Money

Oh my gosh, I only said like five times that the Celtics were filled with Heat players, Dear Criss. And they were booing the commissioner, not Stu. Finally, you know if the Knicks won, NY would have had 100+ arrests with you crazies. (I can't believe we cheered for the same team and everything worked out.)

So the NBA draft is over and the Heat got Beasley. If I have to hear about the draft anymore, I'll barf. Guess what? It's gonna take more than a draft to fix that team.

Did you see how my boy Cash hit a three-run homer on Wednesday against Arizona? Crazy. I was a doubter when he came up to bat, but just like Mirabelli would spice things up once in a while, I guess this guy can, too. Not bad. As for Schill, he's so dramatic, I don't know what to believe. Will he be back? My bet is yes, even if it's half of 2009. Nobody wants to see it end like this. And I guess ESPN and crew have been doubting whether he's a hall of famer. Are you serious? Do we really need a poll? If he doesn't go in ... I can't think of a good, dramatic, Schilling-esque way to end that sentence.

Roxy

Photo: AP, Elise Amendola

Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday, Derek!

Here he is with Cancer survivor John Challis in Pittsburgh during batting practice yesterday, Dear Roxy.

The Yankees won, by the way. Joba got his first win as a starter. And even drew a walk. Derek, today's birthday boy, had three hits, and is the player with the most hits during interleague play! Congrats, once again!


And Congrats to Fresno State for winning the CWS! Not that I watched it or anything.


-Criss


Photo: David DeNorma, Reuters

I was very excited to see Allen, Pierce, Garnett and Doc Rivers, among others, winning their first championship, Dear Roxy. That's always nice to see. I loved how Pierce drenched Doc with the gatorade. So football-like!

They were all so emotional. They played with a lot of heart and that's how it should always be.

Rajon Rondo was amazing! This kid really stepped up! And how about Posey? He was good too!

Good to see our former Heat players play well. Geez, come to think of it, the Celtics have lots of Heat players, just like the Tigers have lots of Marlins players. Oh, Florida sports, how grand they are.

Why was the Boston crowd booing Stuart Scott? Did I miss something?

And can you tell your rowdy Boston friends to act like PEOPLE? Over 30 arrests... they should be ashamed!

Enough about Boston. Blah!

The Yankees are playing great baseball. That's all I'll say about that :)

UM is out of the CWS. Ouch. Guess there's always next year.

Futbol rocks! I can't wait to catch the semis this weekend.

-Criss

Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler, Getty Images

Boston's Hot

I know, I know. I'm late with the game coverage, Dear Criss. I was supposed to be on vacation when we had an office project practically blow up, so I was a little preoccupied today. But you bet I watched the game last night. I was starting to get real tired, but what a game. I mean Ray Allen was out of control with the three-point shots. Everyone played great roles in this, even the oldies who have been bounced around from team to team (e.g. our former Heat players - good for them). Boston is the place to be. It's crazy! A total blow out. My favorite series moments have been when Paul Pierce called Michell Tafoya "baby," and Kevin Garnett told her last night she was looking good. Funny, funny, funny.

I practically forgot about my Sox boys with all the excitement. But they're doing well. J.D. Drew is hitting .441 and non-stop homeruns.

Your boy Tiger... Eek. Sorry. Out for the season. And UM in Omaha ... coming home without the trophy. Nice try, guys.

Okay. That's all from over here.

Roxy

Group: Boston Globe, Barry Chin

Pierce, Allen: AP, Kevork Djansezian (Love this one from a few games ago.)

As if our pitching troubles weren't enough, we have Wang, who was pitching great as of late, get injured in a freak running accident, Dear Roxy. Come on, people! Funny thing about all of this is Hank arguing that the NL should get into the 21st Century as far as the DH is concern. Hahah. Not.

And, as we all slept, the Mets fired Willie Randolph! Sweet Willie. I understand the team is not playing its best, but is that really Willie's fault? I doubt that. He's not out there hitting and pitching. Shame on the Mets.

Congrats to Tiger. Seriously, that guy is the best. Hands down. He's incredible!

Congrats to Dale Jr. for his first win in two years. Nice to see him smile again.

Soccer, soccer, soccer. Or as I say, futbol, futbol, futbol.
Can't get enough of it. I watched a bit of the Euro Cup this weekend and hope I can catch some more. And Colombia's playing tomorrow night against Ecuador for the World Cup qualifications. I know you're excited about all of this, Rox.

Good luck to the Celtics tonight! Win it, darn it.

-Criss

Blog Hog: Florida, Florida, Florida

Real sad about Tim Russert calling it a day. He was a huge Buffalo Bills fan, a Baseball Hall of Fame board member, sent his son off to be a Boston College Eagle and moderated the crazy Red Sox Nation presidential debate.

I remember rushing out of work when he was in town for a book signing. It was great to hear him speak in person.

We thought Big Russ' son would be around forever.

All the best to his family. We'll miss him.

Roxy

Photo: Boston Globe

All Boston, All the Time

So I admit, Dear Criss, that I haven't watched whole games either, but what I have seen has been exciting. When I turned on the Celtics game tonight, they were trailing by about 20 points in the first. I washed my hair and tuned in again while I dried it. Then Boston started catching up and eventually held a small lead. Anyway, the last two minutes were crazy good. Now it's a 3-1 series lead, but you can't take that and the statistics for granted. I like watching Pierce, Garnett and Allen (Go Huskies). They play like kids, but they've got to avoid looking like they're giving up early, like the last game. Have you noticed the Celtics have a bunch of castaways from the old days? Throw them together and it's pretty good. Besides Cassell, there are some former Heat folks - P.J. Brown, James Posey and Eddie House. So game five on Sunday in BOSTON. Woo, that's gonna be LOUD!

And as for my Sox, Varitek homers yesterday - love it. Today, Lowell hits a grand slam. Nice. And let's throw in a Drew homerun, too. That's what I'm talking about. What else did you miss? Well, how about the fact that nobody was paying attention to their family member becoming a citizen at the JFK Library because they were too busy staring at Big Papi. Nobody will remember anything else from that day.

Roxy

Photos: Nathaniel S. Butler, NBAE, Getty Images (Pierce)

Boston Globe Staff Photo, Stan Grossfeld (Papi)

I'm definitely with you on the Celtics and Canes, Dear Roxy. After that, well, let's just say we have a difference of opinion.

I've been sort of watching the basketball games (about 10 minutes in all), but I'm glad to see the Celtics have the lead.

I haven't been following the Canes but I'm super glad they're on their way to Omaha! I'll be sure to watch a game or two.

I have, however, been watching some Marlins games. Glad to see they won last night. And glad to see Wang back for the Yankees. Joba didn't do too bad in his second start; he got a ND. Just keep hanging in there, Joba!

Congrats to Ken Griffey Jr for hitting #600 at Dolphin Stadium. Have you heard all the commotion surrounding the ball? I wish I would've caught it.

Michael Strahan in retiring. Glad to see him go out on top! Congrats.

What else have I missed since you took over our site?

-Criss

PS: Coco Crisp deserved that... for talking so much crap!

Super Blog Hog: Alex Cora was a 'Cane

My boy got honored last night. Very cool. I don't know why they had to go suspending the "Hero Among Us." I mean, with that halftime title, you should get a free pass. Wait, is that a ring on his finger? Wrong hand, but maybe it's a pitching thing. Is he old enough to get married?

As for Joba, man, he needs to stick to closing or relieving or whatever he does. Actually, what am I saying?! Keep him as a starter forever. I say game 7, put him in!

Now it's on to L.A., Dear Criss. And I'm glad you're on my side for once. Although, I don't know if that's good luck. Eek. We'll say it is for now. If necessary, I'll make you root for the Lakers.


Go Celtics.

Um, hello, congrats to UM!! On to OMAHA!!! Go 'Canes. I thought for sure you'd have a whole post up about that. What are you, on vaca? I love taking this site over.

Roxy

Photo: Reuters, Brian Snyder

Blog Hog: Hot Heads

Um, wow. Did you see the highlights from the Sox-Rays game, Dear Criss? I mean holy smokes, there was some bad blood tonight. I know Coco shouldn't have slid into the dude like that yesterday. I'd expect it from the Yankees. But this fight got ugly, especially when the Rays' dugout pounced out onto Coco, 0-60, in half a second. I mean, like they had earpieces and someone said, "And ... GO!"

Coco seems like he's got something on his mind lately, and maybe it's just the uncertainty of never knowing what will happen 'cause he's up against Jacoby (who left the game barely moving his right hand after diving for a catch). It's a hard place to be in - I don't know what to say. Oh, Coco, please find some peace. And Tampa Bay needs to chill and stop trying to create an unnecessary rivaly. It's so pukey listening to their commentators.

Enough. Let's talk about Celtics-Lakers. This is very exciting - not as exciting as the networks are trying to hype it to be, but fun, nonetheless. Call me a dork, but I swear I didn't realize Sam Cassell, whom I abhorred during his time in Houston, was on the Celtics. Guess I can't anymore. But again, I haven't really been following what's going on in the NBA. Come on, tell who you're rooting for this time. Hee, hee, hee.

Oh my gosh, Pierce is down. And he's back to a standing ovation. Despite the fact that they carried him out to the locker room, he just came back out. Whoa. That's commitment. Tonight's games are too stressful.

Roxy

AP photo, Michael Dwyer

Yankee Great

He's done it once again, Dear Roxy. Derek Jeter has passed another Yankee great. This time, he stands alone at #3 in all-time Yankee hits as he surpassed Mickey Mantle during the third inning of last night's game. He stands behind the Babe and Lou Gehrig! Great company, isn't it?

Joba finally started a game! Not a great start, but a start nonetheless. He got a no decision as the Yankee's bullpen lost the game. Ouch! Without Joba there, what are we to do?

In other news, I finally watched a hockey playoff game. I watch part of the third quarter and some of the OT of Tuesday night's game. I couldn't stay up to watch the Penguins win but I was glad they did, as I found myself rooting for them.

Sad to see they lost last night, but Congrats to the Detroit Red Wings for their great win and championship!

And I'm afraid I'll be rooting for the Celtics in the NBA playoffs, Rox. Not because it's Boston, but because I cannot stand the Lakers! Watch me eat these words.

-Criss

Photo: Kathy Willens, AP

Mannyficent

Manny.

Depending on what day it is, the name can either make you shake your head with a frown or shake it with a smile. Yesterday, it was with a smile after he hit homerun number 500 - which was after he missed that catch in the outfield, but let's focus on the positive. I love the fact that he's #24 and is the 24th player in history to reach 500. Not a bad day-after-birthday present. And what really tops it all off was how long he stood at the plate watching.

Classic Manny.

Now how 'bout them Celtics?! First of all, they can't be dragging out the series with the Lakers. They need to attack swiftly and not take it to game seven. Obviously, this gal's going for the Celtics. Let me guess, Dear Criss, you're going for the Lakers. Between Lester, Manny and the Celtics, it's been an exciting last two weeks in Boston.

Now my Matsuzaka better go to the spa, eat some Cherry Garcia, get a good massage and feel better quickly. None of this rotator cuff talk. Those are the last two words I wanna hear about one of my pitchers.

Roxy

Photos: Greg Fiume, Getty Images