Nooooooo!

It's gonna be a lonely road for Mr. Ortiz, Dear Criss. I am so disappointed about the breaking news that he's on the 2003 steroid list. I defended him before, but can't do so now. It's just an awful thing to hear. I wasn't expecting that today and don't know what to say. I wonder how Fenway will react.

And I don't wanna hear anything about the 2004 team being tainted. At this disgusting point, I guarantee you that every playoff team the Sox faced had someone on steroids. Release the other 98 names! If Monsieur Selig doesn't do something now, this game will be a total joke. What examples for kids in Little League. Juice up!


Roxy


Photo: Jim Davis, Boston Globe

A whole lot of news

The Yankees continue to play great ball and yesterday was no exception, Dear Roxy. I wish I was in Tampa Bay yesterday to watch Joba’s complete domination of the Rays! He’s playing awesome and I couldn’t be happier for him =)

The trade deadline is very close. And the way the Yankees are playing I’m not sure that I want them trading any player, especially anyone from their farm system.

With that said, what will happen with Halladay? As long as he doesn't go to your team I don't care what happens with him. He can stay with the Jays for all I care.

Michael Phelps breaks another record while his World Swimming Championship teammate Ricky Berens rips his swimsuit. I can’t say I was disappointed to see that, hehe.

Bret Favre’s comeback never happened. I can’t say I wasn’t expecting that but I feel bad for the Vikings. I mean, he couldn’t have told them earlier?

And Michael Vick is waiting to sign with a team. Do you think the Vikings will sign him now? It’ll be interesting to see.

And I agree with you on the whole Pete Rose thing. Why not? I think he deserves to be there.

And yes, Congrats to Jim Rice and Rickey Henderson on their induction to the Hall of Fame. But one thing, what was up with Rickey's speech? I guess no one had a chance to proof read it before he went up on stage.

-Criss

PS: Glad to see you haven't encountered any ghosts out there, Roxy.

Photos: Scott Audette & Brian Snyder, Reuters.

Trade Deadline

June/July isn't often pretty for the Sox, Dear Criss, but it's getting pretty ugly. Penny for Halladay? You know what though? When we pick up big names, they flop, so maybe we don't want Halladay. I also tried picturing him in a Sox uni. and couldn't. Not giving up Buchholtz or Bowden for him. I'm fine if we don't get Halladay. Not sure what's up with Smoltz, Matsuzaka. It's like we're falling apart. Let's hope we can pick it up next month. Don't get all excited about being in first.

By the way, I'm totally with you on the Erin Andrews story. Pervs, pervs, pervs. I'm also annoyed at the people saying she brought it on herself for being sexy. Oh, sorry for being pretty! I've never seen her flaunt herself and be all stupid chicky with the players. (She was a little smiley when she got to wear Varitek's World Series ring. Tee, hee.)

Jim Rice got his number retired. I hope some day we'll see Varitek's number retired. That would be cool - or any of my faves, but let's see. I'm bad at such predictions. Schill?

Am I the only one thinking that maybe reinstating Pete Rose isn't a bad idea? We let people take steroids - and there are other criminal issues, but I'm too bored to get into them. Come on!

And woo hoo, we're gonna see the Steelers this January! I saw the lights on at the stadium today and got excited (and dreaded the impending drive).

Roxy

AP photo

Perfect End

Congratulations to the White Sox’s Mark Buehrle for his perfect game against the Rays! His second no-hitter. Not many can say that.

And what an amazing catch by DeWayne Wise to preserve it! I loved the reaction by the Phillies as they watched the game from their clubhouse before their game. Regardless of who pitches a perfect game, whether is your team or not, it’s always great to see it happen. Well, maybe except when it’s the Red Sox, Dear Roxy ;)

With that said, we apologize for forgetting to mention the Giant’s Jonathan Sanchez when he threw his no-hitter on July 10th! Congratulations for a great feat, Jonathan!!!

In troubling news, I’m sorry to know that there are perverts out there who get a kick out of videotaping women in the privacy of their home, or anywhere else for that matter, as it happened to ESPN’s Erin Andrews. I hope they catch whoever was responsible for this.

And did you hear that former New Jersey Net Richard Jefferson left his bride at the altar or very close to the altar? He supposedly broke off the engagement a day before the wedding... by email! Sketchy, huh?

Lebron James gets dunked on!

YANKEES have a 2-game lead. Woo-hoo!

- Criss

Photos: Jim Prisching, AP; Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune.

Can Everyone Please Pull it Together?!

So you'll be in charge of the blog for a few days, and I'm scared of what it will become, Dear Criss. I don't know what to say about the Roethlisberger allegations except I can't believe it. Not that he's perfect, but I don't expect something like that from him. Not ready to accept what's been said. I'm not gonna judge either party, but I hope none of it's true.

And then there are my Red Sox who look like they will be swept like idiots by the Rangers. EMBARRASSING! I do not blame Bucky one bit. We need to get swinging!

I have nothing left to say. I have so much to do and no time to do it! You're in charge, and everything better be cleared up when I'm back.

Roxy


AP photo

First Place Yankees!

Yes! The Yankees are all alone in first place, Dear Roxy. How sweet it is! I’m going to enjoy this as long as it lasts! Not only did they win three straight games with the score 2-1, but they’ve won the next two with the score 6-4. It doesn’t matter how they win it, I’m content with that “W” at the end of the game. Whoo-hoo!

With that, congratulations to Sergio Mitre for his first win since 2007. I must admit I don’t know who he is, but I’m glad he’s doing a good job as our fifth starter since Wang is out.

In other news, it seems like your boy Ben Roethlisberger is in deep trouble, Rox. Do you care to comment on that?

Lance Armstrong is in 4th place and it seems like he won’t win this one. Either way, it’s great to know he’s back on the bike. Maybe next year.

And what’s with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez now having a share of the Dolphins. First Gloria and Emilio Estefan and now them? I’m not sure how I feel about the whole thing. Well, as long as they win, who cares, right?

-Criss

Photo: G. Paul Burnett, New York Times; Frank Franlin II, AP

So, once again the Blue Jays totally eat us up alive, Dear Criss. And who was the only one to beat them? Buccholtz, in a beautiful showcase and coming home party - sort of. He's back in the minors now, but I just have to emphasize that we should not trade him nor leave him bitter down in Rhode Island. No, no, no! For a moment I wondered if they were just showing him off on Fri. to try and trade him or if they were trying to keep him happy. Dunno. Just don't trade him, trade Penny. If someone can give me three reasons to keep Penny and three consecutive outings were he gets a win, then I'll eat my words.

But hey, the Winter Classic is gonna be at Fenway. What a great idea. And whoever thought of an outdoor New Year's game a few years ago is a genius. I don't really like watching hockey on t.v., but when this is on, I do. My old sports journalism professor would turn his back yard into a skating rink every year. He's now passed on, but he would have been at this game. No doubt. Even if he had to sneak in, he'd be there.

Otherwise, kinda quiet in our sports world. Ben Roethlisberger and Jerry Rice were at one of those celebrity golf games. Jerry is in extraordinary shape as always. And golf is still boring (not as much as soccer).

That's all from my corner.

Roxy

P.S. I don't even want to talk about them not playing Wakey. What an INSULT!

AP photo

AL Wins... Again!

You're right, Dear Roxy. We no longer share first place but I feel confident in the way the Yankees are playing. Only time will tell.

And I, unlike you, like the All-Star Game. It gives me a chance to hear about great players I don't normally do. Like Lincecum for example. I've never heard of him until this week. I've seen his commercials and wondered if he was a real MLB player, hehe. I don't have to wonder anymore.

I really enjoyed the pre-game ceremony, including the locker room video of all the players meeting the President. Everyone looked like they had a good ol' time.

If I was to say anything negative about the All-Star Game, it would be about guys getting injured, and in this case, Jeter getting hit! I held my breath for a few seconds just like everyone in the Yankee organization, Rox. Thankfully, nothing bad happened.

Other than that, the AL has won it again. I have to say pitching and defense won and lost the game. Carl Crawford's winning catch sealed it for the AL and its World Series home-field advantage.

Although Papelbon almost lost it (twice) for the AL, he pulled through with a scoreless inning and eventually the win. Joe Nathan and Mariano Rivera, with his All-Star record 4 saves, did the rest!

I did feel sorry when I figured out that Tim Wakefield didn't get to pitch, but not as sorry as this guy. Pretty hysterical if you ask me. Not everyone gets to play in the game, random sports writer, deal with it.

Anyway, I look forward to the second half of baseball. And most importantly, looking for a strong Yankee second half and hopefully first place finish!

PS: Congrats to the Milwaukee Brewers' Prince Fielder for winning the Home Run Derby! Good to see a former Yankee's son playing and doing great.

-Criss

Photos: Mike Stone, Reuters; John Gress, Reuters; John Mabanglo, European Pressphoto Agency; Jeff Haynes, Reuters.

Tim Wakefield: All-Star

Okay, enough with the Yankees being tied for first place. We're back, Dear Criss. Three up. And while we've been number one before the All-Star game for a few years, that doesn't mean anything, so I take no comfort in it. Kinda like when I see my players talking to yours - no comfort. But what I am happy about is Wakey being an All-Star. I've had my share of tough things to say about him like, "Take him out, NOW!" or, "Who's pitching? Oh no!" But I really do like him, he just makes me nervous. Is that so terrible? He's good, though. No doubt. That jersey he's holding proves it.

To be honest, I don't like the All-Star break. Don't care for all the excitement, I just want my guys to get back to playing normal games. I get itchy. And after learning that Buccholtz is coming back against Toronto, I'm really impatient. Can't wait to see how he does. It's a tough game to bring the poor kid back for, but you never know. I hope this is a good sign of them being serious about him, 'cause he is oh so ready and willing to be traded and play full time elsewhere in the majors. Don't give up on Bucky. We could use some good pitching.

Roxy


AP photo

Say First Place

The Yankees are back in first place, Dear Roxy. Well, at least tied for it. But I'll take that. The Yankees have been playing great baseball and I couldn't be happier.

Not only the Yankees, but the Marlins too. They even set a team-record when they scored 10 runs in the eighth inning during last night's game.

Speaking of records, our boy wonder Phelps broke the 100m fly world record. Kudos!

Isn't great when your teams perform well? It certainly brings a smile to my face :)

In other news, Lance Armstrong is back in the Tour de France. This guy is an incredible athlete. I'm certainly rooting for him.

And although McNair's story gets crazier and wilder, it doesn't take away the fact that he was a great player.

-Criss

Photo: Christophe Ena, AP

Hits Ya Right Here

Wow, the sad stories have to stop. The news about McNair was terrible. It still is. I can't believe he could just go like that. Awful. (And the Jackson memorial ... I think now that perhaps he was just misunderstood.) We need some good things to happen.

So what has been going on in sports, Dear Criss? Well, Nomar returned to Fenway - a clearly emotional journey. Can you sign someone in baseball for just two games or something so you can play your last game with the team of your choice and retire with them? I mean, they do it in football (and I can't remember an example right now, but I vaguely know that I know this). It would be nice to do with Nomar. Look at his press conference. He's aching! But the crowd gave him a great ovation, which was very nice. Otherwise, my boys have been unreliable and ready to blow the first place lead, because that's how we roll.

And don't laugh, but I didn't realize that Shaq is now with LeBron. Rasheed Wallace with the Celtics?! How about Ray Lewis with the Patriots? Why not? Let's go all the way with weird matches. But I will admit, the Cavs needed some help and will be dangerous now.

Roxy


Photo: Jim Davis, The Boston Globe

RIP McNair

Who's that, Dear Roxy? I don't recognize any players unless they're wearing their uniform, especially if it's one from a team I love to hate.

Rest in peace, Steve McNair. One of the toughest quarterbacks in NFL history gone to soon. My condolences go out to his wife, kids and family.

Roger Federer has done it again! He now stands alone at a record 15 Grand Slam titles. I'll admit I was rooting for Roddick and was very upset to hear he let it slip away in the second set, but happy for Federer, nonetheless.

Going back to the Roddick-Murray semi-finals on Friday, I was told of the sad but inspiring story behind Murray. Made me think twice about rooting for Roddick. hehe.

The Yankees continue to play great baseball, although they're losing right now. Please continue with your winning way, guys. And in DL news, Wang is back to the DL with a should injury. Get well soon!

Congratulations to Jeter, Rivera and Teixeira for making it to the 2009 MLB All-Star, as well as the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson. Well deserved!

-Criss

Photo: AP; Alastair Grant, AP.

Update: The Yankees made a comeback on the bottom of the 9th to fall short of a win :(

Citizen Bay: Happy Fourth!

Happy Independence Day!

Thank you to all our troops!
(And look who became a U.S. Citizen on Thursday at Faneuil Hall.)





Photos: Barry Chin, The Boston Globe (flag), Eric J. Shelton, AP (Bay)

Blog Hog: You Got Some 'Splaining to Do

Wow, Dear Criss! That was one of the worst games ever last night. How do you blow a game when you're up something like 9-1 in late innings? With the Red Sox, anything is possible.

Truly. I'm so ashamed at their nonsense, from walking off the field early with two outs as Varitek watches the idiots with his hands on his hips, to the pitchers giving up run after run. Guess who was one of those pitchers? Oh yes, PAPELBON. What is wrong with him? I mean, this is the worst state he's ever been in while with the Sox. I can't understand it. It used to be automatic, but now I feel the same way about Papelbon as I do when I see Delcarmen come out. I won't even get into the other guys last night, because I'm just focused on taking a zero off Papelbon's next paycheck and making him climb the bleachers repeatedly, followed by pushups in the rain. I can't deal. I need to go walk this off.

And while we're at it, bring back Buchholtz.

Roxy


Cartoon: Scienceclips.net