93-69 and winning the AL Central. “We had a good year, obviously it didn't finish the way we wanted it to,” Lynn said.
Supporters tout late, great Minnie Minoso's credentials, influence ahead of Hall of Fame vote
(670 The Score) The late, great Minnie Minoso will have his Hall of Fame credentials examined once again in the coming weeks ahead of Dec. 5, when the Golden Days Era committee will announce if the White Sox icon deserves inclusion into Cooperstown. The Cuba native Minoso’s case is strengthened this time around because MLB just within the past year has officially recognized statistics from the Negro Leagues.
Jed Hoyer, Cubs excited about picking up Wade Miley from Reds
(670 The Score) There was a small silver lining to the Cubs finishing with the seventh-worst record in MLB in 2021. It put them near the front of the line as they claimed left-hander Wade Miley off waivers from the Reds last Friday, as the order of priority starts with the worst record in baseball and follows from there. “I guess you try not to be surprised,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Tuesday. “But we were excited to get Wade.
Cubs name Greg Brown their new hitting coach
CARLSBAD, Calif. (670 The Score) -- The Cubs on Tuesday evening officially named Greg Brown their new hitting coach. Brown, 41, was the Tampa Bay Rays’ minor league hitting coordinator for the past two seasons. Prior to that, Brown had been the head coach at Nova Southeastern University for nine seasons. Brown replaces Anthony Iapoce, who wasn’t offered a new contract by the Cubs after three seasons on the job.
Dallas Keuchel praises Carlos Rodon for his transformation, makes it sound like he won't re-sign with the White Sox
CARLSBAD, Calif. (670 The Score) -- While White Sox general manager Rick Hahn has mentioned the team would like to bring back All-Star left-hander Carlos Rodon in free agency, indications continue to suggest that won't be the case. Left-hander Dallas Keuchel’s comments Monday during a media session after he won his fifth Gold Glove were the latest sign. “Having Carlos this year was a huge bonus for us,” Keuchel said.
White Sox don't extend qualifying offer to Carlos Rodon, making him a free agent
(670 The Score) The White Sox have declined to extend a qualifying offer to left-hander Carlos Rodon, making him a free agent. The qualifying offer is a one-year, $18.4-million contract. Had the White Sox extended the offer, Rodon could’ve accepted it or rejected it himself. Had he declined it and then signed with another team, the White Sox would’ve received draft pick compensation upon him leaving.
Cubs’ priorities start with pitching this offseason
(670 The Score) Coming off a 71-91 season, the Cubs’ goal is to be more competitive in 2022 while continuing to build for their long-term future. A key part of that quest will be their approach in free agency, where adding pitching is a priority, as president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has stated on a number of occasions. “Better pitching will be the priority,” Hoyer said at the end of the season.
Cubs Convention set for January cancelled
(670 The Score) The annual Cubs Convention has been cancelled in 2022 due to the organization taking a high degree of caution amid the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the second straight year it won’t be held due to health concerns. The event is typically held in mid-January and has been held at the Sheraton Grand Chicago in recent years.
Lucas Giolito interested in long-term extension with White Sox but isn't in negotiations at this time
(670 The Score) White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito is plenty interested in a long-term contract extension with the club, but those negotiations aren’t taking place just yet. “I’m open to it,” Giolito said on a Zoom call Thursday. “I’m always interested in a long-term contract, something that would make me a White Sox player for a life.” Giolito, 27, is under contract control through 2023. His representation has had exploratory conversations with the White Sox front office in the past.
As Jason McLeod prepares to leave Cubs, his legacy will carry on in Chicago
The legacy of former Cubs VP of scouting and player development Jason McLeod will likely look much different as time moves on and the history of his 10 years as an executive is put into proper perspective. Leaving the organization now is obviously the right move for both the Chicago Cubs and McLeod, who declined to stay in a different role in the organization. After 8 years as the top minor league and scouting guru, McLeod was moved to be the director of player personnel in 2020 and 2021.
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