Blog Hog: Class Act

Well, Dear Criss, I can't tell you how sad I was to hear tonight that Bill Walsh died. It was like someone said something that just didn't make sense. I had known he was very sick, but how is it possible that the man leading The Drive from the sidelines had to call it a day so soon?

Last Christmas, I got the 49er dvd set that broke down the whole team history. And while I knew the stories, it was like watching a favorite movie again. And to actually watch him demonstrate years later on Joe Montana how each play was broken down, it just made me really realize how much more of a genius he really was in developing a whole offensive scheme that won multiple Superbowls and countless games - not only for the Niners, but for every other team that copied the West Coast offense.

What a guy. It's amazing how many head coaches once coached under him: Shanahan, Holmgren, Green, Seifert... And imagine Rice, Montana and Young without him. No way.

So God bless his family. The NFL just lost a real star.

Roxy

Photo: Jeff Chiu, San Francisco Chronicle

Millar, Anyone?

Seriously, Dear Criss, the first thing that came to mind with this NBA scandal was "Did a ref ruin my Stockton and Malone's chances in any way?" I can't write anything else anymore. Talk amongst yourselves.

Actually, just one more thought: Can we please start winning again, people? I think we need some Millar to motivate us. Get him on the phone. You know, I think Millar could totally do SNL, maybe recreate the cowbell skit.

Roxy

Phot: USA Today

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Yes, Dear Roxy, I must admit I was glad Lester was back wearing his red sox. Very touching.

I'll come back to baseball in a bit, but what is going on in the NBA? What the hell is this ref doing to the league? You know what the sad thing is? this is just the one that got caught! Can't imagine how many refs/players, in all sports, have been doing this throughout the years. I don't even wanna think about it.

In baseball news, very sad story about Mike Coolbaugh, the 35 year old minor league coach that died after being struck in the head by a line drive.

The Yankees are playing great baseball and I couldn't be happier. ARod is 2 homeruns away from 500! Woo-hoo!!! And he might stay a Yankee. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Football season is almost here. I'm excited. Let's see what the Dolphins do this year. Regardless, I am still a Colts fan before a Dolphins fan!

PS Totally not sports related, but go watch Transformers! Awesome!!!

-Criss

He's a Champ

I think we all love Lester, Dear Criss. What a fantastic job. Welcome back.

Roxy

AP Photo

Coming Around Again?

You know, I'm really not as excited as everyone else about Becks and Posh. I mean, definitely good for them and the sport. I guess it is somewhat amusing, and they really are more down to earth than I thought. So my apologies for making my own inner judgements.

Moving on to baseball, Dear Criss, JON LESTER'S BEEN CALLED UP FOR TOMORROW'S GAME!!! AHHH!!!!! I love it. I'm so happy he's recovered well and send him a million good wishes and more good wishes. Is ESPN showing that?! Oh my gosh! Okay chill.

So, what on earth was that dramatic Western movie-like scene that your beloved A-Fraud was re-enacting? The ball hit him, but it really wasn't nearly as bad as other occasions, other people's hits, or even having a catcher's glove slammed in your face. I laughed so hard at his nonsense, I cried. This is why we don't give other players as hard of a time. Someone call Hollywood.

But let's get to better topics like Kason Gabbard. I mean, he looks like Wade Boggs - at least from certain angles. And if he keeps playing like this, I might buy cupcakes for the office. I think things are coming around again, but I can't wait to finish the White Sox series - with positive results, please.

Roxy

P.S. I know you've always secretly and not-so secretly been a fan of Gabe Kaplar. The Boston Globe did a story on him managing in the minors in their Sunday magazine, if you want to check it out. Love and miss Gabe (and Trot and Millar and Billy Mueller and...).

Photos: Boston Globe. Kason, Gabe - Barry Chin; Boggs - Jim Davis

I totally forgot the whole Beckham coming to "America" congrats thing, Dear Roxy. Especially after I watched him getting introduced to the LA Galaxy. Note to Beckham: Americans say soccer not football.

Here goes nothing:
Congrats, David! Welcome to America!!!

One more thing, I love that ESPN commercial where all the Spaniards are crying/moping because he's leaving and all the Americans are happy because he's coming.

With that said, I have now become a Posh Spice fan - 10 years later. Her show, Victoria Beckham Coming to America, is the funniest thing! I couldn't stop laughing (cracking up) last night. She's too funny! Who would have thought!

So the Yankees lost yesterday, but we are playing good baseball. ARod is 4 homeruns shy of 500! Andy Phillips is playing great. I'm very optimistic.

Have you been watching Who's Now on ESPN? I like it very much although it's a little biased, especially when they put international players there. They'll never win against an American because, face it, Americans don't know Ronaldinho, Beckham (other than now)!

Vick got indicted... what's next? And why can't professional players stay out of trouble? It's not that hard people!

-Criss

Panic at the Disco

My old boss introduced me to Panic! at the Disco, but this is exactly how I’m feeling right now. Is that okay? Last week, I kinda thought, Stay composed. Not a big deal, just a lost game or two. It happens. And with every day this week, Dear Criss, the concern has grown into a total panic. Not to mention NY security guard at work is getting a little cocky. Okay, a lot. I had to throw 2004 in his face to settle him down. He felt blindsided.

Now I’m not saying I gave up, I’m just wondering if anyone, say on the Red Sox, maybe got a liiiiittle complacent. Is it wrong to feel this way? I thought I’d check out the overall attitude meter on Basegirl’s site, because she’s up there in Boston and all, and to be honest, I really believe in her open memos/letters to the team and wondered if she had one up yet. While they have a few threats sprinkled here and there, hey, what’s a little motivation? They work in most cases.

So the White Sox are in town. Not going to check the score every five minutes (like last night). I’m going to calmly wait a while and check the ticker. I will enjoy my weekend and hope that the curse of ESPN and Fox have been dispelled. It seems like whenever they show weekend games, we lose the stinkin’ thing. So, as much as I love my games whenever I can get one down here, I’d rather catch a mid-week one.

Okay, I’m going to work on enjoying the weekend. No worries – for about an hour, then I’ll check in.

Roxy

Photo: vintagetshirtstore.com

Kason's Rolling

Oh my gosh, Dear Criss, that was the total rah-rah session. Is there anyone you forgot to congratulate? The Beckhams on their new move? The Cruises on their new neighbors?

So Kason Gabbard. A rookie? Nice outing last night. If this guy can keep it up, I can feel okay. But in true Red Sox fashion, after knocking 'em over last night, we’re taking a loss right now. SportsCenter was comparing records with the Royals - is there something to compare? Seriously? I’m too tired to check it out, but… Am I a little nervous? A little. Sooo I think about it more frequently every day. Will the Sox blow it? I’m still holding out. But really, come on. And the White Sox are this weekend. We gotta be consistent, people!

But, in true Criss style, I’d like to say that Pedroia rocks and a 'Tek homerun isn’t too bad either.

Roxy

Photo: Jim Davis, Boston Globe

Congrats All Around

It happened almost two weeks ago, but a huge CONGRATS to Roger Clemens in his 350th win!!!!

A big Congrats to the American League for beating the NL in the All-Star game. Congrats to Vlad Guerrero for winning the Homerun Derby and Ichiro for winning the MVP.

I suppose this is the only time when we root for the same team, Dear Roxy.

I really enjoyed the pregame show with the tribute to Willie Mays.

Let's see what the Yankees can do in this second half. We have a lot of ground to cover but I'm hopeful. I have to be!

Congrats to Brasil for beating Argentina in Copa America. I love soccer!

Going back to baseball, can Sheffield shut his mouth already?! Stop bad-mouthing Torre!

Congrats to Federer. I like both players, but I did want Federer to tie that record. That match was intense to say the least.

-Criss

Photo: Ray Stubblebine, Reuters

HAPPY (late) FOURTH

So it's Sunday afternoon, Dear Criss, and the Sox are avoiding a sweep by the Tigers. What's that all about? Are they checking out early before the All-Star Break? At least we swept the don't-call-me-devil Rays. I had the 4th off (oops, HAPPY Late FOURTH), and when I woke up, I thought, I need to check if they're showing the game today. When I remembered again, it was the ninth inning, and they were showing it. ARGGGGG!!

So Nadal lost to Federer. I was rooting for Nadal. I think tennis is more stressful than baseball and football combined. I used to be able to take it, but call it old age, it's too much to bear. I'd rather see the results on SportsCenter. Speaking of, I really dig the little menu on the side of the screen in the morning. You can easily see when your people are up and can brush your teeth or something in the meantime. How long have they been doing that?

The Goo Goo Dolls are coming back, and I know you are so over them. I'm kinda debating it. I don't think I'm much of a concert person. I think I might just enjoy having the CD or seeing artists once. You know who you're coming with me to see, should they ever come here? Barenaked Ladies. Start saving.

Roxy

AP Photo, Winslow Townson

Sox in Seattle!

Okay, so it was a sweep, but the experience was so much fun, Dear Criss! Loved it. Kim and I had FOURTH ROW SEATS. Get out!!!!! No kidding. My pics came out a little fuzzy, but I tried enlarging and brightening, so CVS is in charge until tomorrow at this point. But I have a CD with some highlights. We saw VARITEK (FINALLY) and everyone else, too. 'Tek no longer eludes me. The two year streak is over. Pedroia, Youk (who has fans everywhere), Papi, Manny - the whole crew was there. Portland was so incredibly beautiful and Seattle was fantastic with charming neighborhoods! They both have great atmospheres and people. I can officially do a Claritin D commercial now, though. Oh, they totally checked my ID when I was purchasing it and wrote my info. in this huge book. It was a little scary. The apples in Portland are tastier (I hope P. is reading this). I don't know how I can every go back to normal apples. The air smells cleaner over there. And in Seattle and Portland, traffic are totally bearable compared to Miami. So we'll get together and swap stories! Fun, fun, fun.

I expect the Sox to pick it up this week (as in beat Texas Monday and rock Tampa Bay). In the meantime, you better keep doing what you're doing to help us keep the lead.

Roxy