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Detroit Tigers left fielder Robbie Grossman (8) drops a fly ball hit by Chicago White Sox right fielder Leury Garcia (28), resulting in a double for Garcia, in the seventh inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on Oct. 1, 2021, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

“First of all, how healthy, what’s the risk there?” La Russa said. “And has he done enough, competed enough to give us a shot? Because of who he is and what he’s meant to this club, he’s definitely getting the consideration. But going beyond that and actually giving him innings, there’s a health concern and a sharpness concern.

Among the Hawks’ additions is a defenseman with offensive skill in Seth Jones, who’ll join the first power-play unit with DeBrincat, and Tyler Johnson, who was set to center the top line with DeBrincat and Patrick Kane during Friday night’s preseason game against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center.

“He’s got unbelievable strength, which translates into power, and all of you in Chicago got to see that,” Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said last week at Wrigley Field. “We always thought he was a talented player. Unfortunately the rules of baseball don’t allow you to keep being experimental when the clock is ticking. And for him, it’s a great opportunity (in Chicago), and obviously he’s making the most of his opportunity and I’m happy for him.

Tony La Russa last managed in 2011 when the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series. The 76-year-old won three World Series titles as the manager of the Oakland A’s (1989) and Cardinals (2006, ’11). La Russa spent parts of eight seasons managing the Chicago White Sox (1979-86), leading them to the AL West title in 1983. He has a 2,728-2,365 career record in 33 seasons. White Sox manager Tony La Russa watches from the dugout on Sept. 12, 2021, at Guaranteed Rate Field. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) White Sox manager Tony La Russa walks out to the mound to make a pitching change during a game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Aug. 6, 2021 (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) White Sox manager Tony La Russa watches players warm up before the White Sox play the Indians at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 31, 2021. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) White Sox general manager Rick Hahn talks with manager Tony La Russa before the White Sox play the Blue Jays at Guaranteed Rate Field on June 8, 2021. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) La Russa at Guaranteed Rate Field White Sox manager Tony La Russa makes a pitching change in the sixth inning during a game at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 16, 2021. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) La Russa at camp Tony La Russa walks on a practice field during White Sox spring training at Camelback Ranch on Feb. 24, 2021. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) La Russa at camp Manager Tony La Russa talks with players during White Sox spring training at Camelback Ranch on Feb. 26, 2021. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) Managing the Sox in 1983 White Sox manager Tony La Russa in 1983. (Chicago Tribune archive/Chicago Tribune) La Russa in 1980 White Sox third base coach Bobby Winkles, baserunner Mike Squires and manager Tony La Russa argue a call by thrid base umpire Fredd Spenn in Arlington, Tex., on July 18, 1980. Spenn called Squires out trying to steal third base in the ninth inning. (Associated Press) Tony and Hawk White Sox manager Tony LaRussa watches as the new general manager Ken Harrelson tosses the ball at spring training on Feb. 22, 1986, in Sarasota, Fla. This was the first workout Harrelson attended as the general manager after moving to the front office from the announcers booth. (John Swart / Associated Press) La Russa in 1985 White Sox manager Tony La Russa and catcher Marc Hill confer with Bruce Tanner during a loss on June 25, 1985. (Charles Cherney / Chicago Tribune) La Russa with Fisk White Sox catcher Carlton Fisk, left, with manager Tony La Russa, waits for relief pitcher Dennis Lamp during a game on Oct. 8, 1983 at Comiskey Park. (Ed Wagner Jr. / Chicago Tribune) La Russa at SoxFest Former White Sox manager Tony LaRussa joins Harold Baines as they sign autographs during an autograph session at SoxFest 2013 held at the Palmer House Hilton on Jan. 27, 2013. (Jos M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) On the job White Sox manager Tony LaRussa. (CHICAGO TRIBUNE) Back again Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, left, entertains White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, Eddie Einhorn and Jerry Reinsdorf before the game at U.S. Cellular Field on June 20, 2006. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) La Russa returns Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa is honored before a White Sox game last summer. (Brian Cassella, Chicago Tribune)

“It’s honest,” offensive coordinator Bill Lazor said when asked how the coaching staff assessed the game film with Fields. “It’s real now. Do you ever hope to be in that exact same situation again? Hopefully not ever in his career. But you know, it happened. So you just say, ‘OK, faced with these adversities, here’s how I reacted.’

“This week, and much of this season, has been incredibly traumatic for our players and staff, and I take full responsibility for the role I have played. I am so sorry for the pain so many are feeling,” Baird said in the statement. “Recognizing that trauma, we have decided not to take the field this weekend to give everyone some space to reflect. Business as usual isn’t our concern right now. Our entire league has a great deal of healing to do, and our players deserve so much better.”

Mark Carlson (in Kane jersey) of Iowa City, Iowa, high-fives his best friend, Rich Honquest, of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, during the National Anthem at the NHL Stadium Series game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field in Chicago on March 1, 2014. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

Bears President and CEO Ted Phillips said in a statement that finalizing the agreement was the “critical next step in continuing our exploration of the property and its potential.” Churchill Downs announced the sale price was $197.2 million and said it anticipated closing the sale in late 2022 or early 2023. Soldier Field, which is owned by the Chicago Park District, holds 61,500 fans, the smallest capacity in the NFL. The Bears also would be able to develop the 326-acre property around the stadium with shopping, dining and entertainment. Here’s what to know about the possible move from Soldier Field, with reaction from City Hall to Arlington Heights. With its views of Chicago’s skyline and games enhanced by wind-driven snow, the 97-year-old stadium is as much a part of the Bears identity as tenacious linebackers or underperforming quarterbacks. The team’s allegiance to the lakefront shrine has long been a point of civic pride, giving fans something to brag about even when — especially when — they couldn’t brag about the squad itself. Yet, seemingly, the storied site can no longer compete with the so-called fan experience marketed by other teams. Fans, however, were exponentially more understanding and some even expressed a draft day-like optimism that better days are ahead. With a tentative deal unlikely to close before late 2022, they dreamed openly of shorter concessions, easier parking, better tailgating opportunities and a domed stadium that protected them from biting winter winds. Mayor Lori Lightfoot, center, attends pregame ceremonies before a game between the Bears and Vikings at Soldier Field on Sept. 29, 2019. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) img.full-width1{flex-shrink:0;object-fit:contain;min-height:50%;height:auto;width:100%} Die-hard Chicago Bears fan Mayor Lori Lightfoot must be sympathizing with rookie quarterback Justin Fields’ tough day in Cleveland: flee Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett, only to get knocked to the ground — again — by linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. The mayor faces a similarly intimidating set of obstacles in her bid to keep the Bears from decamping to Arlington Heights: Come up with a miracle and billions of dollars in taxpayer money to convince them to stay, further hamstringing the city’s finances. Or go down in history as the mayor who lost a charter member of the National Football League to the suburbs. The McCaskey family that owns the Bears has been tight-lipped about its pursuit of a new home, and the Bears remain a private business enterprise, which leaves many of the questions about how the team might finance a potentially multibillion dollar stadium unanswered for now. What is more clear is the potential cost to the city of Chicago if its marquee tenant for Soldier Field leaves, and how much the Bears might have to pony up to break their lease with the city. Bears fans arrive for a game against the Bengals at Soldier Field on Sept. 19, 2021. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) img.full-width1{flex-shrink:0;object-fit:contain;min-height:50%;height:auto;width:100%} News of the Chicago Bears’ purchase of the Arlington Heights Racecourse property proves they’re serious about leaving Soldier Field. The sooner, the better, writes Paul Sullivan. Wrigley Field served as the original home venue for the team when it moved to Chicago in 1921 and remained there through 1970. The team won nearly 70% of its home games during that span. But the Bears were forced to find a new home after the American Football League merged with the National Football League and required stadiums to seat at least 50,000 fans. The team played its last game at Wrigley Field on Dec. 13, 1970, beating the Packers 35-17. The view of Arlington International Racecourse on June 24, 2021. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) img.full-width1{flex-shrink:0;object-fit:contain;min-height:50%;height:auto;width:100%} Hotels, restaurants, bars and other entertainment are natural fits around a football stadium, said Jason Wurtz, executive vice president at commercial real estate firm NAI Hiffman. But the size of the property means it’s likely too big for just one use, and there have to be enough people around to patronize businesses during off days and the off season, he said. Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker listen to speakers outside the United Center mass vaccination site on March, 9, 2021. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) img.full-width1{flex-shrink:0;object-fit:contain;min-height:50%;height:auto;width:100%} Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday that it’s up to Mayor Lori Lightfoot and leaders in northwest suburban Arlington Heights to determine whether local taxpayers should help pay to build a new stadium for the Chicago Bears. Pritzker did not unequivocally rule out state subsidies for a new stadium, but said no one from the football team had approached him. People cross the Metra tracks in downtown Arlington Heights on Sept. 29, 2021. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) img.full-width1{flex-shrink:0;object-fit:contain;min-height:50%;height:auto;width:100%} Just days after a farewell fireworks display marked the end of a storied era of thoroughbred horse racing in Arlington Heights, residents woke up Wednesday to the news that the Chicago Bears in a few years could be making the northwest suburb their home. The move by the Bears is not a done deal. And some in the village might not want to get their hopes too high. About 50 years ago, the Bears floated the idea of moving there. A view of Soldier Field, home of the Bears, with the Chicago skyline on Sept. 29, 2021. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) img.full-width1{flex-shrink:0;object-fit:contain;min-height:50%;height:auto;width:100%} A possible state role in the Bears’ potential move from the lakefront to the northwest suburbs has yet to be formally discussed, but any request from the team for financial assistance would likely prove a tough sell as Illinois emerges from the coronavirus pandemic and continues to grapple with chronic fiscal ills. Democratic state Rep. Kam Buckner, a former University of Illinois football player whose district is home to Soldier Field, called Wednesday’s announcement “extremely disheartening.” After almost a century of thoroughbred racing, Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights closed its gates to the sport Saturday for the final time – and the future of the venue remains uncertain. Racetrack fans, staff and even jockeys collectively agreed it was a sad day at Arlington Park. Horses ran the final turn, fans donned their fancy hats and placed their final bets while staff faced an uncertain future. Many shared the memories of family fun and spectacular fireworks, sunny Saturday afternoons with friends winning big or losing, and the grandeur of a racetrack unlike any other.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, center, attends pregame ceremonies before the Chicago Bears face the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field in 2019. Any decision she makes on the Bears will be a tough one, a city council colleague said. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)