The Ranger's Nasty Bullpen

When the Rangers signed Eric Gagne a few weeks ago the team, the team has gained the image as "the" best bullpen in the league. If Eric Gagne can pitch even the slightest bit like he did when he was the most dominate reliever in the game in 2004, the Rangers certainly have one nasty relieving core. This is how it looks:

1. Eric Gagne
2. Akinori Otsuka
3. Frank Francisco
4. Wes Littleton
5. Kameron Loe
6. C.J. Wilson
7. Joaquin Benoit

The Rangers will most likely go with a seven man rotation this year because they now have a more reliable starting rotation. There will be plenty of competition during spring training to crack this elite bullpen as Ron Mahay, Josh Rupe, Rick Bauer, John Koranka, Jon Rienicker, and Edison Volquez will all be auditioning for a spot. If everybody is healthy, the Rangers should go into the season with the notion that their bullpen will be a big asset to help this team win in close games. Teams that have exceptional bullpens usually are teams that play into October.

There were rumors circling that the Rangers were looking to trade Otsuka in order to fill out there "used to be" depleted rotation. With the addition of Brando McCarthy it looks like the Rangers no longer need to shop Otsuka. Having a one-two punch of Canadian/Japanese flair in the 8th and 9th innings will be something fun to watch this season.

The bullpen was a big problem last year as the team had trouble playing in close games. Many leads were blow and thus many games were lost. This rotation is scary on paper, and overall the Rangers have vastly improved their pitching. Every year we see how good pitching dominated good hitting. It’s a very fact and this year the Rangers have a chance of winning with pitching.

- Big-D Sports

Josh Howard: A Rising Star

Howard, last week's Western Conference player of the week, went 10-for-19 from the field and grabbed eight rebounds in Dallas’ 97-84 win over Charlotte. Dallas is 9-1 this season when Howard scores 20 or more points.

After signing the young star to a long-term contract this off-season, Josh Howard has elevated his game to All-Star status. Josh Howard is becoming a huge threat and is a dynamic sidekick for Dirk. He has improved his outside game and his three point shooting. This gives him a duel threat of driving to the basket, or pulling up for the quick jump-shot. This very element has improved Josh Howard’s status as one the games best young players.

Here is a look at Josh’s stats: 05-06 vs. 06-07

Ppg 15.2 vs. 18.2
FT% 73.5 vs. 85.4
3ptm .5 vs. 1.8
Blk .4 vs. 1.3

Howard, averaging 20.8 points over the last 14 games, would like to be in Las Vegas for the All-Star game on Feb. 18. If he isn't chosen, he'll be happy for a few days off.

"That's a kid's dream always," Howard said. "If the fans and coaches want me, I'll want to play. But I'm not going to cry if I don't make it because there are a lot of good guys out there."

Howard contributed a four-point play and a three-point play during the late third-quarter outbreak. On the three-point play, Howard dunked after rebounding his own miss, bringing the AAC to its feet.

The Mavericks have the chance of sending three to this year's All-Star game. Dirk is already a guarantee, but Eric Dampier and Howard could be joining the dunking Duetchman. With the injury to Yao Ming, Eric Dampier may very well be going to the All-Star game in “sin city.”

Who would have ever though that “Erica Dampier” would make it the All-Star game in a Mavericks uniform? I know that that would be a real stunner if it happens, but he deserves it because he is playing with heart this season and I applaud him for it!

Bah, Humbug!

Four weeks ago, the Philadelphia Eagles were 5-6 and facing the troublesome possibility of playing out the string without starting quarterback Donovan McNabb, lost to a season-ending knee injury.
One month later, the Eagles were a team exuding holiday cheer and a new lease on postseason life. The 23-7 rout of the Dallas Cowboys put the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs and on the verge of a fifth division title in six years.

The division was in our hand and the Dallas Cowboys flat out lost it. All of those division championship tee-shirts and hats hot of the press may never be sold, and I’m still not sold on this team.

What a terrible game all around. I’m not sure where to start but this game could be a GOOD thing for the Cowboys. For some reason the Dallas Cowboys need to wake up and stop listening to the media. Clearly this is not a super-bowl caliber team. This team has the potential, but the defense is truly lacking.

The Cowboys' defense appeared wholly unprepared to restrain the Eagles quarterback Jeff Garcia, who passed for 238 yards, scrambled for 43 more and is 4-1 since taking over for injured McNabb.

Terrell Owens is still 0-for-2 against the Philadelphia Eagles. That's the least of his problems.

Owens managed one touchdown against his former teammates Monday, but otherwise was not much of a factor. He caught only two passes for 23 yards and hurt his team with two costly drops, resulting in widespread boos from the home crowd.

His frustration was evident after a 23-7 loss, when he scored the only Dallas touchdown, then complained several times that not enough passes are coming his way.

"I just feel like I'm not involved early in the game," Owens said. "Everybody knows that's what I do. Every team that I've played on, I've been involved early and often. It's hard to get in the flow when you're getting a ball here, a ball there."
Owens isn't the only frustrated Cowboys receiver. Terry Glenn and Owens totaled just three catches for 40 yards Monday night.

"I don't think we're trying to win; no, not on offense," Glenn was quoted Tuesday in the Dallas Morning News. "You have to execute and get everybody involved. I try not to let it get to me. Man, I've been fighting it all year. I'm trying to be a team player, but there's no reason for it. No reason for it. "I'm not alone. The whole offense is frustrated," Glenn said. "They are looking around saying, 'Why can't we do anything when we have all these weapons?' "

This team needs to gear it up again and prepare for the playoffs. A win next week could really help the Cowboys before the playoffs. Mental toughness will be the key for the Cowboys who are lacking it at the moment. If the defense can’t step it up, I don’t see this team going past the second round of the playoffs.

Cowboys vs. Eagles

Get your popcorn ready and your slay bells ringing because this is a HUGE game for the Cowboys. If the Dallas Cowboys win then the Cowboys are the crowned the NFC East Division champions. If we lose the Eagles have a chance of claiming the NFC East Division for themselves. So the Cowboys just need to win this one!

Who isn't ready for a little Christmas day football between the Cowboys and the Eagles? When I saw this game when the schedule was released months ago this looked like the makings of an classic game. Bad blood between T.O. and Donavan McNabb, who could ask for a bigger storyline on Christmas game? Ok, Donavan will be on the sidelines but guess who will be under center for the Eagles? Yep, Jeff Garcia. I'm sure we all remember the clashes he and T.O. had in San Francisco. Well it looks like the hatred will continue on this peaceful and grateful day.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, has been one of the league's biggest second-half surprises, resuscitating a season that looked all but lost when quarterback Donavon McNabb was ruled out for the year due to a torn ACL suffered against the Titans on Nov. 19th. The Eagles have managed to go 3-1 in McNabb's stead, scoring their most impressive victory during that stretch by going to the Meadowlands and stunning the Giants, 36-22, last week.

Andy Reid's team defeated Dallas by a 38-24 count on Oct. 8th, and a second win over the Cowboys would give the Eagles the tie-breaker advantage should the two squads finish knotted in the standings. Philly will clinch at least a Wild Card berth with a win on Monday, while Dallas has already secured its first postseason trip since 2003.

Garcia should be able to make some hay downfield against a Dallas secondary that has been the weak link in the Cowboys' defensive chain of late. One week after allowing the Saints' Drew Brees to gut them for 384 yards and five touchdown passes, Michael Vick and at Atlanta passing attack ranked dead last in the league managed to throw four more touchdown passes against America's Team last week. Let’s hope they step it up or it could be a long Christmas day, which is never bad but lets hope the secondary steps it up.

Philadelphia is most deserving of its reputation of being soft against the run, though the league's 28th-ranked rushing defense (138.6 yards per game) did a nice job against the Giants' tandem of Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs last Sunday. The duo totaled 88 yards on 22 combined carries with a pair of touchdowns, with neither breaking off a run of longer than 14 yards. MB3 (marion barber III for all ya’ll) will need to have another great game in order to help the cowboys offense moving.

I feel pretty comfortable about this game but the Eagles are a definite threat. Tony Romo is going to have a big day and lets all sing joy to the world when the Cowboys take the NFC East!

- Big-D Sports

More Starting Pitching as Rangers add McCarthy

Today Texas acquired right-hander Brandon McCarthy from the Chicago White Sox in a five-player deal Saturday in which the Rangers gave up their 2003 first-round pick John Danks.

John Danks, the ninth overall pick three years ago, and fellow right-handers Nick Masset and Jacob Rasner were sent to Chicago for McCarthy and outfielder David Paisano.

The 23-year-old Brandon McCarthy already has 65 major league appearances (only 12 starts), and is 7-9 with a 4.39 ERA. He has 117 career strikeouts while walking only 50 batters in 151 2/3 innings. McCarthy has some electiric stuff and will be a fine addition to the starting rotation.

McCarthy worked primarily out of the bullpen for the first time last season, and was 10th in the AL with 75 1/3 innings worked in relief. The Rangers plan to use him as a starter this season.

Danks split last season between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Oklahoma, where he combined to go 9-9 with a 4.24 ERA in 27 games (26 starts). He has a career minor league record of 21-30 with a 4.20 ERA in 92 games (82 starts). Dank is one of the great minor leaguers in the Rangers orginization but never really got a chance in the big leagues. For some reason the Rangers wanted to groom Danks for a long time before his arrival in the majors.

This is a great deal for the Rangers. After watching Danks at many Frisco Roughriders game, he only looked like a solid 3 or 4 starter in the rotation. It would have taken Danks probably two more years until he was inserted in the the Ranger's rotation, and in return the Rangers recieved a already proven young starter. I like what GM Jon Daniels is doing as he building the Rangers for the future, not just for this season.

- Big-D Sports

Dirk Goes Down But the Mavs Get a BIG Win

The Dallas Mavericks showed heart last night. A late nationally televised game on the west coast, things looked ugly from the start. Dirk went down with a ankle injury and didn't return, and the Mavericks found themselfs in a big hole early. Seattle came out hot and were shooting a blazing 72% in the first quarter and had a quick double-digit lead and were ready to send the Mavs back to Dallas early. Dallas could have given up when they lost Dirk, but they fought hard and showed some character.

With the Mavericks Nowitzki absent for most of the night, Dampier matched a season high with 22 points and grabbed a season-best 16 rebounds in Dallas' 103-95 win over Seattle on Wednesday. Dampier was a leader on the court all night. He filled the role of Nowitzki and played the best game he has EVER played as a Maverick.

This is what happened when Nowitzki went down with 2:05 left in the first. Seattle's Chris Wilcox jumped for the rebound of a missed free throw by Jerry Stackhouse and was bumped by DeSagana Diop of the Mavericks. Wilcox fell to the ground, his legs spreading and his left foot hitting Nowitzki just above his left foot, causing his ankle to roll.

Nowitzki was down on the floor for a few minutes, and could not put weight on the leg, but X-rays were negative. He was to be re-examined in Dallas, and Johnson said Nowitzki was day-to-day.

After trailing by 11 at halftime, the Mavericks erased most of the deficit by the end of the third. Dallas went on a 12-0 run, including a four-point possession that included a three-point play from Dampier and a technical foul free throw from Terry after Hill argued with officials.

Dallas could have given up, but Dampier played like a stud and lead the Maverieks to this win. There were points in the game were "Big Damp" looked like a young Shaq (i'm serious!). These tough games build character for a championship caliber team, and this is exactly what happened when the Mavs stepped up in a HUGE way to fill the void of Dirk. Overall great win!

- Big-D Sports

Getting Ducked Out

Last night was supposed to be a big game for the Dallas Stars last night, but the Stars didn't respond to the pressure. The Stars needed to gain ground against the division leading Ducks, but they couldn't even put up a fight as the game ended quickly. The Anaheim Duck are the best team in the NHL (going for the best record in NHL history) and they pounded the Stars 4-1 last night. The Stars are playing good hockey, but they are a little banged up at the moment. If you think missing Mike Modano and Jere Lehtinen could hurt, it sure did show last night.

The Stars overall had no offensive explosion against a physical team. The Stars are not physical first of all. Second they played like a tired team with no emotion. The Anaheim Ducks showed they were not overrated as they improved their record to 27-6-4 as they lead the pacific division.

As if the high-flying Anaheim Ducks really needed any good news, Corey Perry is out of his slump.

Perry scored twice in Wednesday night's 4-1 victory over Dallas, giving him six goals and three assists in his last seven games. Before that, he had just three assists in a span of 12 games.

Marty Turco was pulled quickly as he was bombarded by shots, as the Dallas defensive could not keep the Ducks away from the goal.

Dallas has another big game with huge implications tonight against their division rivals San Jose. Hopefully the Stars can get it together and put together a solid W.

- Big-D Sports

Romo to the Pro-Bowl

If Tony Romo wasn’t having the great season already, you can add a pro-bowl to his resume. In a dream come true season for Romo since becoming the Dallas Cowboys’ starting quarterback two months ago, he now has been chosen for the NFL’s all-star game to be played Feb. 10 at Honolulu.

After serving the backup to Drew Bledsoe through five games and then taking over in the second half of game six, Romo has been one of the league’s best and joins the New Orleans’ Saints Drew Brees and St. Louis Rams’ Marc Bulger as the NFC’s Pro Bowl quarterbacks.

Romo’s 98.4 passer rating leads the NFC and is second in the NFL to the Indianapolis Colts’ Peyton Manning’s 99.0.

He went three seasons without attempting a pass in a regular season NFL game but now has taken the national sports scene by storm.

I have a bit of a problem with Romo as a Pro-Bowler. He hasn’t even played a full season and has only started 8 games. He is playing fresh and hasn’t endured the grind of a full tiring NFL season. Actually I have a bigger problem with the of picking Pro-Bowlers so early. Why now??? Why not at the end of the season? The next two games are the biggest games of the season and the true “Pro Bowlers” will shine in these games. What if someone like Romo for example, who was picked, has two terrible games? Is is worth a Pro-Bowl spot? I think this is something that must change in the NFL: move the Pro-Bowl selection to the end of the regular season. We all know the biggest heroic efforts happen in the last week of the season.

Mr. Romo congratulations to you man. I still haven’t bought into the “Romo Hype” yet. Sure he is having a great year, but he has struggled a little the past three games. I hate to take away from his great season, but so far he has only played in 8 games. The playoffs will determine Romo’s true pedigree. Is he an elite QB or a one hit wonder?

Get Out Of Here

First I am so sorry for the lack of updates this week. I had exams all week and plenty of studying, but I felt like I knocked them out like Carmelo. Haha

We all witnessed the Cowboys win in Hot-lanta and it was good see another win after the pounding the Cowboys took last week. The offence looked good (nice to see Tony Romo back!) but the defense didn’t look good at all. After surrendering five touchdown passes to Drew Brees of New Orleans last Sunday night, the Cowboys allowed four scoring passes to the Falcons' Michael Vick, who has never been mistaken for a particularly accurate passer. The Cowboys did a good job of containing the speed demon, but number 7 had a 121.0 efficiency rating. Vick looked like a Pro Bowl passer against the Dallas Cowboys’ weak secondary. The big plays killed the Boys’.

The defense did play tough in the second half. After abandoning a man-to-man coverage scheme Vick shredded in the first two quarters and going to more zone looks, it made enough stops to allow the Cowboys' offense time to take command. The defense has been exposed against the passing game, but it will be hard to fix such a huge flaw in the next couple of weeks before the playoffs start.

The one bright spot was my main man Tony Romo. In connecting on 22 of 29 attempts for 278 yards, Romo completed four or more passes to four different receivers and five passes to three different players. Both of Romo's scoring passes were to Terrell Owens, who defeated Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall in their grudge match and also reportedly spat on the Falcons' star. Who really cares if T.O. really spat in his face. To DeAngelo Hall: you got burned my friend and you need to stop whining.

With the New Orleans Saints lose to the Redskins today, the Cowboys still sit in third place. Man, a win last week could have really helped the Cowboys. Based on tiebreakers, the Saints have an edge over the Cowboys because of last weeks butt-kicking. Here’s the playoff standing as of right now:

1. Chicago 12-2
2. New Orleans 9-5
3. Dallas 9-5
4. Seattle 8-6
5. Philadelphia 8-6
6. Giants 7-7

- Big-D Sports

Mavericks Make Pure Gold Out of the Nuggets

Did you know that Carmelo Anthoney is leading the league in scoring? Yeah, he's is hotter that Lebron, Dirk, D-Wade, KG, Kobe and all those other studs. He is averaging 31.7 points per game this season, but last night it just so happened he was playing the Dallas Mavericks.

Josh Howard was the all around stand out player in the 105-90 win over the Denver Nuggets. Josh Howard harassed Carmelo and stopped "Melo" from entering the paint where he makes his money all day. Well, Carmelo did score 18 points so is that considered a bad night? Heck yeah, he was 8-26 from the field and bricked majority of his shots. Actually Carmelo didn't have that bad of a night, Josh Howard just had a REALLY good night.

We all know Josh Howard played extremely well defensively by forcing Carmelo to turn the ball over 5 times, but he equaled his career high in points with 30. All of those 30 points came before the end of the 3rd quarter.

Denver beat defending NBA champion Miami Heat 123-107 in Denver the night before Friday, and then had to travel to Texas take on the Dallas Mavericks. The Nuggets were on the second leg of a tough back-to-back in less than 24 hours against the teams that played in the NBA finals last season. That probably the worst back a team can have!

The Denver Nuggets have been a high-octane scoring team this year, playing like the run and gun Phoenix Suns. They have been averaging 108.8 points per game but Dallas' defense was resilient as they held Denver to a season low 90 points.

Josh deserves a pat on the back, he is playing like a freaking All-Star this season.

- Big-D Sports

Mark Mulder a Ranger?

A second former member of the Oakland Athletics' "Big Three" will visit the Rangers on Tuesday.

The Lefty starting pitcher, Mark Mulder, will get together with Rangers officials Tuesday in Arlington, only after two weeks when his old teammate, Barry Zito, visited. The fact that Mulder is coming to Texas is a positive sign that he is very interested in the Rangers. It's possible Mulder, who is getting married next weekend, might seek to sign somewhere quickly. If this is the case all sign could be pointing to the Rangers as a perfect suitor. The Rangers offered a contract to the All-Star pitcher at the winter meeting, and Mulder’s agent has yet offered a counter offer.

Mulder pitched in only 17 games in 2006 because of severe shoulder problems. He was 6-7 with a 7.14 ERA for the St. Louis Cardinals and underwent rotator cuff surgery in September. Mulder will most likley won't be back at start of the season, though an exact return date could be around late May.

Numerous teams have expressed little interest in Mulder, including the Cardinals, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks. Mulder is 103-57 with a 4.11 ERA in his career. He won at least 15 games each season from 2001-05, only once finishing with an ERA higher than 3.64.

Adding Mulder this week could be a huge step in the right direction for the Rangers. Mark Mulder WILL come at a reasonable price, and there still would be room in the budget for Barry Zito. If Mark Mulder signs with Texas, it has been said that Barry Zito would love to reconnect will he former teammate. If the Texas Rangers add both Barry Zito and Mark Mulder this off-season, wouldn’t that be the dirtiest starting rotation the Rangers have EVER had?

- Big-D Sports

Ran Over By Rasheed

Thursday’s night's game against the Detroit Pistons was a bit sluggish for the Mavericks. The Detroit Pistons made rain out of the 3-pointer all night, and ran Dallas off their own court. This Pistons defeated the Dallas Mavericks 92-82 as Dallas suffered their first double digit loss to an Eastern Conferce foe at the American Airlines Center in exactly two years and one day, when who-else but the Pisons edged the Mavericks 101-84 on December 6, 2004. (kind of creepy huh?)

The Pistons played together as a team and used excellent ball movement to their advantage. They seemed to do nothing else fancy other than pass the rock to the open man for an easy bucket.

Last year when the Pistons played the Dallas Mavericks they were blown out by 37-points early last season. The Pistons trailed 40-16 after the first quarter last year, but this year the Pistons wanted redemption.

Tayshaun Prince led all Detroit players with 20 points, "Rip" Hamilton added 15 points, Chauncey Billups scored 12 points and dished out 11 assists. The Pistons looked more like the Pistons team that recently won eight straight than a club that had fallen in its last two.

For the Mavericks it was a pretty pitiful effort all around. They had no energy the entire game and the only main contributors were Jason Terry, who scored 17 points, and Big "now consistent" Dampier, who scored 12.

The only highlight of the game was the fact that 120 military personnel sat courtside for the entire game in part of the third annual "Seats For Soldiers" event. This has been a fabulous tradition where season-ticket holders donate their seats to the soldiers. All I can say to them is I hoped they could have seen a more competitive game, because this game stunk.

- Big-D Sports

Bush is Coming to Town

Reggie Bush still might be the biggest surprise of the entire NFL season. He may not be the reason why the Saints are 8-4 and leading the NFC South, and it may not be the fact that Bush is leading the NFC in receptions with 73, but it was because last year's Heisman Trophy winner was NOT the first overall pick in the draft.

Last season the “cellar dwellers” in the league fighting for the next great running back. As all of you know this competition was dubbed the "Reggie Bush Sweepstakes." Of course, the Houston Texans were out of their minds by selecting defensive end Mario Williams, which allowed the Saints to draft the UCS standout. To no one's surprise, Reggie Bush hasn't disappointed anyone.

Bush had a HUGE game last Sunday against the 49ers, when he scored four touchdowns, three rushing and one receiving. That was not the only thing that shifty back did, but Bush totaled 168 offensive yards, including 131 receiving, a Saints franchise record for a running back.

The Saints are ready to march into Texas Stadium this Sunday where it will be a battle of 8-4 teams. The Saints already have a tremendous trio of QB Drew Brees, RB Duece McAllister, and wide receiver Joe Horn. Add Bush as the major playmaker and this offence will put up big numbers. This is exactly what the Saints have done all season.

The fact is Reggie Bush is leading the entire NFC and is second only to Houston's Andre Johnson (85 catches) in the league with his 73 receptions. He’s only averaging 7.7 yards per reception, and just 3.1 yard rush, but Reggie Bush can make the big plays when it counts.

Last week, the San Francisco defenders had a long day trying to tackle Bush, who added another play to is already electrifying highlight reel, on a play that started out as a simple screen pass from the 15-yard line. Bush broke two tackles after the catch to get inside the 10, and then bulldozed his way through five defenders, carrying nearly half the defense to the 1. Bush isn’t just a finesse RB, but he can lay a boom when plowing through a hole. Bush scored the first of his four touchdowns on the next play.

Since the Saints have serious injury concerns at wide receiver in both Horn (groin) and Colston (ankle), they are both questionable for Sunday's game. All this means is more plays for Reggie Bush. The Dallas Cowboys better watch out, and lets hope they find themselves on another one of Reggie Bush’s highlight reels!

- Big-D Sports

Who Will Get Zito?

Three teams look like they are in the running for Zito. The New York Mets, the Chicago Cubs, and the Texas Ranger all would love to land the elite starting pitcher. The Texas Rangers look like the front-runner the bidding, but you never know if the New York Mets are toying with the Texas Rangers. According to sources the Mets only want to pay at tops 5 year at $70 million. The Cubs already say that this is out of their price range and the Rangers are claiming to have posted $100 million for six years. So how much money will it take to land Zito? Lets look at the signing of Jason Schimdt today by the Dodgers.

Barry Zito is 28 years old, five years younger than Schmidt, and certainly will command a salary superior to that of Schmidt's new $15.67 million a year average. Several executives think that Zito's agent, Scott Boras, is looking for a six-year deal worth $102 million, a $17 million average.

What it might come down to for Zito is if he would rather pitch in the always-unfriendly Ameriquest Field, where he actually has a spectacular 11-1 record with a 3.75 career ERA, or agree to a less rewarding deal to pitch in the National League at pitcher-friendly Shea Stadium with the Mets.

Rick Peterson, Mets pitching coach and Zito's former pitching coach with the A's, both remain very close. On the other side the Rangers have former A’s third base coach, Ron Washington, who Zito is also close to. It sounds like the Mets do not want to go more than five years with Zito, according to major-league sources. If the Mets gave him $16 million per season, a five-year contract worth $80 million, would Zito go with the Mets?

The fact is when the Texas Ranger’s owner, Tom Hicks, REALLY wants a player he often gets what he wants. It has been a reported that Hicks REALLY wants Zito, and we all know that very few can outbid Tom Hicks.

- Big-D Sports

Marion or Julius?

This week the red hot Dallas Cowboys (8-4) will face the much improved New Orleans Saints (8-4). It will be a battle of the running games as both teams will showcase their dynamic duos of running backs in Deuce McAllister/Reggie Bush and Julius Jones/Marion Barber. We all know Deuce McAllister has the upper hand over the rookie/USC sensation Reggie Bush, but is Marion Barber a better back than Julius Jones?

If you take a look at the NFC stats you might find Marion Barber on top of the list for TDs. Marion Barber has a knack for finding the endzone this year with a career high 13 touchdowns only through 12 games. He has averaged 5.2 yards per carry, but has been primarily the 3rd down back for the Dallas Cowboys this season. You might ask why he isn’t starting over Julius Jones who only has 3.9 yards per carry and has only scored three times this season. This is why:

First off, Marion Barber is very elusive when running threw traffic and is able to dance his way for extra yards. That being said he is used in short yard situation (some near the endzone) and takes away many touchdowns from the starter Julius Jones. That’s why the touchdown numbers can be misleading.

Second, Julius Jones runs the ball on first and second down almost exclusively. This is when the defenses most likely are ready to stop the run. On third and long plays when the defense is expecting the pass and back in the nickel formation, Barber gets the call and picks up lots of yards.

Third, I feel like if their roles were reversed the Dallas Cowboys running game would suffer. Julius Jones is built to hit the holes and make big plays early in the down, while Marion Barber is a bit tougher and can get the short yardage plays when it counts.

The Dallas Cowboys have been highly successful with their position changes during the season. First it was Romo, second it was Mr. Dramatica (Martin Gramatica was Mr. Dramatica last night!), but a move in running backs wouldn’t help the Dallas Cowboys at all. Right now the combination of Julius Jones and Marion Barber are getting the job done. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, and this is why I believe the Dallas Cowboys won’t change running backs.

- Big-D Sports

Padilla is Back with the Rangers....Zito Next?

It is reported that the Texas Rangers and Vicente Padilla have reached an agreement worth 34 million over three years. Padilla was one of the few bright spots in the rotation last year as he compiled a 15-10 record with a 4.50 era and 156 strikeouts in 200 innings.

This was a very important move for the Texas Rangers who have a depleted rotation at the time. He will most likely fill the number two spot in the rotation behind the proven veteran Kevin Millwood. Was this the right signing though?

Padilla had a very solid year last year and did prove he could pitch in the Texas heat. But all of this came under his contract year though. Padilla is know to have a lackadaisical attitude and only pitches well when he needs to. He has the ability to be a great pitcher, but he lacks the will. The year that Padilla was an All-Star with the Phillies was also his contract year. After his All Star year when he resigned with the Phillies he declined dramatically. Hopefully Padilla will show the Texas Rangers that they invested wisely in him, if not it will be another huge bust for the Rangers and GM Jon Daniels.

MORE ZITO NEWS! The Texas Rangers have reporably given Zito a six-year, $102 million offer. That would be $17 million per season which no team likely will match. -according to foxsports.com

- Big-D Sports

Gramatica and the Cowboys are Automatica!

There is no doubt the Dallas Cowboys are a Superbowl ready team as they continued to impress the nation. This game was a make or break opportunity for the Dallas Cowboys to gain the upper hand in the tight division. Tonight’s game proved that the Dallas Cowboys deserve to be in the drivers seat in NFC East.

With a 23-20 Dallas Cowboys nail bitter win in the Meadowlands, the Dallas Cowboys now have a two game advantage in their division. It was the fourth straight loss for the Giants (6-6) and the fourth straight win for Dallas (8-4). This game was fun to watch and it resorted hope in the Cowboy nation.

This game went right down to the wire, as there were three scores in the final 3:33. Marion Barber III (my new favorite nickname for him: MB3) scored on a 1-yard run which gave the Dallas Cowboys a 20-13 lead, but the Giants didn’t weren’t finished. Eli Manning drove the Giants 63 yards for the tying score on the pass to Big Burress. After the Giants celebrated in wild fashion, Romo caught them off-guard when he hit TE Jason Witten on the first play after the kickoff with a strong throw to take the Dallas Cowboys to the Giants 26. That set up it up for newly signed kicker Martin Gramatica who a boomed 46-yard field goal with 1 second remaining on the clock to give the Dallas Cowboys a 23-20 win over the New York Giants.

The move to Martin Gramatica is yet another move that made Bill Parcells look like a genius. First it was Tony Romo, now its Martin Gramatica. Gramatica played a pivotal role in this win for the Cowboys. Gramatica’s first field goal as a Cowboy was missed from 40+ yards in the first quarter and things didn’t look good for the new kicker. But Gramatica showed tremendous poise as he rebounded to make three critical kicks in a row to finish the game. The Cowboys depended heavily on the kicking game and Gramatica answered the questions about the kicking game.

Tony Romo for the first time proved that he is human. He was 20/34 on completion and threw two picks. It was another classy act by Romo as he never let his head down and kept the Cowboys in the game the whole night.

As I told you guys the Giants WERE going to show up today. The Giants fought hard as a TEAM, but you have to hand it to the Cowboys for their resilient performance. HOW BOUT’ DEM COWBOYS!?!

- Big-D Sports

A Born Leader

Tony Romo has emerged into the biggest sports image in the NFL today. Romo, an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Illinois, has put the 7-4 Dallas Cowboys atop the NFC East. His profile has soared. Nothing will ever be the same for the 26-year-old from a small Wisconsin town. Everyone in the nation now knows the story of Tony Romo and how he has restored life to America’s Team. He is even a celebrity outside of sports with the numerous rumors of him and Jessica Simpson dating. Any man who can get Jessica Simpson is probably the biggest stud on the earth. Within the past month, Tony has gone from “Tony Who?” to “Tony Romo the greatest QB EVER!”

Tony Romo is a down to earth overnight sensation. He's #1 in ratings, #1 yards per attempt, #1 in TD%, #2 in Pct, and he's already #10 in TD's. He has played extremely well but it has only been 5 GAMES. He has great vision and very quick reflexes. So far he has been playing like an elite QB, but it has only been a brief span of games. Romo plays the game effortlessly and was a born leader. I hope Romo never comes down to earth, but like any human he most likely will have a bad game sometime.

This weekend’s game will be the BIGGEST game for Tony Romo. The Dallas Cowboys have not had such a big game since the 90’s. This is the most hyped game since the Texas-USC game last year. If the Dallas Cowboys lose they are in trouble, if they win they will be on top of the world, simple as that. When the Cowboys beat the Colts three games ago, the Dallas Cowboys established themselves as Superbowl Contenders. If Romo doesn’t get the job done he might lose his title as “the Dallas Cowboys’ savoir.” If he wins this game people all over America will be picking the Dallas Cowboys to win the Superbowl.

Romo has already restored faith in Dallas Cowboys fans, but a loss this weekend may stab the hearts of many faithfuls.

- Big-D Sports

Rangers Want Piazza

The Rangers are a stern serious interest in free-agent catcher Mike Piazza, as Major League officials confirmed on Saturday. The Rangers are interested in Piazza more as a DH than a catcher. Piazza could do some catching behind Gerald Laird as well, but the Rangers are looking at him mainly as an offensive player.

Piazza hit .283 with 22 home runs and 68 RBIs in 126 games and 399 at-bats for the Padres last year. His is still producing at the old age of 38, and could give the Rangers a punch in the middle of the order. Piazza has been an All-Star 12 times, he has a .309 career batting average which is the eighth highest among active players, and he has 419 career home runs which is 12th most among active players.

I feel like the Rangers need to pursue outfielders and pitching before they go after Piazza. They still don't have a true center fielder and need to fill the hole that Gary Matthews left. Pitching is also a must. The Rangers have plenty of questions that need to be answered and I feel like a DH is not a big need for the Rangers. The Rangers should instead fill their depleted rotation before they go after a aging catcher/DH. Signing Piazza would be further convince me that the Rangers still don't understand the good pitching dominates good hitting. The Rangers need to stay away from the big bats and look for game changing starters and relievers.

- Big-D Sports

Kings Get Swatted

Will this winning thing ever end? It was yet another dominating win, 109-90 over the Sacramento Kings which increased the Mavs win streak to 12. The Dallas Mavericks wasted no time in getting the job done. It was a fun fast pased game with many three pointers drained (11-21) by the Dallas Mavericks.

Blocked shots were a common sight last night. They weren't little sissy blocked shots but HUGE violent blocked shots (8 in total last night by the Mavericks). Josh Howard sent one right off the backboard when John Salmons atempted a lay-up in the first half (yah, thats the picture of the play right above!). Haha look at his face, he doesn't know that he is about to get embarrassed!

Despite Nowitzki missing eight of his first nine shots, Dallas still showed the Sacramento how to play basketball. Josh Howard led Dallas with 24 points while shooting 10-of-14. Devin Harris and Jerry Stackhouse each scored 13 and Erick Dampier had 13 points and 11 rebounds. Anthony Johnson had 10 assists off the bench and reserve DeSagana Diop had 10 rebounds.

Overall it was yet another win. The Mavericks are like Tony Romo, both are the greatest things in sports and they NEVER have a bad day.

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

This past week there has been some bad blood brewing between the two teams. The trash talk has already started. The fact that both teams hate each other will make this a hard hitting, physical game that should be great to watch.

Hot heated New York TE Jeremy Shockey made this statements when asked if the Giants and Cowboys were headed in opposite directions. "People seen that when we played the Cowboys the first time (a 36-22 Giants win in Dallas). There is no way they have a chance in hell to beat us when we play our football. And that is the truth. No other team in this league." Jeremy Shockey needs to just SHUT UP! I hope someone lays a HUGE hit on him and he cries like the real girl he is. This game will have playoff implications all over it.

Two teams will collide on Sunday, and one team will leave with the division lead in the NFC East. Dallas is a team on the rise with a 3 game winning streak, and New York is a team on the decline. It looks like a sure win for the Cowboys, but don’t count your eggs before they hatch. It is going to be a great game and I feel like the Giants will come together and put up a fight.

For the second week in a row, a New York Giants player has publicly addressed team gripes. Defensive end Michael Strahan openly criticized wide receiver Plaxico Burress this week on a New York radio station for not giving 100% effort on a crucial play in the Tennessee Titians stunning 24-21 comeback win. Last week, Giants running back Tiki Barber publicly criticized coach Tom Coughlin over the team's offensive play-calling. This stuff doesn’t build team character.

This Giants team WILL show up in Sunday ready to take out their frustration on the Cowboys. Trust me this Giants team is good. It will not be a walk in the park and the Cowboys must be prepared.

This game has all the implications of an upset. Tony Romo hasn’t had a bad game YET and it could happen on Sunday. I take that back, Tony Romo IS the Cowboys savior and he will never have a bad game! No really, I hope he never does but there is always a SLIM chance he could have a bad game. Second, the Giants want to get back on track and they have the ability to do it. They are a good team playing bad football. All it takes is a one win against the Cowboys and they could turn things around in a hurry.

The Giants win if Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress, and Tiki Barber all have great games. Also the Giants must stop the Cowboy’s run game and make their explosive offense one-dimensional. All of these things must happen to stop a strong Cowboys team.

For the Cowboys, if Romo is his normal Godly self they win.