Focus on Winning

Just listen to Varitek, and you'll feel this good again, sweet Lester. Pay attention, watch film, get good sleep, eat a full meal, pray for Mike Lowell's health. Oh, Dear Criss, while you watch random tournaments and would root for the Pirates rather than even have a decent thought about the Red Sox, I am at the edge of my seat. I am figuratively biting my nails at the thought of the Angels of California of the United States and the not-so-Devil Rays. Please don't tease us and come this far to blow it and embarrass Red Sox nation. I have felt much more confident in previous years. It all starts tomorrow night with Lester at the mound. I pulled out the 2004 footage today to pyche me up. Everyone looked 24.

But did you catch any of the Steelers game last night? Wow! Ben comes back to tie it, then win it in overtime. Good stuff. Ben and very-injured company need a stronger plan, because I really think they're better than stressful overtimes. Granted, two people went down and out for the season last night, but he needs better offensive protection, and everyone needs to listen to pep talks by Terry Bradshaw.

So, here we go. Don't watch the game tomorrow. I don't need your bad energy. I hate late games. I'm getting too old to watch all night and then go to work. I end up going to bed and feeling ready to barf in the morning as I wait for the score results.

Come on, gang! Win!!!

Roxy

Charles Krupa, AP

No October for me

The Yankees ended their season on a good note, Dear Roxy, when Mike Mussina got his first 20-game winning season. Congrats to the Moose for a well-deserved feat.

And now that he approaches his 40th birthday, I can't help but wonder if he'll be back next year to try and get that championship he deserves! I will be keeping my fingers crossed!

And now that the Yankees won't be playing in October, I hope to go to sleep at a decent time. However, know that I'll be rooting for everyone but your Dirty Sox!

Go Tampa Bay Rays!!!

The Mets have choked again, two years in a row, on the hands of the mighty Marlins. Sorry to hear they closed Shea Stadium on such a sour note.

In that case, Congrats to the Brewers for their first playoffs in years!

It should be interesting to see the Tigers-White Sox game this afternoon or possibly the one-game playoff between the Twins and White Sox.

Changing the subject, my condolences to Matt Bryant from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the loss of his 3-month old son.

Football was a bit boring this weekend. No Dolphins or Indy games. I only watched a bit of the Dallas game but wasn't too exciting.

And what about all these top-ranked college teams losing this weekend?

Rox, Camilo Villegas of Colombia won the Tour Championship golf tournament this Sunday, his second in a row. Maybe you'll remember his name now.

-Criss

Photos: Charles Krupa, AP

Yankee Stadim: 1923-2008

Of course I'd be writing about Yankees Stadium, Dear Roxy! Why wouldn't I?

I missed most of the game because I was on a flight back from the City, but I was able to watch the last few innings and salute to the fans. That was very touching. And although I didn't cry, I did have a lump on my throat the size of Manhattan!

While I was there, guess who scrolled right in front of me? Tino Martinez! I know you know who that is. Yes, Tino! Right on Lex and 48th Street on Sunday morning! I didn't tell him anything because he seemed to be in a hurry, and I didn't feel like embarrassing myself. But I was told he was at the pre-game ceremonies. How perfect =)

I tried catching a game while I was there but they were sold out and/or too expensive to buy from an Average Joe. Oh well, I'll be sure to go to the new stadium some time this lifetime.

And before I forget, Congrats to Andy for his 2,000th strikeout! How fitting for it to be on the last regular game at the Stadium.

And since you recorded the game, I expect a copy... I wanna make sure I see the whole pre-game ceremony, which I was told was fantastic!

Speaking of fantastic, how about them Dolphins? Hahahah, my jaw dropped when I saw that lopsided win! Good for them!!!

And what's with Brett and Favre and Manning and the Colts? Come on, Manny! Snap out of it! I'm not used to seeing the team with so many losses, especially under .500!

-Criss

Photo: EPA

What Will The Miami Herald's Front Page Feature Monday?

Well, well, well. Play the old fight song, "And when you say Miami, you're talking Super Bowl." They knocked off the Pats. Do I not always say they give us a hard time and to watch out? Just scroll down to my last post. You know, I am actually okay about this - just this one. I'm happy for Chad, and hope this gives the Dolphins a boost. Joey Porter backed up his trash talking. I think they'll go 8-8. Now this is no reason for local radio folks to get nasty and tell my boy Bruschi to retire. Don't mess with Tedy. There were other comments about Vrabel, but I changed the station. Listen, they all played lousy. That's it. Let's not force anyone into retirement, buddy.

And give me one excuse why the Steelers lost to the Eagles. What was that? Ridiculous, Ben. Pull it together. The team is very capable of winning these types of games.

So wait a minute, are you now going for the Rays? Nasty, Dear Criss. That's pretty low. They lost today, which helps us. We won today with Matsuzaka. 1 1/2 behind now. Can the Sox get back to the World Series this year? I'm worried. I'm also thinking about the Angels. We have to step up big time. Are we hungry enough? I need to go give them a locker-room talk.

I imagine tomorrow there will be a whole post from you about the last game at Yankee Stadium. Grab the puke bag.

Roxy

AP photo

Derek Jeter

Sob, sob, sob about Tom Brady! If I have to hear about him one more time. Let me tell you something... If he wasn't playing "girlfriend" and playing and practicing football he wouldn't be in this situation, Dear Roxy. Well, maybe.

Back to good news! The only good news that came from Yankees' camp was Derek Jeter breaking Lou Gehrig’s record for hits at Yankee Stadium with his first-inning single! His 1,270th hit at the Stadium! And may I remind you that's a record that will NEVER be broken. Enjoy Jeet, this one is all yours!

Congrats to Carlos Zambrano for his no-hitter! The first one for a Cub in 36 years. And now they push for the post-season.

I'm all about the damn Rays in the post-season. Thanks to them the Yankees won't be there, so if you can't beat them join them, right?

Changing the subject up a bit, the Dolphins looked pitiful! What a difference a game makes. I sure hope they get better.

Peyton and the Colts finally won their first game of the season. It wasn't easy but they sure pulled it off.

I'm off the Big Apple!

-Criss

Photos: Kathy Willins, AP

Subaru Open

What the heck is the BMW Championship, Dear Criss? I think you're just making stuff up now.

So last night, we beat Tampa Bay by a million runs. It was great. We stood tied at the top of the AL East - for one night. Today, like the idiots that we can be, we're back behind them after losing 2-1 tonight. Hello? Since when does Beckett lose like this? And seriously, again, Papelbon has been giving up homers and all kinds of runs these last few games. I don't know about tonight, and I'd rather not, but Papelbon's head needs some clearing and focus.

Sob, sob, sob, Yankees Stadium. If you guys are gonna be a bunch of fools and tear it down, I don't want to hear the crying. Come on. Who's idea was that?! But if I gotta hear about the house that Ruth built for the rest of my life...

Now for some football. I admit, I am shocked that the Patriots beat the Jets. I really thought Brett would come away with this. Matt Cassel isn't too shabby. And he's very nice, too. Okay, I sound like a grandma, but he is. He apologized for sweating while he was talking to a reporter. Hello. Next week's the Dolphins, and I never feel secure about that matchup - even if the Dolphins are 0-2. Why is Tony Romo bobbling footballs in the end zone? Everyone dump your jinxed girlfriends. And whenever the Steelers D wants to protect Ben, feel free. The guy's practically playing with his arm in a sling.

Roxy

Jim McIsaac, Getty Images

Heartbreak After Heartbreak

Sorry to hear about Tom Brady, Dear Roxy. I suppose they can start renovating their new apartment/condo/home now that he has the whole season off! Maybe not. Hmm, I guess Giselle can't have him fetch her stuff all over New York City anymore! I'll stop now.

Anyway, what's sadder, the Yankees playing their last games at Yankees Stadium. What a shame to end it this way. I can't believe "there's always next year" is being applied to the Yankees in September!.

Keeping up with old news, and before I shed a tear, Congrats to Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon for been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame! Those two deserve that and more! I remember the Knicks-Rockets playoffs as if it was yesterday...

It seems that Roger Federer is back to his old winning ways after his 5th straight US Open. Congrats to him as well.

And last but definitely not least, Congrats to Camilo Villegas for winning the BMW Championship. The first Colombian ever to do so. Who-hoo!!!

Speaking of Colombia, the Colombian soccer's team dream of playing in the World Cup is pretty much over. They first lost to Uruguay at home over the weekend, and lost, 4-0 to Chile in Chile!Outrage!!! Another heartbreak thanks to the National team. Nothing new there.

Remember to watch Saturday Night Life this weekend! Obama and Michael Phelps will be the entertainment!

-Criss

Photos:

1. Jessica Rinaldi, Reuters

2. Jim Sulley, Newscast

God Bless America

Boston.com

Blog Hog: Hello Matt. Time to Watch Lots of Tape.

I hate to sound like the pessimist, Dear Criss, but I am very tempted to say, No Brady, no playoffs. IF they make it to the playoffs, it'll be as a Wild Card - not sure yet if they win that either. I need to see Cassel play a whole game before I make a final call. He may be incredible, who knows. Maybe we're underestimating him.

This makes anything possible this season. Maybe Brett Favre takes the Jets to the playoffs. I think so. Maybe it's the Steelers' year to go all the way, but then people will say it's because there was no Brady. Okay, now I'm just getting out of hand, and we've barely seen anything.

It's the Giselle jinx. Jinxelle.

Roxy

Winslow Townson, AP

Ben, Tom, Chad, Brett & Friends

That title sounds like a frat house or something. Well, week one of the NFL, and how did our teams do, Dear Criss? Shall we skip the Dolphins? You gotta give them a break; they were going up against Brett Favre. The score wasn't too bad, regardless. Nice job coming back. The Pats have Tom Brady down with a knee injury. The Steelers opened on Saturday with a win, and the 49ers are going to the Super Bowl. Okay, maybe not, but I look forward to when they're the Niners of old. It was crazy having all the NFL shows back on this a.m. Then there's college football. UM got embarrassed by Florida. That's lousy. When is UM gonna pull it together?

Tampa Bay just lost again to Toronto, so we are 1 1/2 behind, friend, with a win today against the Rangers. We've got two series against Tampa, beginning tomorrow. Oh, what a week it'll be. Close the gap, Red Sox!

On a side note, I'm eating chicken strips as I write this, and they taste like Chinese food. Is that normal if it's not from a Chinese restaurant?

Roxy

Ronald Martinez, Getty Images

oi!

The first replay in MLB history was for the Yankees, Dear Roxy. I'm glad that worked out... either way. It didn't take too long and everyone seemed pleased with the call.

With that said, the Yankees took 2/3 against the Rays but that's not enough. I'm in pain, Rox!

And I can't believe Yankee fans are now doing this! The beginning of the end...

I just noticed how tiny Pedroia really is... he could've been a gymnast with his height.

And please tell me you're not going over to the dark side? We would forever be enemies.

At least football is here. I hope the Dolphins kick some Jets as*. Sorry, Brett, but I gotta root for the home team this time.

UM-UF: That'll be an exciting game. Go Canes!

Please stay safe this weekened and upcoming week... these Canes are not the ones we typically root for.

-Criss

Photo: Chris O'Meara, AP

Heck, Pedroia for President!

I love this illustration by Boston Dirt Dogs. The last time I wrote in, Dear Criss, Pedroia was en fuego. Tonight I'm back, and he's out of control! He hit a homer and a double yesterday and is batting .480 in a two-week period. What?! I'm still keeping a close eye on things and can't believe I need to constantly check on whether or not Tampa Bay won or lost. How 'bout Cora being the winning run? It's great to have a 'Cane on the team.

And now we can smell the new NFL season. I'm itching. Let's go! Hey have you seen the ESPN Monday Night Football commercial with MC Hammer? "Hammer, don't hurt him!" Oh my gosh, it's too funny.

But listen, take a second to read this story in The Boston Globe about a dad from Utah who promised to take his boys to Fenway. He was a veteran and an ER nurse, but died when his medical helicopter collided with another. Red Sox fans stepped up and made that promise come true. The boys went to Fenway and the players gave them a warm welcome.

Let's see what we can do against the Texas Rangers. Keep the streak going (no comment on your Yanks).

Roxy

Boston Dirt Dogs Illustration, bostondirtdogs.com