No clue

So, what's going on in the world of sports, Dear Roxy? I've been out of the loop on this matter. I've been in bed all weekend, and yet never watched any SportsCenter. The truth is, I only watch SportsCenter during baseball season.
I did hear you guys got another Marlin; Alex Gonzalez. I guess you'll see him during Spring Training. You haven't been to a Marlins game in years, yet you'll see a handful of former players soon.
So, did you ever find a tee small enough for you, but big enough to fit Ben's last name?

Please bring me up to date.

-Criss

PS: I heard Rory is dating Jess. And supposedly, for a loooong time.

Watch Out! Here Comes the Bus' Posse!

Cheer cheer for Old Notre Dame.. Okay, I'm not a ND fan, but I couldn't help it. The song plays in my head evertime I see this.

Well, guess what? You're gonna be hating me now 'cause Coco came through. And according to our doll Theo, Coco "is not Johnny Damon." And Coco has some high expectations to live up to, I'm afraid. I hope he really makes us all happy. I want to see some homeruns! No dry spells! Okay, I won't be so immediately demanding.

So, countdown to the Super Bowl. I am itching! And what's with so much Seahawks coverage? I mean, more feature stories on the Steelers, please! I was at the mall yesterday, and I heard these two girls calling out, "Here we go Steelers, here we go!" They were the only people in town, perhaps in the Southeast U.S., wearing Steelers gear - well, actually, I saw two guys in the supermarket two weeks ago sportin' their gear. How cute was it that the Steeler players came off the plane in Jerome's old Notre Dame jersey? So Detroit is gonna have Jerome Bettis Day and give him the keys to the city. That's great. I smell angry Seahawks fans. =)

-Roxy

AP Photo, Gene J. Puskar; YahooSports.com

Trix are for kids

I'm sorry about Cocoa Krispies, Dear Roxy. OK, maybe not. Hello!!! We root against each other, so as long as you don't get anyone remotely good, I am happy.
I guess I will keep covering the NBA since you won't. How about Isaiah Thomas and that sexual harrrasement allegation? Ouch!
And how dare this person say you no longer care about Steve? I happen to know you love Steve and have him right next to your bed to keep you company. I can be mean... Tell me who it is, and I'll beat this person up for you. jk.
The fact that these good-looking qb/players are playing, it definitely makes the game more interesting. I'm all for that.
I'm tired and sleepy and have a cold, I need some sleep and Trix. I like Trix. You can keep your Coco.
- Criss

Playing Favorites

It's not that Roxy "can't cover" the NBA, she doesn't care about the NBA. I would rather watch golf on mute. Okay, somewhat of an exaggeration and untrue. But I mean, come on. I'm glad you're not jaded like me. Keep on enjoying basketball. I don't mind watching college basketball, and something about March Madness that still seems special to me.

So, what's with this whole Guillermo Mota saga and him possibly not passing his physical and thereby jeopardizing the Coco Crisp deal? That's gonna make me really mad and the rest of the already upset RSN; so Theo better make it work out.

Making fun of my usage of "gangsta," huh?! HA! I laughed. It's true.

And on a football note: Somebody jokingly suggested that perhaps I have ditched Steve Young and moved on to other newer fields of green. Not so! Steve is Steve, Mr. Hall of Famer. The '04/'05 season video and my personal highlights compilation still makes me emotional. Those years were great, but Steve's not playing anymore, and I haven't been this excited about football in a while. I've felt abandoned and old - especially when people like Ben and Tom are mentioning Steve and Joe Montana as people they watched growing up. Hello?! With Tommy and Benny, I'm excited about it again, because, really, I think football is so much better than baseball. (Gasp!) The whole Roethlisberger thing took me by surprise. I was smitten by his skills last season as a rookie, and you can't even pull me away this season. And, yeah, Dear Criss, I heard that story about him and Jerome. Wow. I actually didn't know about the three game balls story, though. Special. (But please don't root for them out loud. You still make me a little nervous.)

I'm thinking t.v. movie.

-Roxy

Photo: AP Photo, Jack Dempsey; YahooSports.com
(Um, what's with all the Seattle photos on the Steelers section of Yahoo?)

Heat on Fire

Hey, Roxy. I got a last-minute invitation to the Heat game last night. They started off so bad, but pulled through in the third quarter. They must have had an earful from Pat in the locker room. Needless to say, it was pretty good. Big props to my homey Wade for an awesome block last night... lol.
And that, my friends, is me covering the NBA for the rest of us, since Roxy can't. Oh, I saw UM's QB Kyle Wright and El Duque Hernandez...

That reminds me, a looong time ago while El Duque was still with the Yankees, I was driving to work when I him driving his black Lincoln Navigator. I chased him down until we stopped at a red light. Our cars were next to each other so I waved at him. He was nice enough to put his window down and said hi back to me. I told him how great he was for the Yankees and that I really liked him... He said thank you and we waved good bye as we went our separate ways...

That gangsta story is pretty funny. But what's funnier is you trying to repeat gangsta. (If anybody knows Roxy, they know that is soooo not her). Anyway, I like the Steelers' chances. I think they are even favored to win. You're gonna love this: Darrell told me that last year when Jerome Bettis was to retire, Benny told him not to. To give him a chance and that they would go all the way to the Superbowl the next year. And here they are. Nobody knew this until last week. Oh, and that when they won the wild-card game, Benny gave the game ball to Jerome and told him there were three more to come... How about that?

Can't go against that!
-Criss

AP Photo: J. Pat Carter

Big Ben's a "Gangsta"

Okay, this morning, this guy called into the sports-talk radio show and said, referring to Ben (and possibly the Bus, too - it was early, I as laughing hard and don't completely remember), "He's a GANG-STA!" I laughed so hard, I think the drivers next to me thought I was really weird. I'm really loving this.

Maybe you shouldn't. I kind of like your staying away from my gangstas approach. Keep on doing that.

As for the Heat, I have no expectations of them. Kobe: don't care. 1,000 points, you say? In one night? Okay, maybe a little less than that. I'm glad someone's covering the NBA, Dear Criss, 'cause my commentary's lacking. Hey, looking at the NCAA, what happened to Dukie? Falling to Georgetown. Hey, Kim in Arkansas, UConn's #1 today. Ouch.

So, Coco Crisp in Boston. Well, he's got big shoes to fill. I'm trusting you, Theo.

-Roxy

AP Photo, Gene J. Puskar; YahooSports.com

Very Well Deserved

Dear Roxy, I was upset on the way the Broncos played yesterday; they couldn't get it together. But I am happy to see the Steelers won. They deserve to be in the Super Bowl. Now, I think I was 0-2 yesterday. I found myself rooting for Carolina and they lost, and of course I was rooting for Jake. My playoffs teams have been off. I think I was 0-6 in the teams I was rooting for. I don't think you want me rooting for the Steelers now... Maybe since I mentioned it it won't matter anymore.
I liked the way Ben played, Polamalu was everywhere and of course, Bettis. Let's see what happens....

How about 81 for Kobe? I don't like the guy, but I guess he deserves a congrats... Ball hog. jk

And how about Shaq, Wade and the Heat on their victory over Sacramento? Good stuff!

-Criss

Woo Hoo! Steelers Win!! Super Bowl XL: Here We Come!

Wow! I was so nervous today, and I am so very happy it turned out well. That rocked. Ben Roethlisberger goes home a football hero and will have additional menu items named after him at local Pittsburgh dining institutions. And Polamalu, I mean, the guy is sharp. Hines Ward, very good. The defense played extremely well (nice interceptions) and the Bus, well, he's finally going to the Super Bowl. The Bus is going home to Detroit, folks. He's been around since Steve Young. It's time! And did you see Ben run in for the touchdown, throwing his body for it? Love it. You gotta be a little excited for this team, Dear Criss, I mean, even a little bit. I remember last year when Ben lost, I felt so bad for him (um, they were playing my Pats, talk about hard to watch), but I knew with some time he'd sharpen up and be someone to keep watching. Well there's still one more game to go, but I'm gonna enjoy this, one game at a time. Nobody believed...

-Roxy

Photo: AP Photo, Charles Krupa; YahooSports.com

THEO!!!! We'll Pretend it Never Happened

Oh my goodness!!!!!! I heard the news on my ride home, and I nearly had to pull over! I heard his name and then I got so excited that instead of turning up the radio I turned it off!! But I caught the news just in time. Wow! This guy's crazy. What was going on? Listen, I am so very happy that he's back that I don't care. Give him a big title. Give him the corner office. Give him the timeshare on Key Biscayne. Some recent interviews with Varitek had me really concerned about the club's future. I hooooope there's still time to pull this ship back together. Notice that he looks younger, thinner and pale? Well, I didn't include that pic because it worries me. Hmm. Well, he better start taking care of himself 'cause it's gonna be quite the next few weeks before spring training.

Thanks for breaking the news for Sporting Gals, Dear Criss. Wow. Impressive from the Yankees fan. THEOOOOOOO!!!!!

Okay, here are a million good wishes to Benny and the Steelers to win in Denver! Guess we're not talking this weekend until after the game - maybe! You bet that if I win, I'm gonna go crazy!

-Roxy

Photo: White/Packert Photos

He's back

Some breaking news for you, Dear Roxy. Good news nevertheless: Your Theo is back with the Red Sox. They call his role a "full-time baseball operations role." Whatever that means. I just read in the New York Times, of all places... I guess his rocker career is on hold.

The Knicks got crushed by the Pistons.

Get ready, it's almost Sunday... Nail-biting games again. I can't wait to see the Broncos-Steelers game. It's gonna be a good one.

Anything else?

-Criss

I Missed It!

I totally missed that reference, Dear Roxy. Thank goodness. I don't think I could bear hearing Luke talk about those hated Red Sox.

Anyway, ARod finally made up his mind:US. And as you can see, it will be a Yankee roster with Leiter, ARod, Jeter and Damon... Hahaha. Damon!

But you can watch the games too, VTek will be there, too ;)

Did you hear the Steelers' coach saying he agreed with the refs? I think he dind't want to piss them off for future games. Smart move.

How about the bear hug Shaq gave Kobe? I think he wanted to squeeze the life out of him. Just kidding, it wasn't a bear hug...

-Criss

It's an Interception! No Just Kidding. Actually...

Okay, Dear Criss, so now it's an interception. Are they serious?! They almost cost the Steelers the game!!! So would they have reversed a Colts victory if needed? Clearly, I can be a ref. They are so lucky. I think I may have given up football forever. Okay, not forever, maybe 'til next season. They need to pull it together. Polamalu must have been really irked by these recent statements. And you know the spit was flying with Cowher.

And was someone (no names) thinking the Knicks may pull a 1972 Dolphins (mixing sports, I know)? Wow. Where did you come from?

Okay, random, but did you hear the Red Sox reference on Gilmore Girls two weeks ago? Luke being a Sox fan is funny since he once played for the Yankees in real life. Ha! Did you get that one Kimber?

-Roxy

Photo: AFP, Getty Images, Andy Lyons; YahooSports.com

"He Missed It"...

...were the words mouthed by Dungy, Cowher, Bettis, Peyton, and the rest of the nation, Dear Roxy. Mine were actually, "He f***ing missed it!" My heart was pounding so hard. It was the comeback that didn't happen. I was leaving my house thinking they're done, and then Jerome fumbles it. NEW GAME. And the Vanderjagt missed it by a mile. I felt soooo bad for him, Dungy and Peyton.
It was nice to see Ben and Jerome winning the game, but the Colts lost. I feel soooo bad ;( This was the team. This was the year.
I guess I can now root for Jake without a problem. Sorry, girl, but I'm still rooting for Jake... If Ben wins, then it's Ben and the Steelers for me in the Superbowl.
Changing sports, I had to jinx the mighty Knicks. No longer undefeated in 2006.
Once again, I tried posting that photo of Millar with the O's cap a couple of nights ago, but I got an error. I will leave the picture-posting to you.
And it was a catch...
-Criss

Take this Bus to Denver!

Okay, I know this time it's you feeling lousy (more later on the lousiness), but I bounced back from crazy, dilirious football dreams last night - due to the lousy loss (let's keep saying lousy as much as possible) - as a result of a terrific edge-of-your-seat day with Ben too-big-to-fit-on-the-back-of-my-tee Roethlisberger. I was trying to eat lunch and between the bad calls and the Bus deciding to add some extra drama to the game, I had to stop eating because I really felt like I was going to be sick. It was the most intense game I've seen for a while b/c of the Colts' reputation. I was so nervous; I can't do that anymore. That was an interception, by the way. Did you see that play with Polamalu? You know what I was talking about. It was! I'm glad we won, b/c that was ridiculous. Even the guys on CBS said so. And may I add that EVERYONE, including my Steve on ESPN and his colleagues and everyone on CBS said that the Steelers couldn't do it. Okay, I won't torture you anymore, but this was huge for me!!! Go Ben! Nice key block to save the game. Please root for him and the Steelers with me now. They're gonna need it in Denver. Steelers in Denver!!! Go Bus! But this time, hold that ball for dear life, Jerome!

As for my Pats, Dear Criss, last night was so sad. I don't know if I've ever seen Belichick so depressed as I did during yesterday's press conference. I mean, normally he is filled with vivacity, of course, but, wow. And I mean, Tommy, what happened?!! I felt for him. It was awful. There goes the three-peat. I have a picture of him on my fridge, and in my state I said to him, "What happened?" I think this will make him hungrier. Look, I'm not saying I wanted this, just looking for something good out of it. I'm still angry about some of those questionable calls. And Adam?!!! What was that? Adam, you're clutch, hall of fame!! I'm gonna blame it on the altitude and thin air in Denver. I will deny that ever happened.

As for my Millar... Geez, I'm really glad I'll get to see him soon. Stop making me feel like an idiot traveling around to see a roster that includes Players TBD! =) There's a picture from the press conference (see right) where you can see that awful Orioles hat on the table. That's not included here. It'll hurt to see him in that thing. NOOOO!! The Sox picked up that pitcher Tavarez from St. Louis, and personally, he scared me during the World Series. I thought he needed some chamomille tea to relax a bit. I mean, throw some more randoms on the team. Sure, why not. $2.1 for Kev. Go Millar. Watch him hit like 186 million homeruns. Maybe we'll pick him up again then.

-Roxy

Photos - Ben: AP, Al Behrman; YahooSports.com. Millar: AP, Gail Burton; Boston.com

Sorries

I'm sorry to hear Millar is no longer with the Red Socks, Dear Roxy. You will at least see him when you go to that spring training game. Ok, so is your sister officially killing you for having to go to a Red Sox game without any of their players? I would.

Regarding those tees, yes, they are suppose to fitted, just like the one you worked on for spring training . I hope you remember what I'm talking about. And that Benny tee is going to have to be an XL to be able to fit his last name, especially if it's your tee. You're too tiny to fit that huge last name on the back. And the same goes for Vinatieri. You're better off with Tom's.
OK, am starting to not make sense.... I will stop as soon as I tell you this:

I am very sorry for you and the Pats. I won't bother you about it.

Oh, how about those 6-0 2006 Knicks? They are the only undeated basketball team in 2006!

Keeping my figers (and toes) crossed for the Colts :P

And Hall & Oates agrees with me... "even when I'm wrong, I'm right!" His words ;)

-Criss

Cowboy Up... in Baltimore

Late Breaking (for me), Dear Criss. Sorry to be a blog-hog, but Millar is now an Oriole with a 1-yr. contract. Guess who has tickets to see Sox-Orioles in Spring Training? Bye, Cowboy. =(

Great football weekend.

-Roxy

Age Defying

Wow! Keep throwing the age blows! If 25 is an old fart, I'm afraid, you're dating an old-timer, Dear Criss. Keep an eye on him as he blows out all the candles. Hey, when is Hall & Oates gonna leave a comment on how wrong you are in every sports call you make?

Okay, since when is there a difference between "T-shirts" and "tees"? I think I figured out what you mean. Would "tees" be dainty and fitted? Not like straight and guy-cut? Okay, I want a Ben, Vinatieri, Bruschi, and Tommy "tee." Oh! Can they make just one with all those names? Roethlisberger will take up all the space. So selfish. ;)

Oh, and the buzz is getting louder on T.O. as a Dolphin (and every other team). That's all I wanna say about that. Really. Hey, you want me to sing the Dolphins' fight song?!!!

-Roxy

Funny you ask...

Dear Rox, for the longest time I've been wanting a Peyton tee. Not a t-shirt, but a tee. Can't find it. The selection for different teams are numbered. Maybe I'll get me a cute cap... I gotta show my support for the Colts. And I do like Benny, but not as much as you...
It's that time of the year - nail-biting games. I usually leave my nail-biting for baseball playoffs, but this time is different. I can't wait.
And sorry, Steve.. I didn't mean to call you short. My apologies to Rox, too.
Darryl Hall and Johny Oate's birthday is tomorrow... the big 25! Is that big? You can tell me about yours since you've been there before!!! Ouch, was that a below-the-belt punch for you?

I have nothing
-Criss

Denver in Buffalo, KC in Indy, SF=Super Bowl

"Who are you calling short, Dear Criss?" asked Steve Young - or his representative, really (me). You know, in reality, he is a few inches taller than the cut out. 6'2". So stop trash talking. And since when do you like Benny? Did I get my playoff cities confused? Steelers in Indy and Pats in Denver, right? You know what I meant. Oops. Well, it's still not cool. Nobody's won (none of my guys) in these meetings, so believe it or not, I have hope for these games this time around. Study the film, guys. Study hard. By the way, I don't like your radar. You, like everyone else, is going with Denver and Indy. But, yeah, as for your G-men, they didn't even show up the other day. I dunno. Now don't go sending them to the Super Bowl next year! That's what you sound like. Wait, you really do like Ben? I want a Ben T-shirt, is that bad as a Pats fan (shh, don't tell)? I haven't acted on that, chill. Just a thought. But I need an Adam Vinatieri T-shirt first. It's not like you can go to the store here and find all your Pats gear. It's not easy, everything's mostly Brady online, and I like him and all, but show some love for Adam in the merchandise selection! (I like all these teams, but I'm in the wrong city, right, P?) Better for my wallet.

-Roxy

Photo: SF Chronicle, Michael Macor

The playoffs

My friend, I think you mean Tommy in Denver and Benny in Indy... Wow, those matchups are incredible, and who cares about the other four teams, Dear Roxy? I don't.
You know I like Benny, but Peyton is my number one... I can't wait... GO COLTS!
And, oh my, I think you're gonna be upset at this one... My early rooting radar is going for Denver (OK, don't hate me!)... You see, I like Tommy, but Tommy has been there before... And this time I want someone else to win it all. Anyway, I also like Jake Plummer... he's a cool QB... Let's not get ahead of ourselves; let's see what happens...

Can you explain to me what happened to Eli and the Giants? I was sooo rooting for them, but they couldn't even put some points on the board. I guess there's always next year.

I have to say something about the lifesize, cardboard cut-out of Steve... FUNNY! And what a handsome guy he is... Shorter than I thought, but otherwise okay. And he's a gentleman, too... He introduced himself as soon as I walked in. Nice ;)

- Criss

Get Out!

So all I can think about are the playoffs. It's playoffs fever, baby! (insert Dicky V's voice here, which as Kim in Arkansas knows, I do a terrible job of imitating. You should post on that, Kimber.) And, Dear Criss, how did you not see highlights of Flutie's drop kick?

Okay, so let's get back to the present! Willie McGinest?! He was just busy on Sat. Wow, Tom Brady, getting tackled, throws a complete pass AGAIN! The fakes. He is amazing. I just can't believe it. I mean, I watched Steve Young (Shout out to P! for her lifesize, cardboard cut-out of Steve Young. He stands proudly in my living room until playoffs are over, at which point, we must figure out a new home for him. That birthday present was great. Did I mention her husband helped pick that one out? Someone give him a medal.) and Joe Montana; and they were Good with a capital "G." I haven't really been excited since, but throw in some Brady and Roethlisberger... Wow, Ben, great job! More focused this year. Must be the Roethlisberger beard. I really feel for Palmer in Cinnci. That was sad, and I wasn't rooting for them, but man, you hate to see anyone go down like that and after such a season...

So Tommy in Indy, Benny in Denver. Talk about brutal situations. Nobody wants that. Not Tom or Ben, no, no, no. But it's important to play these peeps, b/c you know what, if you don't go through them to win, then everyone reminds you of it and the doubts float. Oh, this weekend, I'm totally booked. Gotta work everything else around these two games. And I KNOW, we're not talking to each other on Sunday. I know this!

Go, on. Go rant and rave about Peyton.


-Roxy!


Photos: Tom - AP Photo; Ben - AP Photo, Al Behrman, YahooSports.com

Huh?

I have to say am a bit confuse by the Flutie kick, Dear Rox? Where was I because I don't recall watching any football this weekend? I did, however, watch some of the Orange and Rose Bowl games.
I was at the beach Sunday celebrating my cousin's birthday when I see a sea of blue... PSU blue. I guess that was the hangout for Penn fans! Wow!
I have to say this, I was not that into college football, but I am now... I watch it and all, but I just thought it was okay. However, after watching last night's game, I converted. It's so exciting... And after all of that, I fell asleep before the Longhorns made that great comeback... Idiot me! I couldn't have fallen asleep 15 minutes later? I suppose I can watch it on ESPN Classics.

Oh, and Happy New Year, blogger friends.

PS I do see the resemblance.

Add Some Milk to My Flutie Flakes, Please

Okay, I know I'm a little late on this Flutie commentary, but you know what? They were still talking about it as of yesterday. I love the whole drop kick thing to wrap up his career. I wish it was a two-point conversion or a touchdown, but this was great because everyone was so happy and Flutie was just jumping all over the place like he had the game-winning kick. It was great. And I saw my first NFL drop kick. Wow. This is historic. =) I am historic for seeing it. Don't barf, Dear Criss. Hee hee.

Do you see a resemblance with Flutie and Rick Springfield? Look him up. "I wish I had Jesse's giiiirl."

And what's this about Deion likely to retire? I better get my commentary ready. Why do I have a feeling you hate him ?

-Roxy

AP Photo, Winslow Townson; YahooSports.com