Kelly Crull

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  • Oct 22, 2019

    A peek behind the curtain at what makes Joe Espada such an intriguing managerial candidate for Cubs

    As the Cubs managerial search continues, the Astros are vying for their second World Series championship in a three-year span. Coincidentally, the man leading Houston once envisioned himself doing the same thing on the North Side of Chicago. It’s strange how baseball works sometimes.  A.J. Hinch — who interviewed for the Cubs managerial job in 2013 — was disappointed when Theo Epstein and Co. chose...

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  • May 2, 2019

    Willson Contreras' mind is on baseball, while his heart is in Venezuela

    Facing his locker, AirPods in his ears, Willson Contreras pulled out a little samba move as he danced his way into the next phase of his pre-game routine. Before meetings and batting practice, Contreras began his morning by lifting weights, trying to get his mind on baseball and off the stress that has heaped the weight of the world on…

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  • Mar 5, 2019

    Spring Break: Taking a ride with Cubs ace Jon Lester

    Jon Lester doesn’t relish press conferences or media interviews. The Cubs 2019 Opening Day starter didn’t get into baseball because he wanted to sit in front of cameras or find his name quoted in articles. This makes it ironic that the answer to the question “Who is your favorite player to interview?” – a question that I field often as...

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  • Feb 26, 2019

    Four observations from Bulls practice: Kris Dunn, Chandler Hutchison still not practicing

    After losing to the Bucks on Monday, the Bulls returned to the Advocate Center for practice on Tuesday. Here are four observations from Tuesday’s session: Kris Dunn In The Building: After missing Monday’s game against the Bucks because of a migraine, Kris Dunn was at the Advocate Center and according to Jim Boylen he had improved. Despite not practicing...

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  • Feb 21, 2019

    The art of leadership: How Cole Hamels is teaming with Jon Lester to run Cubs clubhouse

    “He works out A LOT. Like 10 times a day,” a Cubs staffer told me as we discussed a good time to set up a spring training feature with Cole Hamels.  The 35-year-old lefty is oftentimes one of the first guys to arrive at the facility and there are plenty of days where he’s one of the last to leave, as...

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  • Feb 18, 2019

    The best quips from the best leadoff hitter of all time, Anthony Rizzo

    Anthony Rizzo was not only in tip top shape as he reported for the Cubs first full squad workout, but his one-liner game was on point day one, as well.  Here are some of his best quips from the day. “It was great. Really probably the best off season I’ve had, right?” Yes, Anthony… your wedding day is always the...

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  • Feb 6, 2019

    Anthony Davis and the Pelicans bring NBA trade deadline drama to Chicago on Wednesday night

    Drama. Suspense. Speculation. Anthony Davis will bring it all with him when he and the Pelicans visit the United Center on Wednesday night. The saga surrounding the All-Star forward will come along with his sneakers, which he may or may not need. According to a report from Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, New Orleans’ front office prevented Davis, who was…

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  • Jan 7, 2019

    Boylen: Fred Hoiberg ‘absolutely' deserves an NBA head coaching opportunity

    Not long after the Bulls fell to 10-30 on the season with a 17 point loss to the Nets and shortly before Bears fans hearts were broken on a missed field goal, ESPN Insider Adrian Wojnarowski slipped this surprising tweet out. Feel free to read through the comments if you need a Monday “pick me up.” Timberbulls trolling is on…

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  • Dec 31, 2018

    Favorite Cubs Games of 2018: David Bote's ultimate grand slam

    A mid-August, Sunday night national game, with Max Scherzer and Cole Hamels facing off in an NLDS rematch from the year before: the perfect stage for a statement game. Rarely, with an ESPN game, will our crew here at NBC Sports Chicago ask to get an interview on the field following the national broadcast, but because of the big storylines…

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  • Dec 26, 2018

    Favorite Cubs Games of 2018: Cole Hamels complete game versus Reds

    It will likely be the answer to a Beer Money trivia question one of these days: what pitcher threw the first complete game of 2018 for the Cubs? Your hint…he wasn’t part of the original starting rotation  (but, boy was he a shot in the arm when the Cubs needed it). You might end up a big winner if...

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