Happy Happy Happy

OMG! I am super excited right now....
ARGENTINA is out!!! Drinks for everyone.
I actually got to see the extra time and penalty kicks! Argentina 2- Germany 4!

Whoo-hooo!!!!

From excitement to boring, boring, boring… I can’t believe I have paid to submit myself to three hours of irritation by going to a Red Sox game! But I guess after all, I am the better friend here, Dear Roxy. Your words! And on top of it all, it's like 99 degrees out with 100% humidity!

OK, Pedro just doesn’t love NY. The day I root for the guy, what does he do? He crumbles in front of the Sox faithful! What a Loser! What happened to keeping it cool? I know - it went out the window! And then that stupid catch by that stupid guy! Hating!

The only great thing about the Yankees' win the day before was that A-ROD, out of all people, saved the day and the series for the Yankees! It always feels good when A-Rod does something good for his sake and that of the team. It can’t possibly feel good to be booed every time you make an out.

Happy 4th!!!

-Criss

Oh yeah, see ya tonight!

Photo: AFP

Blog Hog Moment: Welcome Back

First let me say, Dear Criss, that Coco's incredible diving catch last night was - well, an incredible diving catch. I love when the guys play like they mean it. Um, and what's with Julio Franco talking smack to Varitek and the ump while at bat? Schilling later picked him off when he was rushing to second. I know someone who's coming with us tonight who is a big Mets fan and shouldn't be too happy about us sweeping him. We'll discuss later. Plus all his World Cup stories - fresh from Germany.

Then I'd like to say, welcome back for the weekend to Beckett, Lowell and Gonzalez. Wish we could've seen Beckett pitch. We're gonna see Johnson vs. D-Train. Um, I know I'm supposed to be a Red Sox fan, but whose Johnson? Listen, as long as Varitek is catching, we're good.

It's a little gloomy over here, but it's not supposed to rain. Cross the fingers. Please let it not be super humid!
Roxy

Photo: Jim McIsaac, Getty Images

Hot Bat

What's with the Jeter love fest, Dear Criss? Blech! Glad I'm not that bad. =) So according to The Boston Globe, guess who went to the Faith Hill-Tim McGraw concert rrright after the game? Why Jonathan Papelbon, Jason Varitek, Doug Mirabelli, Matt Clement, Tim Wakefield and Mike Timlin of course. Love it.

Did Papi kick butt during the Phillies series and always or what?! He rocks! It's out of control.

Okay, I am the ONLY person this side of the world that did not see the coach flipping his lid. I've been wondering what everyone on ESPN's been talking about. That bad or were you making it up? Oh yeah and apparently, the Tigers are going to the World Series, naturally! Did see the Gatorade commercial. At first, I thought it was scary, but I'm warming up to it. Why Jeter? Why not 'Tek? And um, Andre Agassi is turning into Cher with the retirement thing. I do remember seeing him play Sampras at the old Lipton. That was cool.

Hey, what's up with the AA pitcher for the Marlins totally shutting you out?!! Nice.

Okay, so I dreamt that I did groceries with Ben Roethlisberger. How crazy is that? And he dropped me off, too, but wore a helmet driving the whole way in his little red sportscar. I guess the sportscar is stereotyping. I don't think he even fits in one, and it doesn't seem his style. Perhaps 'Tek will be before me for an oil change in my next dream.

Countown 'til Friday! Sox -Marlins! Woo hoo!

Roxy

Photo: Boston Globe, Barry Chin

The Jeter Lean

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You,

Happy Birthday, Dear Derek,

Happy Birthday to You!!!

As you might have guessed, Dear Roxy, today is Derek’s 32nd birthday! And did you know, as of 7:45 pm, Mr. Jeter has 208 hits during interleague play? Yes, that’s the most by any player! They just can’t stop saying enough great things about him during the game on ESPN Dos. Enough for now. But I’ll come back.

A big congratulations to Mike Mussina for his 2,500th strikeout!!!

:28/:58 Update: Giambi: 2/2, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs

Can you tell me where the hell did the Detroit Tigers come from? They are the best team in baseball! And the Mets are not far behind. Strange but true.

And speaking of the Mets, and I know I’m a bit late, but I am in a congratulatory state, congrats to Reyes for hitting the cycle sometime last week. Fun!

How funny was your coworker’s story. LOL. It’s a good thing you were there to update her. You should be getting a little gift from her soon. I guarantee it.

Speaking of funny, have you seen the Gatorade commercial with Jeter, Wade, Manning, Garnett and Jenny Finch? It’s them in little bodies and squeaky voices playing basketball, football and baseball. If you haven’t seen it, you have to. It’s the funniest thing.

Oh, how can I forget about the minor league manager that went berserk on the umpire? Please tell me you saw it. He literally took second base off and threw into the outfield, covered home plate with dirt, cleaned it, watered it! Classic!

Moving on to the best sport in the world, USA is out of the World Cup. Sad to say they didn’t even make it out of the first round! Ouch. Somebody should’ve told them to show up.

Luckily, Italy is still there. Italy beat Australia today on stoppage time! Unbelievable!!! I really like Italy, but I have to admit I felt bad for the Australian team. I also like Ghana, they are the little engine that could.

And Switzerland was eliminated today during penalty kicks! And did you know that Switzerland is the first team to be eliminated without allowing any goals during regular time? Sad!

Hopefully Spain and Ghana will win tomorrow. And can somebody please beat Argentina. I just cannot stand Argentinean soccer players. They are so arrogant!

Did you hear that Agassi will be retiring after the US Open? Well, he is. He’s had a great career so Congrats to Agassi.

One more thing: The Big Unit is back!

-Criss

AP Photo: Kathy Willens

I Paid My Dues...

Okay, Dear Criss. A big congratulations to you and yoooooouurrr Mi-aaaaammmmmmiiiii HEEEEAT. (Did I sound like the announcer?) Did you play hookie today and go to the parade? I hurt my foot and wanted to call in sick, but thought, no, 'cause their gonna think I was going to the parade. Anyway, I acknowledge that they did a great job to pull this off. I guess I was super wrong this whole time. But you gotta admit, there's a history that led me to think in such ways.

Great job. I'm happy for Zo, Wade-a-thon, Payton and Boston's old Walker (although I can't say I've been a fan of the last two over the years). And everyone else, of course, but it's nice to see guys who have been around, and one guy who seems really nice, win. Strange combo, but it worked. Oh, if only Stockton and Malone could've done it together in Utah. If only the local radio dude would stop bringing up that game 7 against the Bulls.

So now what? What happens post-victory? Post-stress? Post-parade and skipping work? I think I prompted this girl to skip. I asked her the other day if she was gonna play hookie for the parade and she freaked asking me about the day it was taking place. Now this is supposedly a huge Heat fan. Season tickets. Played in school. She should've been all over the dates and times and sunscreen and water. Anyway, next thing you know, no girl at work today. HA! I knew it. Love it! Boy, you know today I was thinking of my friend P (Sounds like a thug - she's so not!) who always tells me I'm in the wrong sports city. I was thinking about how cool it would've been to be at the Sox parade in '04. Sigh.

All about you today, though! Congrats. =)

Roxy

15 Strong

I cannot tell you how happy I am that the Miami Heat won the championship, Dear Roxy. I must admit I was pretty nervous and had to change the channel in the first quarter when the Heat were down by double digits. But there was no channel-flipping once the second half started. No way!

“I was just running around like a little kid, just trying to find someone to grab and hold,” Wade said, gripping the M.V.P. trophy and grinning through the dripping Champagne his teammates had sprayed on him.

Wade was once again phenomenal. The kid was bigger than the game in this series and the playoffs. No words to describe his game and his will. As I read in one of the signs, “When there’s a will, there’s a Wade!”

And I have to say that Alonzo put his heart and soul into that game as well. There was no way the Mavs were gonna score on him, and he proved it with his 5 more than grand blocks!

Udanis Haslem was also great in this game. The Miami-born player who went to Miami High and UF, scored 16 points and had 10 rebounds, but the best of the best was the defense he played against Dirk. That was huge! And seeing him cry didn’t bring a tear to my eye, but it definitely made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

And the big pit in the Heat locker room was finally unveiled. Pat Riley had 120,000 cards with “15 Strong” printed on the front and different things such as the trophy and photos of the players and their families printed on the back to inspire the team. That’s pretty cool and motivational. Now, why couldn’t Pat do that with the Knicks? Why? j/k

To finalize my Heat euphoria, a huge Congrats to the Miami Heat for an outstanding season and an even greater postseason! After a lot of nail-biting, cuss-less, breathless and nervously close games, the Heat won four, and that’s what it’s all about :) 2006 CHAMPS

-Criss

Photos: Robert Duyos, Mike Stone/Reuters, Yahoo!, Sun-Sentinel...

Hot 'Lanta

And the winner for Best Quote goes to the Bengals' very own Chad Johnson:

"I don't ride anything. I just talk trash. That's it."

NFL: Okay, thanks Kim in Arkansas for keeping me posted on all the late breaking news from the Roethlisberger camp. According to SI, the man promises to wear a helmet - finally.

"'In the past few days, I've gained a new perspective on life,' the Super Bowl-winning quarterback said in a statement released by the team. 'By the grace of God, I'm fortunate to be alive ... '"

You sure are, Benny. I am very happy along with a million other people. Since he has to do some dental work, I'm thinking he should get a gold grill (is that how you spell that nonsense, or is it "grille" like the car?) with the team logo engraved in it. J/K Ben. ('Cause he's totally reading this.) WE LOVE BEN!

NBA: Okay, Dear Criss, your Miami Heat are working on (don't call it) a comeback. Not too shabby. Um, someone was a leeeetle bit of a sore loser (cough, Mark Cuban). P, you're hysterical with the "L.A. Kobes"- Ha!!

MLB: And after being swept, it's nice to sweep. Last night's game against the Braves suddenly turned into this exciting comeback, after the Bravos were acting like they won in the 4th. Come on. Youk was superrrrb. And has fans everywhere he goes. Yoooouuuk! Watching Varitek rrrun like a mad man ... It was funny and great. On to the Nationals. Oh, I heard Dave Roberts was injured. Ohhh. =(

Anyway, looks like swearing at the t.v. may be your area of specialty, friend. Guess you'll do it again for game 6.

Roxy

AP Photo: John Amis

Just one on the road

How great was Wade in the last three games, Dear Roxy? Amazing! He won all three games all by himself. The kid is incredible I tell you.

And who would've thought the Heat were gonna be up 3-2 in the series after losing the first two? Not me!

I am so excited for them. After watching last night's game, I need to see a cardiologist, but I think I'll first hold on to see what happens tomorrow. I was literally jumping up and down saying "NO F*ING WAY" after the Mav player threw the ball in the air for a last shot with 1.9 seconds left in OT to win the game. It didn't go in of course. I think my cussing paid off. It always does.

My coworker's best friend made it to last night's game and said the atmosphere was incredible. After the Heat won the game, people were CRYING of happiness, cheering, and high-fiveing (is that how you spell it? Anyway) each other in total elation.

Moving on to other sports.... Did I tell you how much I love soccer? Well, I do! I've been having a great time for the past two weekends watching some of the games. To keep you a little updated, US is not doing that good; they only have 1 point with two games played. They're not completely out but they better win this Thursday. Is it bad of me to say that I'm glad they tied Italy?

No comment about this weekend in baseball! I'm just glad we're not playing the Nationals anymore... And now off to the City of Brotherly Love. I hope they hate us when we win the series ;)

GO HEAT!!!
-Criss

Is it Friday Yet?

I have a message for the Red Sox and it's the title of Dear Criss' blog today. Go read it.

I feel empty of emotion toward the Heat. I can't really root against them, but I'm not necessarily rooting for them. You keep the high emotion rolling, okay? That pic of Niwitwit is scary, man. Cover the kids' eyes.

Okay, I just found the greatest quote of all time:

"If you’re looking for somebody for your son or daughter to fix upon to have as a favorite player, let me tell you, you can do no wrong picking Jason Varitek." -- Globe columnist Bob Ryan

Love it. Keep on, JVar. How do you know if your kid's gonna be a star? Do you just know? Is there a twinkle or something in their eye? Do they not complain or eat all their food every night or something? Do they talk about Plato on the ride from school?

Okay, I swear I haven't lost my mind.

Stop making fun of me.

As for Mr. Better-than-a-Helmet Roethlisberger, looks like he's doing much better. Stood up and spoke with fam and friends. Good.

Roxy

Photo 1: Boston Globe
Photo 2: Varitek's old family album

Time to Win

I first want to start by wishing my sister a very Happy Birthday... Happy Birthday, Carol!

I only have a few minutes to post something real important, Dear Rox!
GO HEAT!!! I really hope they tie the series tonight! I was super upset at them in the first 6 minutes of the 4th quarter when they were down 13! But then Wade caught fire and we all know the rest.

I promise to post a lengthy blog next time ;)

-Criss

Come On, Ben

Idiot. I mean I truly care about Ben, Dear Criss. See all my obsessive previous blogs, but come on!! Why? The man admitted to never wearing a helmet. I mean, come on! I hope he will make it through this okay. I really do, but I hope he wears a helmet from now on. He has such a promising career and a real chance to go back to the Super Bowl, so I pray he makes it through fine. That's all I gotta say. GET WELL, BEN!! Don't make us sad. Pull through.

Roxy

Walking Away

The cumulative audience over the 25 match days of the 2002 event reached a total of 28.8 billion viewers, Dear Roxy, and the final match was watched by 1.1 BILLION PEOPLE.
1.1 BILLION PEOPLE. Now have 1.1 BILLION PEOPLE watch one game of football or baseball... TRY! NOT GONNA HAPPEN!
Truce ;)

Changing the subject, I really hate to tell you this, but did you hear about Ben Roethlisberger? He was in a motorcycle accident, and was listed in serious but stable condition. Last I heard he had to have surgery, but they're not saying anything about the extent of his injuries. Hopefully he'll be alright.

Glad to see the Yankees won two out of three games agains the hated Sox. Too bad the weekend was one to forget. We got swept by the As. Swept!

And how about those Mavs? I knew they were gonna be tough to beat, but wow! They are up 2-0 in the series and not giving Heat fans a lot of hope. It sucks, I was really upbeat about the series. Let's see if the Heat can get going before it's too late.

-Criss

Watch Your Mouth

EVIL!!!! DO NOT, Dear Criss, blame Varitek for not being at the plate when eeeverybody knows the stupid pitcher shoulda been ready to cover for Varitek if he was busy away from the plate! I will savor his 3-run HR on Thurs. and his great offensive fire that stayed fueled up. Stop picking on Varitek and using every possible demeaning picture of him. Especially when your fools are throwing pitches at Youk's arm. Watch out. I may be a little behind because I had a work function the night of the game and had to finish watching it today, but remember when Pedro pointed to his head in a previous "discussion" with Sheffield? You see where I'm going with that?

"He has the respect of players on this team and around the league. There are guys who go about their business the right way and play the game right. They stand out ... That's why he's got the `C' on his shirt."
JT Snow on Tek. Boston Globe, June 9, 2006

Two thumbs up also for Papi, (yes) Manny, Trot, Coco, Papelbon & Curty for their superb performances in the last few days against the Yankees and Rangers.

If soccer is most watched worldwide, I would venture to say that: 1) It's because, worldwide, they don't have fantastic major sports leagues for football, basketball, tennis and friends. 2) And soccer will never be a major spectator sport in the U.S. in comparison to the other sports I pointed out. Because while I hate to say it, we are an offensive nation sportswise. We need the QB trying to find a pocket, Manny trying to hit his next HR, Agassi needing to ace Sampras... EVEN HOCKEY! I will take 24 hours of golf over 15 mins. of soccer. Oh my gosh, I can't discuss soccer anymore! Stop. Truce!

Roxy


JVar: AP Photo: Frank Franklin II
Papi: AP Photo

Got Melk?

Well, since you brought it up, Dear Roxy, I thought that was the funniest thing. Vtek forgetting to cover home plate, Melky running right by, Vtek trying to tag, he trips and falls! Classic!

And speaking of classics, GOT MELK? What an unbelievable catch by non other than Melky! I was so happy! And Damon’s reaction was classic too! Putting his arms up in the air, smiling, pumping his fist…. Someone’s having fun out there. Even Ramirez couldn’t believe it! His reaction was, well, classic! Funny to be exact.

Speaking of which, I gotta thank Manny for being Manny. Thank you, Manny!The guy that never runs decides to try to make a single into a double. Great! But maybe somebody should tell him when to run. He clearly has no clue. Hey, this is not me arguing…. we got him out... I just can't thank him enough.

I must admit that Dave Pauley is kinda cute! He was pretty darn good last night too. But so was Wang. I’m just happy that we survived through that.

Tonight’s game was canceled and the only one happy about that one was Jeter. He’s still hurting from his thumb, but he should be in the lineup tomorrow ;)

And you should be ashamed of talking like that about soccer. V, you are missing a great sport, with awesome players, and even greater legs. You can stick with Vtek and his tripping ways, we don’t need you!

The Finals start tomorrow. Can you believe that neither team has ever been to the Finals? Hopefully Wade and company will be ready to win four games. I know, I know, you don’t care.

-Criss

Photos: Ray Stubblebine/Reuters; Barton Silverman/NY Times; Shannon Stapleton/NY Times

Tainted Love: Don't Tease Me. Please.

Wow. You don't have to get all mean about just handing away the ticket on the street to someone. You so know you're gonna have a good time.

And since when are we calling basketball players "little," Dear Criss? (Still not interested.)

Now, let's get to what's important. I have nothing to say about game 1 of this four game series. Beckett clearly broke up with his girlfriend yesterday. Youk had one beer too many. MILLAR HIT A HOMERUN AGAIN in Baltimore. And I don't want anyone blaming Varitek for what happened. He didn't deserve that error. He's so mad, you could see it. I'm pretty mad. BUT DON'T GET ALL EXCITED NOW; this is a four game series. I'm not worried. This is a pattern: blow out, then better days.

Francona: Pull them earlier than 42 runs in during the 2nd inning. I don't care if it's Beckett or Schilling.

Red Sox: I love you, but wake up.

Matty Clement: You're off the Whatever List after the W in Detroit.

And, again, soccer is B-O-R-I-N-G. I don't care if the world cup was at my office and the boss said everyone can watch the guys play in the hallway; I still wouldn't watch. And you can quote me to your realiable little birdie source.

I think I ate some tainted Jolly Ranchers. I'll explain later.

Roxy

Photo: Boston Globe

White Hot Heat

The Heat made it to the finals, Dear Roxy!!!
Darryl Hall and Johnny Oates couldn't be happier. He'd been waiting for this for 18 years, along with every other Heat fan!
Wade was unbelievable, even with the flu. We had a little cold and were in bed all weekend long, can't imagine playing with the flu!
Shaq was awesome.
And little Jason Williams. I used to love him when he played in Sacramento, and couldn't be happier he's doing what he's doing now with the Heat.
And Walker, Haslem, Peyton....

Hopefully they'll win four more!

You know what I love the most? Ever since my sister made it to game 3 Saturday night, she's become a basketball fan! You don't understand... I've been waiting for this forever!

I also happen to be in a New York state of mind since I've been listening to the Piano Man himself.

The rivalry continues tonight and won't stop for four straight days, my friend. I hate the fact that we're not even healthy. And with Jeter hurt by the Orioles' pitcher, we are now in a bind.

And I was thinking Wily Mo, not Coco. Sorry.

By the way, Dear Readers, I wasn't playing when I offered my ticket for the Red Sox-Marlins game. Really, you can have it!

The World Cup is coming and a little birdie told me you don't like soccer! What the hell is wrong with you? I know, I know, a lot! V, this is the World Cup. The best sport in the world! Ask around!

-Criss

Child Prodigy

Who is this Pauley guy, Dear Criss? How is it that he makes his major league debut and beats the Jays, and we put in our veterans on other occasions and lose? I like this kid - because he does look like a kid - 17, posssssibly 18. Look, he can't even believe it. I'll let him stick around.

Okay, puke that Riley and Torre ate breakfast together. Sounds like love. I still don't understand how you can go camping in heat that feels like 180 degrees. And there are two things that I am banning on this blog:
-Clemens (whateeever)
-Barry Bonds (I don't know what the deal is there, but he doesn't need anymore air time)

Lay off of Coco. There's nothing wrong with him. Are you thinking Wily Mo? He's on my Whatever List, too. And believe me, I hear aaaaalllll about your injured list from the security guard at work.

You're lucky you came back in time, 'cause I nearly wallpapered this blog with Red Sox. HAHAHAHA! I thought for sure I'd get it from you!

Roxy


Photo: Reuters