It was quite an exciting year for the Windy City in the sports world. The great city of Chicago may have had some lows but luckily there were many highs that made everyone look forward to what was to come in 2016.
Chicago White Sox
(76-86) Fourth in the AL Central
Grade: D-
What can be said about the Sox this year other than that it was a year of rebuilding for the team on the South Side. Look to next season for the Sox to pick up things a bit with the possibility of some of their players in the minors getting called up, guys like the eight overall pick in last year's draft Carson Fulmer, Micah Johnson, and Spencer Adams.
Chicago Bulls
Current Record (22-13) 2nd in Central Division
Grade: B
The only thing that can be said about the Chicago Bulls is that they are heading in the right direction. After being eliminated from the playoffs last season by LeBron’s Cavs in the second round, the Bulls fired their former head coach Tom Thibodeau. Now while the main reasons for Thibodeau’s leave might upset many Bulls fans with the hiring of new head coach Fred Hoiberg, Derrick Rose finally played something of his old self and stayed healthy (knock on wood, a lot of wood), and the Bulls signed Jimmy Butler to a mega multi-year deal as he is clearly the fastest rising star in the NBA today. The Bulls are looking like a legit threat in the postseason this year. The only question remains, however, that with the improved talent, will Hoiberg and Butler be enough to get past LeBron in the playoffs?
Chicago Bears
(6-10) 4th in NFC North
Grade:C
While the record might look bad for many Bears fans, this was a year of major turn around in the positive way that has many fans of the Monsters of the Midway excited for what’s to come next season. In John Fox’s first season as the head coach, the entire defense saw a major change after they had record worst stats prior to Fox’s signing. Chicago finished in the top 15 this year for overall defense, and as for the offense, Jay Cutler played to the best of his ability like a $100 million quarterback should. Despite the many injuries on the offensive side of the ball, including first round pick wide receiver Kevin White, Cutler showed much maturity in his game (finally) as he finished with 21 touchdowns, only 11 interceptions, and a rating of 92.3. Other than injuries, the biggest downfall of this season was the likely departure of team captain Matt Forte, as he is still in dispute with management about his contract and the departure of offensive coordinator Adam Gase, as he was hired to a five-year deal to become the Miami Dolphins next head coach,
which leaves many to wonder whether Jay Cutler’s overall stats will decrease as he once again will probably have to learn a new offensive system next season. Look for the Bears to improve in the offseason in the draft and free agency, as they are one of the top teams with the most cap room available.
Chicago Blackhawks
Current Record (26-13-4) 2nd in Central Division
Grade: A+
After the Blackhawks finished last season by bringing the greatest championship in all of sports (yes I said it, prove me wrong), the Stanley Cup, back home, the Blackhawks truly became a dynasty, as they had won three championships in six years. This season the Blackhawks look like they are more than ready to contend for another title despite some key departures this season due to contracts. After losing players like Patrick Sharp, Brandon Sadd, and Johnny Oduya, the Blackhawks look as if they haven’t missed a step. Despite the early allegations against Patrick Kane of sexual assault (the charges were dropped) Kane looks like he is still one of the top players in the NHL as he had a record point streak which ended at 26 games. The Blackhawks are ninth in goals per game, sixth for goals against, third in power play percentage, and 12th in penalty kill percentage. Look for the Blackhawks to once again make a lot of noise this season and even more noise in the postseason as they try to go for their fourth Stanley Cup in seven years.
Chicago Cubs
(97-65) 3rd in NL Central
Grade:B+
It was quite an exciting year for the lovable losers as the new manager Joe Maddon brought the magic he created from Tampa Bay for one of the most exciting seasons for the Cubs in many years (so exciting people even tried to get Bartman to come to a Cubs game!). Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and 2015 NL Cy Young award winner Jake Arrieta have given the fans of Wrigley Field hope for many years to come. The Cubs might have lost in the playoffs but they are now the favorites to win the World Series in 2016, especially with the addition of former Cardinal Jason Heyward, who gives the Cubs lineup the hitting that it needs to get people on the bases. Unfortunately the "Back to the Future" prophecy didn’t come true in 2015, but we can all hope that 2016 is the year the Lovable Losers finally become winners after a 108-year championship drought.
Every year fans sit in anticipation hoping that regardless of what their beloved teams did, they will improve in the offseason whether it's a new draft pick, new coach change, or a big free agent signing. Chicago is a great sports city that has a lot of history, and if these teams improve on their past weakness, 2016 is looking like it could be one of Chicago's most successful years.
