Thom Loverro
Columns by Thom Loverro
LOVERRO: Nationals’ choice Bud Black understands managing is ‘about the team’
Black spent parts of nine seasons managing the Padres and should understand that communicating and involving players is as crucial to the role as crafting a lineup and adjusting to the opponent. Published October 29, 2015
LOVERRO: Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris, stars of 2012, riding off into sunset
Griffin and Morris, polar opposites when they arrived in 2012, led the Redskins to heights unseen in recent seasons. They're now bit players at best, with Griffin inactive and Morris having lost his role to rookie Matt Jones. Published October 27, 2015
LOVERRO: Jay Gruden can breathe easy after Redskins finish comeback
A loss to one of the bottom feeders of the NFL would have meant doom and gloom for Gruden, who would have had to deal with a defeat heading into the Redskins' bye week. Instead, the coach can relax a bit. Published October 25, 2015
LOVERRO: Even Kirk Cousins knew joining Redskins was a bad deal
Cousins immediately expressed shock that the Redskins would take he and Robert Griffin III in the NFL draft in 2012, and a little over three years later, he's finding out the starting job is damaged goods. Published October 22, 2015
LOVERRO: Had ‘Broadway Joe’ pursued baseball, Cubs’ fortunes could be different
Joe Namath's mother, Rose, may have determined the course of baseball in Chicago when she steered her son away from the Cubs and toward college, leading him to a successful NFL career. Published October 20, 2015
LOVERRO: ‘Premiere Boxing Champions’ card a crime, not just an embarrassment
Lamont Peterson won a fight he should have lost; his brother, Anthony, won a one-round farce; and Prichard Colon was sent to a Fairfax hospital after officiating allowed a number of shots to the back of his head. Published October 18, 2015
LOVERRO: Lamont Peterson hopes to start winning again near where it all began
Peterson, a Washington native, has lost two fights in the past four years, and is hoping that Saturday's fight against undefeated Felix Diaz Jr. at EagleBank Arena will help him regain his momentum. Published October 15, 2015
LOVERRO: When will Jay Gruden find he can truly trust Kirk Cousins?
The Falcons trusted Cousins on Sunday, which was why they took away the running game, forced the Redskins to throw the ball and won on an interception return. When will the Redskins' coach finally do the same? Published October 13, 2015
LOVERRO: Capitals’ debut shows why they’re the best hope for Washington title
After the Nationals choked and as the Wizards continue to make steady progress, it seems the Capitals, with Alex Ovechkin, are once again the favorites to be the first team to win a title for Washington in more than 20 years. Published October 11, 2015
LOVERRO: Charlie Manuel: ‘I would definitely be interested’ in Nationals’ job
Manuel was a favorite of outfielder Jayson Werth when he managed the Phillies from 2005 through 2013, and his level of experience fits one of general manager's chief qualities for the opening. Published October 9, 2015
LOVERRO: Braden Holtby, contract in hand, knows little changes after career year
Holtby earned a long-term contract extension after reaching several career bests last season, but the Capitals' goaltender knows that the team will expect more of him now that he's reached a productive level. Published October 8, 2015
LOVERRO: Accountability, authority critical for success of Nationals’ next manager
No one in sports is presented to the public more than a manager, and Matt Williams, fired by the Nationals on Monday after two seasons, will need to be able to handle the pressure and criticism of his actions. Published October 6, 2015
LOVERRO: Matt Williams wasn’t a good manager, but his players drove him out
Williams was extremely well-respected as a coach when he was hired by the Nationals in October 2013, but the respect that he earned with the Diamondbacks did not follow him to Washington. Published October 5, 2015
LOVERRO: Redskins’ go-ahead drive offers answers, yet other questions still remain
Plenty of questions about the Redskins were answered when Kirk Cousins engineered a late, go-ahead touchdown drive, but why they were facing a deficit after a 13-point halftime lead is still an issue. Published October 4, 2015
LOVERRO: Which Redskins players will have brain damage when their careers end?
Researchers found that 87 of the 91 brains of former NFL players showed some signs of damage, which means that a good number of those playing for the Redskins right now will exhibit some trouble later in life. Published October 1, 2015
LOVERRO: Jonathan Papelbon’s actions a sign of what Nationals are missing
Papelbon's altercation with Bryce Harper late in Sunday's game underscores one of the most crucial attributes missing from the Nationals: A sense of aggression and toughness that can help them win games. Published September 29, 2015
LOVERRO: Who’s truly making the decision regarding Matt Williams’ future?
A number of influential voices will play a role in evaluating the Nationals' manager's future, which remains uncertain following his team's ouster from playoff contention on Saturday. Published September 27, 2015
LOVERRO: During his career and upon his retirement, Yogi Berra always the star
Berra, who died Tuesday at 90, was always among the first players to confirm his attendance at the Baseball Hall of Fame weekend, and it may be in Cooperstown where his absence will be felt the greatest. Published September 24, 2015
LOVERRO: Bryce Harper’s recent success traces all the way back to Ted Williams
Harper, who is among the candidates to be named the National League's MVP, has developed in part because of his association with Mike Epstein, an independent hitting instructor and Williams protege. Published September 22, 2015
LOVERRO: Matt Jones’ performance exactly what the Redskins envisioned in May
The rookie running back from Florida made Kirk Cousins' life easier on Sunday, and his physical, pounding style left a mark on the Rams that other teams may experience in the future. Published September 20, 2015
