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Random thoughts (or an unreasonable facsimile thereof): Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will be out at least four games because of a groin injury. The first week the Bears have a bye. Which means everyone — or maybe merely Bears fans — should mark down Nov. 4. That’s when the Bears will play the Packers in Green Bay on “Monday Night Football.” And that’s when Josh McCown will start at quarterback for the Bears. If it’s any consolation (and given recent developments/injuries, it might be), McCown will put on a better performance than Minnesota quarterback Josh Freeman did Monday in the Vikings’ 23-7 loss to the previously winless New York Giants. Freeman was 20-of-53 for 190 yards with an interception. If McCown can’t surpass those numbers, the Bears might have to suit up coach Marc Trestman, who once upon a time was a quarterback.
There’s always room for 2013 Playmate of the Year Raquel Pomplun. Look for her 2014 calendar with this football-themed image.
* Speaking of Trestman, his best chance of fielding a more formidable defense is to keep his offense on the field more. Which doesn’t necessarily mean he will go to a ground game featuring Matt Forte. But he might try to find a way to keep the clock running while his defense is on the sidelines. And despite what is tradition in some Chicago circles, bribing officials is not an option.
* Speaking of the Bears’ defense, losing linebacker Lance Briggs to a small fracture in his left shoulder for at least six weeks is a bigger hit to the team than the loss of Cutler. So to summarize, the Bears’ offense is depleted and the defense is depleted. Meaning their best chance for success is on special teams. Well, at least Devin Hester is still healthy.
* Jim Leyland is stepping down as manager of the Detroit Tigers but is expected to remain with the organization. So if you’re a really good managerial candidate, the Cubs’ opening is more appealing than the Tigers’? Let’s see: A team that finished last in the National League Central or a team that finished first in the American League Central and reached the AL Championship Series?
In case you wondered what Jose Abreu’s autograph looks like.
* Speaking of managerial changes, the Cincinnati Reds reportedly will name pitching coach Bryan Price the replacement for Dusty Baker as manager. Which should come as a relief to the Reds’ starters — given Baker’s track record in having them shoulder most of the pitching burden.
* The free-agent acquisition of Cuban slugging first baseman Jose Abreu was quite a signing for the White Sox. Speaking of signing, Abreu has signed an autograph deal with card company Topps. He will have autograph cards in 2014 Bowman/Topps products beginning with Bowman Baseball. Just guessing he has worked more on his swing than on his penmanship.
* Derrick Rose had 24 points in 27 minutes as the Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks 105-84 to run their record to 6-0 in exhibition play. Meaning the Bulls are on pace to capture the preseason title — the value of which is difficult to determine, but is believed to be worth between nothing and next-to-nothing.
* Speaking of the Bulls, backup guard Marquis Teague had 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the field. Which was about a month’s worth of shooting during his rookie year. Either the Bulls are showcasing him for a trade or trying to help him land a spot on the preseason all-NBA sophomore team.
* Still speaking of the Bulls, here is another video from the team regarding auditions for the 2013-14 Luvabulls:
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