DA CHICAGO BEAT

https://twitter.com/DaChicagoBeat

http://www.youtube.com/user/mikemercado2333

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Da-Chicago-Beat/114975055356026

 "DA CHICAGO BEAT" FEATURED LINKS

FOR SOME MORE WORK FROM  AROUND THE WORLD OF MUSIC, ART, TRAVEL AND MORE WITH A YOUTHFUL CHICAGO TWIST VISIT THE LINKS BELOW. 

 ^^^ FOR A COOL VIEW AND OPINIONS ON THE MUSIC SCENE CHECK OUT THIS LINK TO A GREAT PODCAST http://www.boxcarpodcast.com/

 ^^^WITH GOLF SEASON AROUND THE CORNER VISIT http://biggsgolftalk.com/ FOR SOME GREAT TIPS

 ^^^FOR A COOL BEHIND THE SCENE LOOK AT SPECIAL EFFECTS AT ITS BEST BY LOCAL CREATIVE MINDS VISIT http://www.youtube.com/user/XLIGHT88

May 1st 2013: New Design plans for Wrigley Field, what do you guys think?

BREAKING NEWS: Brian Urlacher and Chicago Bears part ways after failing to reach deal. 3-20-2013 530pm 

 Top 4 stories to cause fireworks in the WWE

Michaelangelo Mercado

Da Chicago Beat

July 4^th 2013

With the Fourth of July weekend here, we look at the stories that will light of the skies of WWE arenas!

4) Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H on Television.

Over the past few weeks we have seen the WWE royal family bump heads in major television story lines. From interactions with the Shield and Paul Heyman, to nose to nose encounters between Vince and Triple h we have seen a rekindle of some classic moments from WWE past. Now bring the power of these three characters onto television once again, the possibilities are endless! Can we see a story where each three picks a superstar to get behind and push for their vision of the WWE? Only time will tell.

3) The Shield splits up

In the WWE “universe” only three things are true, 1) Zack Ryder will never win the WWE championship (sorry guys) 2) everyone loses and 3) every team breaks up one way or another. So it’s hard to believe it won’t be different for this trio. Know the difference may be that unlike some groups before them Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns are all destined for singles greatness amongst the split.  This is a good thing though my friends! The idea of possible matches between Ambrose and Rollins on the WWE main stage (fought countless times in developmental league) would be a treat for wrestling fans. The freakish size of Reigns with his family history is a guaranteed road to the top.  Not since evolution has a grouped shown so much potential to dominate the roster after an inevitable break up.

2) Punk vs. Lesnar

If not for the art of putting on a great wresting performance, Punks vs. Lesnar promises to have some great epic promo cuts, especially when you factor in two of the best promo workers who have so much history with each other as friends In Punk and Hayman. This match will have hard hitting fast paced edge on your seat action, but with the professional involved a great story will be told as well.

1) The Phenom vs. the Icon

That’s right the rumors have resurfaced as talks with Sting signing on to the WWE have become rampant. It’s hard to imagine that a man nicknamed “the Icon” has never stepped into a WWE ring and unless these rumors are true he might never, But if he does the only logical opponent would be the undertaker. Not much needs to be said about why we should all be excited to see this even if it’s just for one time, but just so you get the idea here are some numbers for you.

 Sting

·         WCW world heavyweight champion 6x

·         NWA/TNA world Champion 5x

·         TNA H.O.F

·         5 star matches 2x

·         Match of the year 1x

·         Third WCW triple crown winner

 Undertaker

·         WWE champion 4x

·         World heavyweight champion 3x

·         Royal Rumble winner

·         5 star matches 1x

·         Match of the year 2x

·         21-0 at WrestleMania

 Top 5 reasons to be excited for upcoming Chicago sports

Michaelangelo Mercado

July 3rd 2013

 5) The Chicago Bears new look

With so much transition over at Halas hall this offseason many Bears fans are not particularly excited for the 2013-2014 seasons, but my friends for once, the Bears might be an offensive threat. The Firing of Lovie smith and hiring of Marc Trestman made by 2^nd year general manager Phil Emery shows the organization willing ness to finally match or at least attempt to match the fire power that is seen within the division.  Can Trestman help Cutler reach MVP status like Rich Gannon? Can the Bears duplicate Trestman’s 49ers by leading the league in points scored, pass attempts and passing yards?  

4) Chicago Baseball fire sale

It’s inevitable that both baseball clubs on the North and South side will not be competing for the fall classic this year but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun watching both teams create a lot of turnover. What will the Cubs get for Matt Garza? Will Chris Sale be a center piece for the White sox for years or will they trade him to start the rebuilding process? Can talents like Rizzo, Castro, and Samardzija be the core to lead the Cubs to a World Series? Even the faces of the mangers might be new in a few short months. It may be bad baseball but it won’t be boring.

3) WWE RAW SEPTEMEBER 23 2013

For all you fans of Sports and Entertainment, the superstars of the World Wrestling Entertainment will be back at the all-state arena and hopefully with the way the story looks to be heading, Chicago’s Own C.M. Punk will be ending this summer long rivalry with Paul Heyman, Curtis Axel and Brock Lesnar, to insert himself right into the WWE title picture. Mix all that with the fact that at that time we will be in survivor series season we might be treated to a prelude of matches with Randy Orton Daniel Bryan CM Punk and John Cena to take on Heels like the Shield and of course Paul Heyman guys.

CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Kane, Undertaker, and Randy Orton Vs. The Shield, Curtis Axel, and Brock Lesnar?

2) Derrick Rose the Return part 2?

Undoubtedly the story of “the Return” was at the forefront of talk in the city of Chicago and sports world and to say that it ended in a dud might be an understatement but no one can argue that opening night in Chicago at the united center Derrick Rose WILL be playing and will get a welcomed reception. The “Return” has divided many over the past year but whether you believe he should’ve played at some point or take the year off like he did, we all want to see one thing not just as Bulls fans but NBA fans can Derrick Rose return to his MVP status?   A healthy Rose with the same core of “try hard” players who found somehow found success without Rose will all play with each other for the first time in almost 2 years, could this be the year they over throw the Heat?

And finally not much of a surprise…

1) The Chicago Blackhawks raise their second banner in four years and Defend the Stanley Cup!!

2013 will forever  be the year of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Michaelangelo Mercado

6/30/13

On Monday June 24^{th 2013} game six of the Stanley Cup Final was played by the Chicago Blackhawks at the Eastern Conference Champions Boston Bruins. In a heart stopping and almost unreal 17 seconds in sports, Chicago's Bryan Bickell tied the game 2-2 followed by teammate Dave Bolland’s go ahead goal with 58.3 seconds remaining in the 3^rd period, Clinching the Chicago Blackhawks 5th Stanley cup and 2^nd in four years. As ratings showed several fans (including many new from 2010) saw two phenomenal teams play a tremendous six game series that in the eyes of many including myself represent all that is right in sports. Hard hitting, jaw dropping skills, and drama that could only be thought of in Hollywood, this 2013 Stanley Cup Final might not just be the one of the biggest moments in Chicago, Boston, or the NHL but the entire sports world in years.                     I understand that it’s an uphill battle to try and compete with the epic final 30 second comeback made by Miami over the Spurs in game 6 of the NBA Finals, as both LeBron James, and Ray Allen knock down clutch threes to take the game into overtime where LeBron would lead Miami to a Victory and force a game 7. This all but broke the back of the San Antonio Spurs who were moments away from the franchises 5th NBA title.  It’s impossible to say Spurs vs. Heat wasn’t a very entertaining series at times even for the biggest Heat hater, an interesting matchup that many basketball fans haven’t been able to enjoy in years. Watching the series close though it felt at points, like in many other series that involve the Miami Heat, everyone was just going through the motions, as if both sides said “yeah this has to go seven and eventually LeBron and Wade will take off and steam roll to another title”. Did it feel like that during the Stanley Cup Final? Did anyone really have a grasp on who might win the series? Where was the next goal going to come from? How many overtimes tonight?  Let’s not forget the NBA Finals saw two games with the victorious team winning by 15 points or more, and a 36 point win by the Spurs with a total of 1 overtime win, and only games 6 & 7 where decided by 7 points or less. On the ice though, Boston and Chicago treated fans to 4 overtimes (3 of those being a classic game 1 Blackhawks winner) 32 total goals (Chicago 17 Boston 15) and 4 of the 6 games played decided by one goal.                                 You ask what about the Kings of sports in the United States, the NFL and its Super Bowl Champions Baltimore Ravens? While true that the Super Bowl was a fairly entertaining game with interesting storylines and HUGE ratings let me ask one question, at the time what was/is a bigger story, Aaron Hernandez being charged with murder, Concussions in the game, expansion of the league to other countries? You see the NFL being the monster machine that it is in our country so many stories over shadow what should be the focal point and that’s the face of the league in the Super Bowl Champions.  Is there any question what the main story of the NHL is?                       I know the next thought you have “Mike don’t snooze on the San Francisco Giants” and I won’t! I love baseball; a die-hard Cubs fan here, but let’s be honest Major league baseball is struggling. Ratings are down games are going longer and the steroid cloud while quite for a little bit has reared its ugly head. So with no fault of their own the San Francisco Giants have done their job building a potential dynasty winning two World Series in three years, unfortunately it’s just happening at the worst time for the sport.                    Truth is other than a lock out in the NHL (which we all know Gary Bettman is due for someday) The Blackhawks will be the story from starting the season with a record of 21-0-3, the bar crawls late Monday night, early Tuesday morning after winning the cup, through the Parade and rally in downtown Chicago, to every player having his day with the cup and finally the night the Stanley Cup is skated onto the Ice of the Madhouse with over 20,000 fans screaming as the 2013 Stanley Cup Championship Banner is raised at the United Center, 2013 will forever  be the year of the Chicago Blackhawks.

 Is WWE Payback from Chicago a bust already?

By: Michaelangelo Mercado

May 27^th 2013

On Sunday June 16^th WWE will be visiting the great city of Chicago as the best Superstars of sports and entertainment invade the All State Arena in Rosemont for the Pay per View event “Payback” but could we already consider the event a bust?

Now for many of you who have been die-hard wrestling fans like me, that have lived  through the “Monday Night Wars”  all the way to C.M. Punks first pipe bomb, it’s fair to say we have seen many stories recycled a few times over, but when is enough, enough? What’s the motivation to order the PPV or buy tickets? As of today the Payback card is only being teased for a John Cena (c) vs Ryback ambulance match for the WWE championship, Is that worth 60 dollars to watch? With only a few weeks left until that Sunday what else could and will be booked that will try to draw fans in? From watching so many years and seeing countless stories play out on screen I feel it’s fair to take a shot at the possible matches yet to be made to the audience. 

First, you don’t put Triple H on free television to put over the new “Paul Heyman Guy” Curtis Axel (formally known as Michael McGillicutty) without the plan to use this story over the next few weeks with a PPV match-up, especially with the way RAW ended as Triple H was not able to finish the match after his encounter with the original “Paul Heyman guy” Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules. With that in mind this could only end one way, Triple H facing and defeating the new “Paul Heyman guy” Curtis Axel and overcoming his recent battle woes from Lesnar.   

Next is the only story line that has kept most fans tuning in every Monday and Friday night, the Shield. Over the last few months we have seen the arrival and emergence of three young superstars Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. Who have ran right through the whole roster without any slowing down, From Undertaker and Cena to Team Hell no and the rock, a who’s who in the business.  With that success and push by the company for the three superstars we see them now holding WWE gold after Extreme rules as Ambrose took the United States championship from Kofi Kingston, Rollins and Reigns the tag team champions from team hell no. easily enough look for the Shield members to continue their dominance while they defend and retain their championships. You will see Ambrose continue to rise in single competition after a win over Kingston and a win for Rollins and Reigns possibly due to a team Hell No break up.   

What after that though?

Does anyone really want to see a Randy Orton vs Big Show rematch? How about Sheamus vs Mark Henry?

                What about the uncertainty of the world heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler, does this mean we get another Del Rio vs Swagger match or maybe a Rodriquez vs Big E matchup...

By the looks of it,  it seems pretty clear with Just three weeks left the powers that be at the WWE have put all their eggs in 3 baskets Cena vs Ryback, the Shield continue dominance, and Triple proving he still has “IT” while trying to put over a new 3^rd generation star. 

Perhaps like rumored on many outlets a Return of former WWE champion and 2^nd biggest star C.M.Punk to the WWE universe in front of his home town might be enough to save this event, let’s hope so as I will be attending. 

 Clearing the air as a 23 year old Chicago sports fan

April 24, 2013

By: Michaelangelo Mercado

           This Saturday I finally turn the ripe old age of 23, a sacred number in the fair city of Chicago, and of course I am excited to spend it with loved ones, enjoying cold beers, and great food with every television on game 5 of the Bulls vs. Nets playoff series or the Blackhawks taking on the Blues to close out the 2013 NHL season, maybe some UFC 159 and even the NFL draft.  Simply put a great way to spend a day.    Just like everyone else on their birthday though I couldn’t help but reflect upon my life and well I can’t complain about much, loving family, great friends, good health and charming good looks…hopefully, but whatever the case may be I live a blessed life until the meat head Chicago fan came out.  All these years I have convinced myself that I live and root for the BEST teams in all of sports in the greatest city, but is that really the case? How many of you under the age of 25 ever seen the Bears win a Super bowl? Can someone explain to me how TWO baseball teams who have been around as early as 1870 and as late as 1900 have a total of 5 world series championships and only 1 modern day winner nearly ten years ago now? Not to mention that if you are just one year younger than me you possibly don’t remember the greatest of all time Michael Jordan leading possibly the best dynasty in sports to 6 NBA champions.         I tried to ask myself where all this ego and confidence comes from as a Chicago fan and I can’t figure it out. Is it from our elders who talk about the greatest one championship team in History with the 1985 Chicago Bears? As if that championship 28 years ago is enough to quench our hunger for champions, so that couldn’t be it. Maybe it’s because we find it acceptable that a team which charges top ten in ticket prices along with being a top ten attendance franchise has a total of one that’s right one Super Bowl and only one appearance which was a lost since then! So why again is this a Bears town?                   For years I have been one to say this past decade of championship less Bulls basketball was a sacrifice for having Michael Jordan wear Bulls red for so many great years but I can no longer accept this notion. Organizations like the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics have never accepted losing no matter the glory shadowed by the past. From Kareem to Magic and Bird to Pierce, Boston and L.A. find ways. You will hear Chicago Bulls management talk about assets in draft picks and players over sea but let me ask you this, haven’t we heard this before? The quick answer is yes, just in 2010 as the bulls got ready to bring in free agent talents like Chris Bosh Lebron James and Dwayne wade, and if you needed an extra example in 2000 Tracy Mcgrady was a guarantee Bulls and well we know how well it worked out.                  Let’s not forget as well just 8 years ago the Blackhawks where the joke of Chicago and weren’t even on Television             Chicago feels like a Championship town because it should be, with Die-Hard, Blue collar, intelligent fans Chicago aches for a Champion that it could embrace but with the uncertainty of Derrick Roses Knee, Jay Cutlers attitude, Cubs and Sox mismanagement, and the crap shoot that is the Stanley Cup playoffs it is uncertain if and when Chicago can celebrate its next generation of Champions.

 Mike Mercado

Chicago Bulls food for thought

3-11-13

    On April 29th 2012 Derrick Rose tore his ACL changing the Chicago Bulls and sports for the near future. But in that time with Rose off the court for such a long period and the struggles of the Bulls recently many fans and media have begun to turn on Rose. 

   Now I agree this whole situation has been mishandled by the Rose camp with Reggie Rose (Derricks brother) critical comments on Bulls upper managements handle of the roster and many reporting Rose mentally isn't ready to return BUT!! let’s not forget this is the former number 1 pick, Rookie of the year, 3 time all-star,  all NBA team, led Bulls to 4 straight playoffs (1 eastern conference finals) while averaging 21 points 7 assist and 36 minutes played in becoming the youngest NBA most valuable Player. 

    All I am saying is let’s not be THOSE fans and really be fair in this situation. There’s no question the Bulls WILL NOT win a NBA title without Rose and a little bit of luck from other teams, so with that thought what is the real plan? 

     This whole situation has played out like none before it, from the local media not being able to talk to Derrick to him not sitting on the bench. Is it all a tactic to confuse the media which trickles down to the fans? All I ask is for the truth one if Rose was never going to play this season why wouldn’t the Bulls take that time to allow Luol Deng to have wrist surgery and Joakim Noah get his foot to 100%? Are Regular season wins really that important? 

      Maybe it just this Bulls fan but the longer this season goes on the more questions I have.

 3-4-13

Who are todays Chicago Bulls rivals

Mike Mercado

5) New York Knicks

·         It’s Madison Square Garden, its time square, its Michael and Scottie Dunking over Ewing. With playoff battles in the 90’s that had it all from long physical series to phantom fouls being called. Let’s move beyond basketball its Chicago and New York, the number 1 and 3 market in the states. This is just a natural animosity between two big dogs.

4) Philadelphia 76ers

·         This has to do with a lot of things beyond the court. Plain and simple Chicago and Philadelphia fans don’t get along. That’s not to say the Philly fans have a lot of friends to begin with, but with the recent playoff series that had Derrick Rose tear his ACL, Joakim Noah horribly rolling his ankle and even having the Philly fans cheering him on the floor in pain and Eventually the Bulls  falling to the 76ers. With the recent roster turn around and struggles the 76ers have had the feud has cooled but with both teams with nice talent (when healthy) it can pick up at any time.

3) Oklahoma City Thunder

·         Even though this is a new franchise and in a separate Conference, this series rival can be traced back to the 1996 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and then Seattle Supersonics. The Chicago bulls  go on a hot start and won the first three games, Gary Payton’s Seattle Supersonics would storm back to win games four and five, They would eventually lose game six and the series to Michael Jordan and his now four time NBA champion Chicago Bulls. More recent history has seen the faces change with Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant but both teams have become powers along with some of the leagues other elites.  As of recent history the thunder have been the dominate team but this seems to be a possible Finals match up in the works over the next five years.

2) Indiana Pacers

·         With the  Legendary 1997-1998 seven game Eastern Conference Finals series and 163 games in the books for this division rivalry along with a tough six game series in the 2011 playoffs, Pacers vs. Bulls has taken over the Midwest as the match up to watch in the NBA. With young skilled players on the Pacers roster like Danny Granger, Paul George, and Roy Hibbert, like the Bulls, Indiana has done a great job rebuilding after years of struggling with the retirements of Hall of Famer Reggie miller to become legit contenders to make a Finals push. With both teams built squarely on defense which causes each meeting between the team to be very physical match ups.  As of today the Pacers hold a 4 game lead over The Bulls in the Central Division race.

1) Miami Heat

·         Let’s be honest they are EVERYONES top rival. When you have the NBA finals under you, the best player in the league and what looks to be no slowing down its clear they’re the bully on the block.

 What’s next for the Chicago Bulls post All-star Break?

2-19-13

Michael Mercado

               After a nice showing for both Chicago Bulls Luol Deng And Joakim Noah at this year’s All-Star game, realization sets in that the final push to the playoffs are right around the corner as well as the uncertainty with the return of Derrick Rose, if or when it happens. That brings up the question what the Chicago Bulls have to do with the final months of the regular season for a successful post season? I feel I have come up with three goals that if met can lead to a strong finish and deep run this post season.

                The All-Star break came at a nice time for the Bulls with Health being a huge issue for this team far beyond the Derrick Rose ACL injury last April, Joakim Noah missing 34 games in 2010-2011 with planter fasciitis on his left foot 3 games this season with the same injury on his right foot and Luol Deng battling with a torn ligament in his hand from the 2011-2012 season to this very day 52 games in. To the Chicago Bulls credit they did finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference both season which speaks highly of the coaching and type of player that is brought into the origination. This season has had the same feel, with the twist of excitement and anxiety with all the Derrick Rose watch, this team has had to deal with Kirk Hinrich out for 12 games with elbow issues, Richard Hamilton Missing 12 games with varies injuries along with Carlos Boozer recently missing a few game who has been the most consistent injury free player on this team. The only way a true successful playoff run can be accomplished they must get healthy, even if that’s without Rose.

                 Being 3^rd in points allowed along with 6^th in rebounding has kept this team in the top half of the Eastern Conference standings all year long. That’s all thanks to the mindset that has been installed in this team by Tom Thibodeau and the value he has of regular season wins. Even though at times it has looked like that mindset has hurt the Bulls no one can argue that if the Bulls get you to play a hard, ugly, defensive game and scrape some points together, they can beat anybody in the league including The Champion Miami Heat. And that’s a reflection of their 30-22 record 5^th best in the East.

                 Finally comes luck, I know as sports fan it’s hard to put all hope into luck but in the case for the Chicago Bulls a little bit of luck can become the difference of how we will remember the 2012-2013 Bulls. The key to Chicago getting some help from lady luck comes from first an addition of the MVP Derrick Rose, if not for the hopes he’s even 80% pre injury but the emotional up lift the team gets with an addition without a subtraction, and of course the excitement it would bring to the fans which could make the United Center a huge home court advantage that hasn’t been there a lot of this season. Second AVOID THE MIAMI HEAT AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. Let Miami plays through a tough series like Boston or Indiana allow one of those two teams to take a crack at the Heat. Finally no true sports fan wishes injury but it’s part of the game and one injury  in the playoffs as Chicago knows can Change everything in just seconds.

                  It may be a stretch but if this starts to play out this way it all up for grabs. The Bulls Start back up tonight against the New Orleans Hornets. 

 Michael Mercado

2-14-13

Is Derrick Rose not playing this season a real surprise and is anyone to blame?

A Phrase that has been used to death on Local Radio and television stations in the city of Chicago as well as National media is “When Derrick Gets Back” but as the days pass by and more and more games are played it looks like “when Derrick Gets Back” might not be until next season.

Many Beet Reporters say physically derrick is ready now but mentally he is very unsure. This is understandable when you get of the high Adrian Peterson amazing recovery from his ACL and MCL tears gave us. Just look around the league and the struggles with the returns of players like Rubio from Minnesota and Shumpert from the Knicks who tore his ACL hours within Rose tearing his. This is not an easy injury to come back from, just 15-20 years ago this could’ve ended your career, so in retrospect is twelve months to recover that bad? What if the Bulls don’t get healthy after the all-star break and continue to struggle is it worth it?

Let me ask this final question. At any point did The Chicago Bulls or Derrick Rose camp say Derrick will definitely play this season? What’s been constantly thrown our way is “Derrick is on schedule” which then turned to “we aren’t going to rush him, but he’s close” to know “I’m faraway”. It’s never been promised he would play this season; everything has been media and fan expectations and that falls squarely on Derrick’s camp And the Bulls! This idea to not let Rose talk to the media all season has done two things, 1) allowed people to come up with any theory and timeline just by watching warm ups and watching Rose shoot pre games and 2) it’s been a distraction for this team all season and for Luol Deng and Joakim Noah heading to the all-star game this week will be even worse by the national media asking “how close is Derrick?”.

For many Bulls fans it’s a heart breaking thought that Rose won’t make his return for this season, and in all honesty I still believe Derrick will play this season. He can say “I’m at eighty percent, but I won’t come back until I’m 110 percent” all he wants if in his heart he believes he can make a run in the playoffs and in his words “come back like I was before” we will see number one on the court. I just hope it’s a healthy and ready MVP

WELCOME IN!!!

 Thanks for coming by..

 "Da Chicago Beat" is a weekly podcast hosted by the young up and coming sports broadcaster Michael Mercado. With a youthful, knowledgeable and passionate view of all sports Chicago and national "Da Chicago Beat" delivers a much need boost to sports conversation. With his Producer and good friend "secret producer man" Mike brings a fun and loose atmosphere that makes all feel welcome! so get comfortable grab a good snack and enjoy..

Da Chicago Beat

Contact us here.

Awesome to Meet Cubs TV announcer Len Kasper, awesome great guy !

ESPN 1000 Chicago's Johnathan Hood, another great guy in the business!

"DA CHICAGO BEAT" FEATURED VIDEOS