Taj Gibson ready to get started  Updated: September 4, 2012,
12:25 AM ET By Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com  CHICAGO --
Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson said Monday he's confident the
Bulls can still compete without Derrick Rose and foresees his
role expanding this season.    "We still did good even when we
didn't have Derrick (last season)," said Gibson, who threw out a
ceremonial first pitch before the Chicago White Sox's game on
Monday. "We beat the Heat without Derrick.  "Our mindset hasn't
changed. It's about staying focused and taking one game at a
time. We understand it's going to be up and down at the
beginning of the season. We can't look forward to the end. We
got to look forward to one game at a time and playing to our
strengths and just listening to coach (Tom Thibodeau). I know
it's going to be a long season, but I'm really optimistic about
what's going to happen."  Entering his fourth season, Gibson
said he and Thibodeau expect more of him this season. Gibson
averaged 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.