Fresh Fruit: Eat Your Apples (There is no point to title)

Get over it, Dear Criss. Of course their gonna hug and kiss him! What else are they gonna do, ignore him?! That would be real smart. It's just the emotion of the moment. Man, your peeps are freaks and they detail it on paper. So don't tell me everything is fine and dandy and "under the bridge." You live in your disfunctional team-family filled with denial. So go on using the "we won" excuse.

As for Dancing with the Stars, all my life ('cause I'm super old) I go around with anti-Cowboys feelings as a 49ers fan, and then I gotta watch Emmitt Smith dance?! I'm not falling for this, but you know, it's hard not to root for him. IF I root for him, it's only an off-field thing, 'cause I can roll the old footage from back in the day to stir up all the old feelings for them 'Boys. And it's because I'm against those old men judges being all about the scantily dressed blondes who suddenly are the best dancers.

Anyway, here's to Millar's nice moves. Here's to me being an idiot for not realizing the GG premiere was this week. And here's to the hope of Brady and Roethlisberger playing like champs this week. OMG, I am so sad that baseball is over. This could be Trot's last game as a Red Sox man. I am soooooo crying inside, it hurts. And it could be Loretta's last game. BAWL!!!!!!!

Roxy

AP Photo: Charles Krupa & Bill Kostroun

The Saints Won!

Look, missy, you are one to talk about A-Rod, when Big Baby does the same thing. Maybe they should get together and talk about their frustrations, Dear Roxy.

Plus, the whole A-Rod thing is water under the bridge. That was the same day A-Rod and the Yankees won the Division, or did you forget? And if I'm not mistaken, everyone in that clubhouse was hugging and interacting with A-Rod.

One last thing before I move on... A-Rod should learn to keep his mouth shut. He performs better when he does :P

So, did you watch Monday Night Football? I must say it was very emotional. What a great thing for the people of New Orleans to have their stadium and team back. And to top it off with a huge win was icing on the cake. Who would have thought after seeing the destruction of last year's hurricane, the City would be able to have a piece of it back. Now, if they could do it around the whole City? Hopefully they will soon.

Hey, are you gonna watch any October baseball? lol

-Criss

#53

You can keep your corporate-style celebration. I don't need it. In fact, enjoy it now, because I don't really see ya'll winning the World Series. Not a jab; I just really don't see it. I think the Tigerrrrs will make it in; but I'm fuzzy on who they'll go against.

So, speaking of SI, what's up with your other boyfriend, A-Fraud:

"I can't help that I'm a bright person," he said last month. "I know that's not a great quote to give, but I can't pretend to play dumb and stupid."

"...It seems those guys get a pass. When people write [bad things] about me, I don't know if it's [because] I'm good-looking, I'm biracial, I make the most money, I play on the most popular team...."

"I'm very shy when I play. I always wonder, If I was an a------ and a very flamboyant guy, how much attention could I really call to myself?"

Don't wonder too hard. Dude, you've got one messed up player and team. You guys are mean. I read the anonymous team quotes. Woo, just slap the guy in the face! But you can keep all your freaks. I still don't have any sympathy.

Pats-Broncos tonight. Wow! That's gonna be good. Another loss for the Steelers. I don't think Ben's ready. I think there's more going on there.

Here's to Big Papi for breaking the Jimmie Foxx record. #53 isn't too shabby (although the pic is from #52). A bittersweet season. But, yeah, there is always next year. =P

Roxy

AP Photo, Stephan Savoia

2006 EASTERN DIVISION CHAMPS!

You forgot to mention something else on your blog, Dear Roxy...
The Yankees are the
2006 EASTERN DIVISION CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!

That's 9 in a row just in case you didn't know that.

Are you done crying now?

We are going to the playoffs, baby!

I was sooo happy while watching ESPN News Tuesday night. Not even the whole Sports Illustrated story could stop these group of guys from celebrating.

It was specially nice watching all the young kids (Melky, Phillips, Cano, Wang) celebrating. They definitely bring something different to this club.

That's all I have for now.

Enjoy the pics.

And as for your team... there's always next year!

-Criss

Photos: Frank Gunn, Canadian Press for the Associated Press

Tek & Fisk - Hall of Famers

Anyway, really short Dear Criss, 'cause I just got home from work (no lie, it's 8:00). Here's to my favorite who got this scary bronze catcher's mitt from Mr. Fisk. Being recognized for surpassing Fisk's record (why'd they wait this long) just gives me another reason to overwhelm you with Varitek commentary.

Roxy

Photo: Reuters, Jessica Rinaldi

Rounding Up

I totally forgot to include Andre Agassi in my blog, Dear Roxy. Good thing you did. I even got a little tear-eyed when I saw him weeping like a girl. lol.

And the Red Sox-Yankees game wasn't as good as I'd envisioned it, but it's okay. You're still not going to the playoffs! We were trying to make you feel a bit better about your early vacation.

A big congrats to Mr. Jeter for his 25-game hitting streak. Too bad it's over and done with, but he got started with a new one last night.

Congrats to the Mets as well. Their first division title since 1988! Wow, talk about overdue.

And the Marlins' chances about making it to the playoffs are slim. They still have a shot, but they're gonna have to put it together. Especially after losing those two games against the Mets last week. Games they should've won and didn't!!!

How about those Canes?! Oh, well, there's always next year!!!! Dolphins ain't doing much better. What ever happened to 'contenders'? Not this season.

All I have to say is, "Go COLTS!"

-Criss

Blog Hog: It Feels Good...Yeah

I swore you wrote something after this weekend and apparently, nothing. May I say that it was redemptive, satisfying, a pride check to win 2-3 against you in NY. It doesn't matter if our season ended today or in Dec. (yes, I extended the season), it made it all better. Coco made an incredible catch last night, Loretta for the double play, Cora's lightning speed - the guys really tried, and I appreciated it. Love them. I started thinking, "No Varitek for how many months?" Spring Training?!" Oh man, are you kidding me? I can't wait. You so have to come this year. Again, I'm not going to NY Spring Training. Sorry. I don't have to hide the bad friend in me, I'm very open about it.

As for the Pats, oh man, Tommy looked like he was in a bad mood and wasn't playing his A game. Eek. But he scraped out a win --and OH MY GOSH! I just realized Ben may be on Monday Night Football, like right now. So we sum up this story and say, here's to the VCR that allowed me to finish watching that late game tonight after dinner. Go Sox Forever! (Did you notice Millar was hitting well and even threw in a home run, recently? Love Millar, still.)

Roxy

Photo: AP, Ed Betz & Julie Jacobson

Listen to Your Papi

No, no, no. Your surely NY news source did not write the full thing, and Jeter wasn't so gracious in his response, so please.

"I'm right there, but I'm not going to win it. They give it to Alex [Rodriguez] one year, even though his team was in last place, so now they can't play that BS anymore, just because your team didn't make it. They gave it to Alex that year because of his numbers. But they always have a reason to vote for whatever, so that's why I don't worry about it. But they'll vote for a position player, use that as an excuse. They're talking about [Derek] Jeter a lot, right? He's done a great job, he's having a great season, but Jeter is not a 40-homer hitter or an RBI guy. It doesn't matter how much you've done for your ball club, the bottom line is, the guy who hits 40 home runs and knocks in 100, that's the guy you know helped your team win games. Don't get me wrong -- he's a great player, having a great season, but he's got a lot of guys in that lineup. Top to bottom, you've got a guy who can hurt you. Come hit in this lineup, see how good you can be." -- 9.11.06, David Ortiz talking about individual end-of-season awards with the Globe's Gordon Edes

You know Papi meant no harm. You’re totally being a hater.

"Ortiz grabbed a copy of the USA Today sports section in the visitors' clubhouse before last night's 6-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles and pointed to a photo of himself. According to the caption, Ortiz said he deserved to be MVP.

'What is this [expletive]?' he said. 'That's not me, bro. That's not what I'm about. This makes me look stupid.'"

And the best part:

"'I try to be cool with everybody,' he said. ' All the media. I don't want to be like Manny.'" Boston Globe, 9/13/06

Of course, we wouldn't agree on any aspect of football. I was going for Eli. Oh, and then yesterday at work, I was like, "Let me put up my Pats wallpaper of Adam Vinatieri (on the computer)." So I look for it and can't find it, then realize, "Oh yeah, in my anger, I deleted all photos." So much for the moment of softening up.

You know what we never did? We never recognized Andre Agassi. I watched him so much back in the day, and it was sad to see him retire. But here we are, and I feel old. That old footage looked old. Those old hairdos - old. So, here's to Andre for being the last tennis player worth watching (I wasn't a Sampras fan).

So what if the Sox are in double digits! Stop being so uppity about Jeter. Blech. Right after A-Fraud on my "Yankees I Can't Stand" list is Jeter. Eek.

Roxy

Next time: Dancing with the Stars

AP Photo: Michael Dwyer

Blog Hog Moment: All About the Yankees

Before I go on with my Yankees, I first have to change Big Papi’s name to Big Baby, Dear Roxy. What a freaking cry baby! Grow up, Ortiz!

On Sunday, Ortiz, the Red Sox’ designated hitter, told reporters who cover the Red Sox that a power hitter should win the award over Jeter.

“Don’t get me wrong — he’s a great player, having a great season, but he’s got a lot of guys in that lineup,” Ortiz said. “Top to bottom, you’ve got a guy who can hurt you. Come hit in this lineup, see how good you can be.”

Asked if he cared about those comments on Monday, Jeter said, “Why would I care?” Jeter does not have Ortiz’s power, but with a .346 average, he may win his first batting title. He also has 91 runs batted in.

"I don't have to do it in his lineup," a smiling Jeter said before the Yankees rallied with a six-run seventh inning to beat the hapless Orioles, 9-6, at Camden Yards last night.

So what does Jeter think about that? "I'm not thinking about winning an MVP, I'm thinking about winning the division," he said. "Our focus here isn't on individual awards. We've still got something to play for."

"You got to see Derek do the job," Damon said. "He gets clutch hits and plays Gold Glove shortstop. I am going to choose my teammate."

Jeter said it all!!!!

Matsui is back!!! And the Yankees and Yankee fans couldn’t be happier. He was cheered and given a standing ovation on his first at-bat. And he didn’t disappoint either. He went 4-4 with 2 runs, 1 RBI and BB. Welcome back, Matsui J

The Yankees also scored 9 runs in the first inning. First time the Yankees have done that at Yankee Stadium.

And Abreu had six RBIs in the first inning! Six!!!

Great night.

- Criss

Photos: AP Bill Kostroun/AP Photo

Football Among Us

Yes, football season is among us, Dear Roxy.
I was extremely happy last night when the Colts won. Although I like Eli and the Giants, I love Peyton and the Colts. Peyton was great... the running game not so good... but they can only get better.

I saw your Vinny. Nice kicks! I know you miss him much, but he's in a better place now.

Back to baseball. Have you noticed the double-digit lead the Yankees hold? Just in case you hadn't, I'm only here to remind you. That's what friends are for.

Everyone in a Yankee uniform is playing great and I couldn't be more happy.

And stop raining on my parade! Geez.

Did you watch any tennis matches? Neither did I but I was glad to see Maria Sharapova won, and a little sad that Randy lost. Oh, well. There's always next year!

-Criss

Photo: AP/Mel Evans

Gimme Some Football!

All I'm hearing, Dear Criss, is, "Matsui, blah, blah, blah..."

Okay, so Varitek, Papi and Nixon are back; and not bad, they won two out of three with the White Sox. Not too shabby. Now losing to the Royals, come on. That should've been a sweep.

But football's back! And the Pats barely pulled off a win, but a W is a W. And the Steelers won Thurs., so we're in good shape. And I finally admitted the truth to the Steelers guy at work- I love the Pats. I didn't even get into my whole 49ers history. I gotta tape the highlights tonight because I had to take care of some car stuff - like all day.

Now as for our friend Lester, looks like he's gonna start his treatment in Boston, then go back home to Washington state for the rest. Best, best wishes to him. And Ortiz hit his 48th home run. I swear, if a Yankee takes the MVP, I'm gonna barf.

Until next time,
Roxy


AP Photo: Stephan Savoia

Anibal's No-Hitter

I like how you stick with your team when no one else will, Dear Roxy. You do that!

But I truly hope Jon Lester gets well soon. I wish him the best!

A huge congratulations to ANIBAL SANCHEZ for pitching a No-Hitter!!!!! Wow! That's the fourth one pitched by a Marlin. That's one thing the Marlins have always had... talented young pitchers! It showed last night. Good for him!!!!
That was pretty cool stuff.

You know what's better? The Marlins are in the wild card run.!!! Who would have thought?!
Joe Girardi has done a great job with this young team. I can't believe he might not even manage the team next year because of his difference of opinion with the Marlins owner. What a loser! Look at what Girardi has done! You will lose a great manager if you don't get your act together you dorky owner!

Randy also pitched great. He flirted with a No-No until a hit in the seventh. If I'm not mistaken, that's the second no-hitter he takes into the seventh inning. He keeps flirting with one... Just do it, Randy. Just do it.

Matsui is closer to coming back! I can't wait for him to come back. He's sooo crucial. We're good now, but with him, we're better.

-Criss

Photo: AP Wilfredo Lee

Pictures of Health: Making it Happen, No Matter What

We're gonna stay positive, but for a moment, may I lament over Jon Lester? I loved this boy from the start. He's still got promise; nobody better give up on him. Fight that cancer and come back to a standing O, kid. Dan Shaughnessy, The Boston Globe (9/2/06), summed it up well:

"The Red Sox are a big deal in our community and I wanted [Jon Lester's dad ] to know that thousands of people who have never met his son are now praying for Jon Lester as if he were a member of their family. That's what it's like when you come to New England and play for the Red Sox. The Nation adopts you as one of its own. People genuinely care.

Get Well, Lester. We're waiting for you to come back - whenever.

Oh, man, Dear Criss, it's incredible. Today, we're talking nine games behind. But today, The Man Himself, Jason Varitek, is back, and before I give up total hope on the season, I'm giving this guy one week to show me how he can pull this ship back on course and make us competitive again. Perhaps I am the only fool in Red Sox Nation who still believes that maybeeeee, maybeeee there's still a little chance even for the Wild Card.

And then there's Ben. I mean, stop it with the scares already - no more hospital visits. Now he's out of the Miami game and that would've been soo good.

So Big Papi decides to join the scare club. Thanks. Jon Papelbon, same. Curty Schilling, why not. Send out the well-wishes van to them, too. Everyone just stay well.

But then there's the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, so sad. I know it's off-subject, but aw, how terrible was that? I think everyone wishes that fam well. Unreal.

Let's work on good news posts for the next round. On a happy note, we welcome back Tek & Trot. Make us proud.

Roxy


Photos
Lester: Stephen Dunn, Getty Images
Tek: Winslow Townson, AP