Bleacher Report - Articles by Ray Lopiparo

2009 White Sox: Something's Missing so Far

Ray Lopiparo — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 01:18:19 -0400

The White Sox have started the 2009 season 1-3 and have looked pretty sluggish. It's certainly not time to throw in the towel or call the season a failure, but it feels through the first week of the season something's missing.

Joe Crede came up to home plate in Chicago. Wearing a Minnesota Twins uniform and cranked a home run on the second pitch thrown to him, to nearly the same exact place he hit a grand slam against the Twins last year on the White Sox home opener.

After that the Sox would fight back to 3-2 but would be defeated 12-5 after a seven-run inning in the seventh.

It's only the fourth game of the season so I'm trying to stay calm considering last season the Sox started out a little slow.

However, I can't help but wonder now why the Chicago White Sox released so many players. I understand it's trying times in the economy and the team was trying to move forward but maybe they tried to do that a little too fast.

Dewayne Wise has looked nearly helpless batting or bunting throughout the first week and I did a little research. The guy we had in Centerfield last season at this time Nick Swisher is batting .500 with a homer and six RBI.

Again, I know we are only going into the fifth game of the season and I'm not panicking yet, but I'm certainly a little aggravated.

Why get rid of Swisher for Wise? While Fields has actually been pretty impressive I still have to say—why get rid of Crede?

Heck why even get rid of Juan Uribe?

If they were getting rid of Cabrera keep Uribe and have Alexei Ramierez stay at second base.

Chris Getz and Josh Fields are capable players, but by getting rid of all these players and having minor leaguer's replace them has made the Sox a team with no depth. This I can see certainly coming back to haunt the Sox later in the season.

Call me a guy who doesn't accept change well or an idiot but I have to wonder where did all that money go when we let six players go in the off-season?

The bottom line is the Sox wanted to get younger and faster and that's certainly okay however from what I've seen the organization went a little too far a little too fast. They tried to change the identity of a team in six months and so far it hasn't worked.

There are other factors though.

The weather has not been very hitter friendly in Chicago the past few days and it's been pretty cold. I realize and know it's way to early to panic and say the season is lost and I still think this team can be a contender.

However I can already see a massive black hole if you will in the heart of the White Sox. 2005 is long gone and many faces have left and are about to leave—hopefully they can make one last run.

Dallas Cowboys News: Voluntary Workouts Start Monday

Ray Lopiparo — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 03:21:51 -0400

Well, the 2008 season may be over, but the sting still lingers for many Cowboys fans. However, starting on Monday there is promise of a new day—voluntary workouts begin.

Strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek said, "March doesn't look much different from December at Valley Ranch. We've had anywhere from 15 and 30 people showing up and working out for the last 10, 11 weeks, which is a large number of players. Many of our guys live here and they've been in and out working. We've had the rehab guys in and we've had younger guys doing things for themselves."

The offseason workouts will consist of 56 different set workouts, each designed for specific players, positions, and age.

The program will last all the way until June, just before the start of training camp. The Cowboys are focused on more team activities while maintaining individual workouts.

This is certainly refreshing news to Cowboys fans, considering it feels as if there is still a negativity surrounding the Cowboys since the sudden release of Terrell Owens. Not to mention they just came off perhaps the most disappointing season in franchise history.

The Cowboys seem excited to put last season behind them and look focused coming into the upcoming season. It may only be March heading into April, but the season is slowly approaching, and this is where champions are made.

Ex-Cowboy Terrell Owens a Fit for the San Diego Chargers

Ray Lopiparo — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 15:53:22 -0500

Nothing has officially been reported, but if a team hasn't specifically said they aren't interested in Terrell Owens, they might as well be interested. Think about it.

Terrell Owens is aging, and obviously will want to win a Super Bowl.

Many of the teams that would be likely to pick him up, such as Oakland, San Fransisco, Chicago, Minnesota, and Jacksonville, to name a few, are not Super Bowl contenders.

However, San Diego is, and while they have a decent receivers corps, they lack a great wide receiver.

Currently, the Chargers are assesing what LaDainian Tomlinson's contributions will be going forward, and what happens to LT certainly has a huge effect on what the Chargers do.

If LT were to leave the team, they would be losing a star player on offense and a prime target for Phillip Rivers, considering LT is one of the greatest pass-catching running backs in the NFL.

So, hypothetically speaking, if LT were to leave, they would gain all of that right back with Owens.

San Diego would likely sign him to a short two-year deal, which may be enough to send San Diego to the Super Bowl.

If LT does stay, the chances seem less likely, but there would be no question of whose team it is.

It would still be LT's team, and Phillip Rivers' personality as a loud-mouthed bad boy QB might actully sit well with Owens.

San Diego has never said they weren't interested in Owens, and from what the media and other sources have gathered together, if you haven't said you aren't interested, you are interested.

San Diego would be the best option for T.O. to consider—the question is, does San Diego want him?

The Chargers are a somewhat aging team, and if they want to win a Super Bowl with their core group of players, they would likely have to do it within the next three to four years.

If they picked up Terrell Owens, they would be, undoubtedly, the greatest offense in the NFL.

Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones...What Are You Doing!?

Ray Lopiparo — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 02:00:40 -0500

We all know Jerry Jones is the GM for the Cowboys and I am completely disgusted already with the off-season moves.

I cannot take this anymore, some may think I'm overreacting but what the heck!

First we trade Anthony Henry whom lead The Dallas Cowboys in interceptions in 2007 and we already cut Pacman Jones so now all we have is Terence Newman who can't seem to stay healthy for an entire season to save his life and the Dallas cornerbacks are weak to begin with!

So we get rid of Henry now it's Newman, Jenkins, and Scandrick as the top three corners?

Give me a break; remember when Jenkins refused to even attempt to tackle Brandon Jacobs last season? (footage here) that's a great guy to have in your top three corners.

I've heard rumors about Shaun Springs coming to Dallas and that would certainly help the cornerback situation. However, either way, by trading Henry we lose much needed depth at Corner and actually lose cap space because of Kitna's contract, when we could have just signed a free agent backup such as Kyle Boller or Rex Grossman who is younger and likely better.

Dallas gave up another late round pick to the Lions did Dallas give them enough this year? We already gave them our 1st round picks and 3rd for Roy Williams and we don't learn we get ripped off by them again. Kitna is 36 years old I really don't see much of a difference between him and Brad Johnson.

The Lions were 0-16 last year and by those standars aren't by any means a good football team yet we keep giving them picks and taking their players that leave much to be desired.

And another thing about the Kitna trade, his best friend on the team is Roy E. Williams so our apperant "heir" to Owens is going to likely spend more time with our backup Kitna then Romo. That's going to go over well and certainly help a divided locker room.

Lastly, hasn't our entire defense had a problem with this guy? Terence Newman, Ware, and Bradie James. Definitely a good way to get a locker room closer together.

Second of all, what were we thinking signing Keith Brooking? Brooking primarily played outside linebacker in his career. With Zach Thomas and Kevin Burnett both likely being lost to free agency, we need a MLB not an OLB! Are we already admitting we aren't extending Wares contract?

Brooking's primary position was ROLB which is Demarcus Ware's position. Instead we sign a washed up has-been when all we had to do was resign Zach Thomas to get a better player? I'm completly lost.

We get the chance to sign Ray Lewis a MLB something we actually need, someone who would take command in the locker room and instead we get Keith Brooking. The Cowboys had their most disappointing season possibly of all time last year and what do they do to start the off-season? Trade a needed Corner, get a washed up outside linebacker we don't need and waste a bunch of cap space.

Dallas also isn't likely to resign Canty who fit's very well into our 3-4 defense.

Now im not completely ignorant not everything you want can happen. Maybe signing Ray Lewis was a strech but wait Demarcus Ware had this to say

"You know, actually, when we played Ray Lewis and Baltimore at the end of the season, he came over and pointed to my helmet. He said, 'I want to wear this star on my helmet, that's my dream...that's my dream.' When we got to the Pro Bowl, he did it again. He came at me every day. It's a great opportunity for him. His door is open. He's an unrestricted free agent. He's trying to get down where the star is. He told me he needed me to get him Jerry Jones' phone number for him. I just busted out laughing." (Link here)

Wait a second...You're telling me Demarcus Ware and Ray Lewis our both good friends off the field. Yes they are, so with me typing this seething I think to myself we could have had Ray Lewis and Demarcus Ware the two captains of the defense and take over the entire locker room.

There would be no split locker room or animosity with Lewis coming into the Cowboys defense and Ware saying "this is my defense" The two are already friends!

We aren't getting a 1st round pick this year so virtually we head into next season with the same exact team as last year. If not a little worse. If that doesn't scare us Cowboys fan's i'm not sure what will.

I hope I'm wrong about all this, because all I want is the Cowboys to actually succeed and not be a joke to the media and fans.

But I'm starting to think the longer Jerry Jones is GM the worse this team is going to be. Don't get me wrong, he's a great owner and business man and has made the Cowboys into an economic powerhouse in the NFL. But looks how many coaches we've been through in the last 13 years of not winning a playoff game. How many times do you think he would have fired the GM if it wasn't him?

Dallas fan's deserve better.

Dallas Cowboys: DO NOT CUT TERRELL OWENS

Ray Lopiparo — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:28:36 -0500

Right now everyone's playing the blame game in Dallas, and heck maybe it's even somewhat warranted. However one guy who seems to always get blamed is undeserving of it this time.

Terrell Owens had 69 catches, 1,052 yards, and 10 TD's. Now on most scales that's a great season for a wide receiver, for Terrell Owens that's an off season. So that alone should say something about his capabilities.

In a season when Dallas was supposed to waltz into the Superbowl, and as some went as far to saying as being as good as the 2007 Patriots offense.

That didn't happen. Why? Not because of Terrell Owens that's for sure. Tony Romo missed three games, Jason Garrett ran a completely unimaginative offense, Marion Barber was injured, Felix Jones was injured, Roy Williams was brought in after 6 games, Kyle Koiser got injured. The list goes on and on.

Yet still Owens was able to produce another 1,000 yard season. Despite all of the injuries and hoopla he still had his 2nd or 3rd (depending on your opinion) most productive game of his career against San Fransisco. Racking up 7 catches for 213 yards and a touchdown.

Why am I rambling on and on about this? I'll tell you why, The Dallas Cowboys will be a TERRIBLE team without Terrell Owens and there's no denying it. Roy Williams had 19 catches for 198 yards in 10 games. He has proved absolutely nothing that he should be deserving of being the number one wide receiver.

If the Cowboys thought the offense struggled last year imagine if those double coverages on Terrell Owens didn't open up anything for Jason Witten and other players. Now I'm not completely ignorant. He had some controversy's last season and certainly can run his mouth off.

However everything Terrell Owens said was what the fans of the Cowboys were saying. It doesn't mean Owens wasn't right and adding onto that fact no one would care ONE bit but his name is Terrell Owens so it matters.

It's not like the Cowboys weren't the only team that has had controversy and still won the Superbowl. Heck the Cowboys themselves did it in the 90's. The fact is this team just didn't have enough talent to win. The unimaginative offense run by Garrett and injuries cost the Cowboys this season, not the Cowboys.

Also it financially isn't a smart decision. Granted Owens is due a 3.1 million dollar signing bonus, but was just resigned at the end of last season. Dallas would take a large cap penalty for cutting Owens.

In three seasons with the Cowboys, Owens has produced 235 receptions, 3,587 yards, and 38 touchdowns.

Every season is different and the Cowboys didn't have enough talent last year to win it all. It was quite obvious and this is coming from a Cowboys fan. So why would you cut quite possibly the most talented receiver in the NFL? Makes no sense to me.

Now it's obvious this team needs to add some character but again I'll beat the dead horse. That doesn't come from Terrell Owens that comes from the coaching. Everytime Terrell Owens tried to step up and speak out for the team it became a story that he was slamming the team or is a Cancer.

Owens can't win that battle so he's better off not talking at all.

So in a season when the offensive coordinator ran a terrible offense, the star QB was injured, and just about everything that could go wrong did go wrong Owens still had a good not great season. But under the circumstances it was a great season and there shouldn't be any doubt that Owens still has the athleticism to play highly productive football.

For whatever reason the media is in love with T.O and has to talk about him every second they can, why? Because he's that damn good.

Nick Swisher: A Thank You from a Chicago Fan

Ray Lopiparo — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:48:20 -0500

Before I am called nuts, there is a point to this article. Most White Sox articles about Nick Swisher bashed him or said he underachieved. Whatever you want to say, I'm using this article to point out something else: Nick Swisher is what's truly great about baseball.

He is very fan-friendly. I know first hand, as I met him once during a game and had the opportunity to speak with him briefly. I've also communicated with him a few times via email (which I will not be giving out). He is one of the nice guys of baseball and plays as hard as he physically can. As a fan, that is all you can ask for.

He truly appreciated the fans and the chance to play in Chicago. I may be biased, but here is why I'm thanking Swisher.

He hit grand slams against the Cubs and Twins, hit a walk-off home run against the Tigers, ran face-first into a wall to catch a foul ball against Minnesota, and has truly inspired me to become a better person while pursuing my dream of playing baseball.

One can say he didn't have his best season, but I believe the White Sox should have kept him. Considering it was his first season not playing for Oakland, he may not have played up to his normal standards. Nonetheless, he is a great player and a great teammate.

What's done is done, and I and many other White Sox fans wish him well, even if it is New York.

Thanks, Swish.

Tony Romo: The New Captain America Helps Homeless Man

Ray Lopiparo — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:58:24 -0500

Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo last Wednesday took a homeless man to the movies. The man whom Romo took to the movies name was Doc. He was passing out flyer's when a man came up to him and offered to pay for his movie. At first Doc declined.

Then, realizing he turned down Tony Romo, according to reports, he ran down the street asked for the day off and ran to the theater.

Romo and Doc ended up sitting together watching the movie Role Models. Doc told the newspaper that he informed Romo that he hadn't showered in days.

"Don't worry about that," Romo said, according to the newspaper. "I'm used to locker rooms."

Earlier in the season, Romo also helped an older couple change a flat tire. Romo also appeared at his high school prep rally with actor Will Smith. Romo himself confirmed the encounter. Doc really appreciated Romo's gesture.

"For me, it was a blessing," Doc said. "It came at just the right time. It gave me some encouragement and faith in mankind. I just wanted to say thank you."

It's great to hear about the good athletes doing good things instead of all the negatives. The QB of America's Team is sure upholding its high image.

The Cowboys will host the San Fransisco 49ers this Sunday.

Dallas Cowboys: Don't Sleep on the 49ers

Ray Lopiparo — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:51:58 -0500

The Dallas Cowboys picked up a huge win in front of over 90,000 rabid Redskins fans who wanted nothing more than to deliver a fatal blow to the Cowboys' playoff hopes last Sunday night.

It wasn't perfect, but the Cowboys showed signs of their former selves in this game. Despite only scoring 14 points, the Cowboys actually moved the ball quite well, gaining 315 yards.

The defense played well, too, allowing only 228 yards and holding the Redskins to just one touchdown, which was scored on their first drive of the game. Dallas also had an interception and registered three sacks, two by Jay Ratliff and the other by DeMarcus Ware.

The story of this game was the emergence of Marion Barber as not only a great running back, but an elite one. He ran for 114 yards on 24 carries with a touchdown. He also caught six passes for 39 yards. He sealed the game with a first down run on fourth-and-two with under a minute to go.

The return of Romo seemed to give a swagger back to the Cowboys, and wide receiver Roy Williams is starting to show signs of being a play maker. Williams is going to have to make some big plays as teams continue to double and triple-team Terrell Owens.

A huge win for the Cowboys, perhaps a season saver. Now it's time to look forward to a potential sleeper: the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers come into this game 3-7. With another loss they would be eliminated from playoff contention. This team, however, has shown signs of life under Mike Singletary. The 49ers crushed the Rams, 35-16, last week.

The Rams certainly are no powerhouse at all, but the 49ers hung with a tough Cardinals team on the road. They probably would have won, had it not been for terrible clock management and stupid play calling at the goal line at the end of the game.

Are the 49ers a sleeper?

Yes, but do they have enough to beat the Cowboys who know they have to win just about every game to be in contention in the NFC East?

The 49ers come into this game minus-12 in the turnover margin. Dallas thrives against teams that turn the ball over. If the 49ers make too many mistakes and give time to the Dallas offense to gel, it could be a very, very long day for the 49ers.

San Francisco also plays poorly on third down, only converting 35 percent of the time.

Lastly—and this is perhaps the most daunting fact for the 49ers—they have allowed 36 sacks. That's about three per game. Demarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff will tear up the 49ers' offensive line if they don't play their top game.

As Tony Romo said, "It's all about how you finish. It's not about the beginning of the season or the middle. It's how you finish."

The Cowboys haven't posted a winning record in December since 1993! That's right, 1993. In 1994 and 1995, the Cowboys posted 2-2 records.

There have been plenty of teams who started the season slowly and later went to the Super Bowl, such as Pittsburgh and last year's Giants.

It may be too early to even think about the Super Bowl, but the Cowboys need to take things one game at a time. If they play to their capabilities, good things will happen.