JAY COHEN

AP Baseball Writer

UConn forward Jayden Ross, right, blocks a shot by DePaul guard Layden Blocker during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Chicago, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Solo Ball scores 22 points as No. 11 UConn beats DePaul 81-68

Solo Ball made seven 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, helping No. 11 UConn beat DePaul 81-68 for its seventh straight win.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk (72) handles the puck during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Cam Fowler scores twice as the Blues beat the Blackhawks 6-2 in the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field

Cam Fowler scored twice in his 1,000th NHL game, and the St. Louis Blues beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 in the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field. Justin Faulk had a goal and two assists as St. Louis won for the third time in four games.

Fans celebrate after a goal by the Chicago Blackhawks against the St. Louis Blues during the third period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Wrigley Field, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Blues have all the fun in convincing victory over the Blackhawks in the Winter Classic

St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery walked around before the Winter Classic. He looked at the growing crowd soaking in the festive atmosphere. He thought about all the famous ballplayers who played at Wrigley Field.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) takes the ice for practice on the day before the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game featuring the Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Bedard takes center stage when the Blackhawks face the Blues in the Winter Classic

Connor Bedard practiced with the Chicago Blackhawks right in the middle of Wrigley Field. He skated with his parents and his sister. He called the whole thing “one of the coolest experiences of my life so far.”

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger makes a save on the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn lead the Stars past the Blackhawks 5-1

Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn each had a goal and two assists, and the Dallas Stars beat the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1. Jason Robertson, Evgenii Dadonov and Wyatt Johnston each had a goal and an assist for Dallas, which had lost three of four.

Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) celebrates his fumble recovery with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Defense steps up for the Bears, but the offense struggles in a 6-3 loss to the Seahawks

The defense delivered for the Chicago Bears. Just not enough. Chicago limited Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks to 265 yards and Jason Myers’ two field goals. But the Bears finished with just 179 yards of offense in a 6-3 loss.

Chicago Bears offensive tackle Braxton Jones gives the thumbs up sign as he is carted off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Bears lose 2 more offensive linemen during a 34-17 loss to the Detroit Lions

Braxton Jones was surrounded by his teammates as he was loaded into a cart. He gave a thumbs-up as he was driven off the field, and the Soldier Field crowd cheered.

Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ilya Mikheyev (95) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Seattle Kraken in Chicago, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Mikheyev stars as the Blackhawks beat the Kraken 3-1 for their 3rd straight win

Ilya Mikheyev scored two more goals, Arvid Soderblom made 27 saves and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Seattle Kraken 3-1 for their third straight win. Teuvo Teravainen had two assists as Chicago closed out a perfect three-game homestand.

Seattle Kraken's Kaapo Kakko (84) warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Kaapo Kakko looking forward to fresh start with Seattle Kraken

Kaapo Kakko wants to focus on his opportunity with the Seattle Kraken. That rough finish with the New York Rangers is over.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek looks at the scoreboard after Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan scored during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec.1, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Blackhawks activate goaltender Petr Mrazek from injured reserve

Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek is feeling much better after a rough couple of weeks. Mrazek has been activated from injured reserve, and goaltender Drew Commesso has been assigned to the minors.

Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker watches his single during the fifth inning of the team's baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)

Kyle Tucker says he is open to long-term deal with Cubs after trade from Astros

Kyle Tucker played his first major league games at Wrigley Field when the Houston Astros visited the Chicago Cubs in April. It was cold, he said, and a lot of fun. He noticed how much the fans loved their favorite team.

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin, left, cannot stop a goal by Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Bedard scores in 3rd period as the Blackhawks beat the Islanders 5-3

Connor Bedard scored with 54 seconds left and Arvid Soderblom made 30 saves, helping the Chicago Blackhawks beat the New York Islanders 5-3. Teuvo Teravainen had a goal and two assists for Chicago in the opener of a three-game homestand.

New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) looks at the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Barzal and Pelech return to Islanders lineup for 5-3 loss to Blackhawks

Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech have returned to the lineup for the New York Islanders after being sidelined by upper-body injuries. Barzal hadn’t played since Oct. 30, missing a total of 21 games.

Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker tosses his bat after hitting a home run against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

Cubs acquire All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in trade with the Astros

The Chicago Cubs have acquired All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros, paying a big price for one of baseball’s best hitters.

Chicago Blackhawks interim head coach Anders Sorensen directs players during NHL hockey practice at Fifth Third Arena, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson looks for improvement from team after firing coach

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson passed the point of no return following a 4-2 loss to Boston on Wednesday night. That’s when he decided to replace coach Luke Richardson.

Chicago Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson, center top, talks to his players during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Chicago, Sunday, Dec.1, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Blackhawks fire coach Luke Richardson in his 3rd season after league-worst start

The Chicago Blackhawks have fired coach Luke Richardson, signaling their frustration with the state of the franchise’s rebuilding project. Chicago has dropped four in a row to fall to an NHL-worst 8-16-2 on the season.

Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand, left, celebrates after scoring on the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Marchand and Geekie help the Bruins beat the Blackhawks 4-2 for their 3rd consecutive win

Brad Marchand and Morgan Geekie each scored two goals, and the Boston Bruins beat the struggling Chicago Blackhawks 4-2. Boston posted its third consecutive win — all in the past four days.

Chicago Bulls' Matas Buzelis, right, fouls Brooklyn Nets' Day'Ron Sharpe during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Giddey gets a triple-double as the Bulls race past the Nets for a 128-102 victory

Josh Giddey had 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, helping the Chicago Bulls beat the Brooklyn Nets 128-102. It was Giddey’s first triple-double of the season and No. 12 for his career.

FILE - Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Matthew Boyd throws against the New York Yankees during the first inning in Game 3 of the baseball AL Championship Series Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Godofredo Vásquez, File)

Cubs add Matthew Boyd to rotation with $29 million, 2-year contract, AP source says

The Chicago Cubs have added Matthew Boyd to their rotation in their first big offseason move, agreeing to a $29 million, two-year contract with the veteran left-hander.

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, top center, blocks a field goal attempt by Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Special teams miscues prove costly for Bears in overtime loss to Vikings

Cairo Santos had a field goal blocked — again. DeAndre Carter muffed a punt at a key moment in the second half. And those were just the special teams mistakes for the struggling Chicago Bears.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek makes a save during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Mrazek makes 32 saves as the Blackhawks beat the Panthers 3-1

Petr Mrazek made 32 saves and Teuvo Teravainen scored, helping the Chicago Blackhawks top the Florida Panthers 3-1. Craig Smith and Nick Foligno also scored as Chicago stopped a three-game slide.

Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Strome handles the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Alex Killorn helps the Ducks beat the Blackhawks 3-2 for their third straight win

Alex Killorn had a goal and an assist in the third period, and the Anaheim Ducks beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 for their season-high third straight win. Killorn tied it at 2 on a well-placed backhanded shot at 5:10.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, left, and Anaheim Ducks left wing Alex Killorn fight for control of the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Connor Bedard trying to break out of slump as the Blackhawks struggle to score

When it comes to his scoring slump, Connor Bedard is all about location. As in the areas of the ice where the young forward can deliver for the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard says he needs to find good spots where he can make a play.

Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams drops back during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Bears’ offense looks better with Thomas Brown calling the plays during another tough loss

There were some positive signs for the Chicago Bears in their first game since Thomas Brown was promoted to offensive coordinator. There also was another heartbreaking ending.

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard passes under pressure from Northwestern defensive lineman Aidan Hubbard during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Wrigley Field on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Will Howard helps No. 2 Ohio State rout Northwestern 31-7 at Wrigley Field

Will Howard passed for two touchdowns, Quinshon Judkins had two 1-yard TD runs and No. 2 Ohio State pounded Northwestern 31-7 at Wrigley Field.

Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate waves to fans after the team's 31-7 win over Northwestern in an NCAA college football game at Wrigley Field on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate scores two touchdowns in his Chicago homecoming

Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate celebrated his Chicago homecoming with two touchdown receptions against Northwestern at Wrigley Field.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

QB Caleb Williams has another rough day as the Bears lose to the Patriots 19-3

Right before Chicago’s bye week, it looked as if Caleb Williams had turned a corner. It looked as if everything was coming together for the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. These days, not so much.

Chicago White Sox's new Manager Will Venable poses for a portrait after the baseball team's news conference Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

New White Sox manager Will Venable anticipates keeping Grady Sizemore as part of his coaching staff

Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable is planning on Grady Sizemore being part of his first coaching staff in his new job. Venable says he isn’t exactly sure what Sizemore’s role will be because the staff is still coming together.

FILE- Chicago Cubs' Cody Bellinger (24) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Chicago, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty, File)

Cody Bellinger picks up his $27.5 million player option with the Cubs, AP source says

Cody Bellinger has picked up his $27.5 million player option with the Chicago Cubs, answering a major offseason question for the team.

FILE - Boston Red Sox acting manager Will Venable watches from the dugout during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday, April 24, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette, File)

White Sox hire Will Venable as manager, AP sources say

The Chicago White Sox have hired Will Venable to take over as manager, turning to the former big league outfielder to help turn around the team after a miserable season.