Good-bye, Citizen Bay

He became a U.S. citizen in the historic Faneuil Hall, he played at the legendary Fenway Park, and now he no longer belongs to the Bay State. He belongs to New York. And while it hurts to see him go, as long as he is not a Yankee, I can find peace with the silly decision. People leave the Sox, but are they really ever happier elsewhere, Dear Criss?

Case in point: Johnny Damon. He became a robot for a few more zeros at the end of his paycheck. I thought you said they traded him? You think the Cubs will take him? Just don't send him back to Boston.

No thanks.

Countdown to Sunday's Steelers-Dolphins game! Woo-hoo!

One year older,
Roxy


Photo: J. Shelton, AP

Roxy's Birthday

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday, Dear Roxy

Happy Birthday to You.

-Criss

U of M

All that could've gone wrong in football this weekend, Dear Roxy, did!

The Dolphins are pretty much done (I hear they're still mathematically "alive" but that's just a matter of time), and the perfect season is over for Peyton and the Colts. What happened? Against the Jets? Argh.

This weekend's game better not disappoint. At this point, I just want them to have at least a .500 season. Are you ready to be booed, Rox?

While the Dolphins game was on Sunday, I decided that I was better off watching ESPNS's 30 for 30 "The U". What a great documentary - so many things I didn't know. I'm glad I watched that instead.

Did you read the story on UM's Chris Hayes? Is so touching.

Good luck tonight, boys! C-A-N-E-S!

-Criss

Photo: JC Ridley/Miami Hurricanes

Merry Christmas!

I go away for a few days, and the Yankees trade the heart of their team?! Wow! It started with Matsui, now I learn from you that they got rid of Damon and Cabrera? Are you kidding, Dear Criss? I mean, I can't stand any of them, but even I know that's a stupid move.

So what else happened? I heard yesterday that Urban Meyer is leaving UF. No way! But now it became a leave of absence. What in the world is going on up there?

And they're already announcing the winter Olympics. Very cool. I need some figure skating.

Not cool that the Saints blew their perfect season. The Colts blew their season to the stinkin' Jets. Are you serious? But I really, really don't care about the Colts.

You'll go on the 2010 Foxboro adventure with me? No way! Awesome.

Roxy

Photo: http://www.newenglandusa.com/Red-Sox/boston-red-sox-christmas.html

Got Melk?

I'm outraged, Dear Roxy. The Yankees traded Melky Cabrera! Melky! Why would they do that? He’s a solid outfielder with good offense. And so they bring a much needed starting pitcher in Javier Vazquez with this trade but now there’s a shortage in the outfield, especially after the Yankees “decided” not to re-sign Johnny Damon. Argh.

Farewell Johnny and Melky, thanks for the great run and WS win! I’ll miss you both.

I’m sad. I don’t think I can continue writing about anything else.

OK, maybe a few things: Did you see the Sacramento Kings comeback against the Chicago Bulls? I know we haven’t gotten into basketball season yet but I saw the highlights and thought it was crazy. Great game… for the Kings, that is!

And the Dolphins – what can I say about the comeback that happened only to disappear in overtime. Ouch! I thought it was meant to be but what do I know? And now they have to rely on those teams we hate, which includes your fave. Yuck.

Speaking of, sign me up for that game in Foxboro.

The Colts won to stay undefeated [insert happy face here], but the Saints lost to the Cowboys. As if I needed another reason to hate on them.

- Criss

Blog Hog: Another Reason Why I Should Be at The Winter Classic

I'm on vacation, Dear Criss. So this only leads to blog hogging. And while I don't have a lot to add today, Varitek skating at Fenway is plenty for me.

I know you're thrilled.

He had a chance to spend time with Ray Bourque and Bobby Orr. Very cool.

Roxy

AP photos

Hard Worker

I'm going to invite your sister to my wedding and leave you off the guest list someday because of what we shall affectionately call The Pats Incident, Dear Criss. Maybe someday, when I'm 85, I'll learn to get over it. (Violin music here.) Actually, next year, I am going to force you to come with me to Boston to see a Dolphins game at Foxboro. (COME ON!!! Let's do it!)

Whoa, I read about Chris Henry. That's so sad. The stories that are coming out of the NFL are just heartbreaking. I was at a store last weekend where they were playing an old Super Bowl game by the dressing room (presumably to entertaining impatient husbands/boyfriends), and it was truly haunting to see McNair on t.v. Then they showed Georgia Frontiere, too, and I wondered what happened to her. Well, apparantly it's been almost a year since she died. I liked seeing her because I thought it was so cool that a woman was an NFL owner.

And in the Red Sox category, look at what I just read in The Boston Globe:

"According to a source, Varitek last season suffered from a bulging disc in his neck, inflammation from a pre-existing labrum tear in his left shoulder and, later, a broken bone in his toe."

He's a trooper - and a little crazy. He's a hard worker, even if he didn't put up Barry Bonds figures.

Roxy


AP photo

Cold December

I was invited, Dear Roxy. There was nothing I could do about you not been there. Next time, I guess. But you’re forgetting the most important thing – the Dolphins won! Not only that, but they also won this weekend too! They’re officially over .500. Get excited!

On a sad note, my condolences to the family and friends of the Cincinnati Bengals wide receive, Chris Henry, who passed away at the age of 26. Truly tragic. May he rest in peace.

The Yankees finally came to their senses and resigned Andy Pettitte, AND traded for Curtis Granderson from the Tigers. If they decide to resign Johnny Damon, I suppose he’ll be the official DH since the Yankees fell asleep when it came to resigning the reigning World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, who is now an Angel. I’m sad, Rox, no need to remind me.

And I'm not sure I like any of the players your Sox signed. I guess the Yankees are going to have to play harder now. And yes, no Holliday, but I'm just glad you guys didn't get him either! Boo-hoo.

I’m still not into basketball.

-Criss

Photo: Getty Images

Blog Hog: Run!

Mike Cameron, John Lackey and Jeremy Hermida. A little piece of the Marlins going up to Boston with Hermida. Didn't know about that move. Maybe the Sox will get Uggla in the next five years? Hm. So, Dear Criss, why on Earth did you let Matsui go? And neither of us got Halladay. Sigh.

I'm kicking myself for not trying to get tickets to the Winter Classic. But, oh, to sit out in the cold for that whole time - hours. Winter in January - in Boston. Missing your flight and getting stranded due to snow storms. I skated outside with a Mass. native, and we both lasted for 15-20 minutes tops many years ago. Basically, I'm looking for excuses for being stupid and not going.

Hey, there's always next year's annual Santa Speedo Run in Boston. Are you in?

Roxy


Glenn Yoder, Boston.com

Scoooot!

WHAT?!!!!! YOU WENT TO MY PATS GAME, AND DIDN'T TELL ME, DEAR CRISS?! YOU DIDN'T INVITE ME?! Total betrayal! I don't know if I can get over this one. It's like you kicked my non-existent dog! Like you stole my lunch from the office fridge. Like you took my boyfriend to prom! Well, guess what? Someday, I'm gonna be offered box seats to a Red Sox-Yankees game, front row next to the dugout and Jeter's family, and I'm gonna invite someone who only half loves the Yankees.

Okay, so John Lackey may be on the Sox, and the Phillies may get Halladay. Kinda wish it was the reverse. J. Bay may be history, and the same goes for Lowell who's pretty much gone, pending his thumb's health status. Crazy times in Boston. Can I call the new guy "Scoot"? (He totally loks like the guy at T. Anthony's here.) Can we please get some good players this year?

Football is getting really exciting now. It's heating up. The Dolphins won again. Too soon to talk playoffs? My guys are fighting in Pittsburgh, and the Pats are already on vacation.

Did you get to see the UM documentary on ESPN? I didn't.

Roxy

AP photo

Wild Weekend

Guess who made it to that Pats-Dolphins game you were talking about, Dear Roxy? My friend invited me and I couldn’t say no! And what a game it was.

Chad Henne threw a career-high 52 passes and threw for a career-high 335 yards! No wildcat needed here. I hadn’t realized they never ran it – first time this season - until I read about it today. The run, the interceptions, the great catches, the last-minute scoring, everything turned out perfect. I’m just glad they pulled off this improvable win. This means they still have a chance!

Rest of the teams recap: both the Colts and Saints won to stay undefeated, Brett and Ben lost (hehe), and Vick returned to Atlanta.

I can’t write about football without mentioning Tim Tebow. Although the game didn’t end like he expected, you can't take anything away from this kid. The heart and dedication he’s given this team and school is insurmountable, and you can’t say that about most.

The Yankees are looking to reduce their payroll next year. Does this mean the players are taking a pay cut in these crazy economic times?

And to answer your question, Rox, I can give you a million reasons, but here are your five: 1. he is the American League recipient of the Hank Aaron Award, and the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award, 2. passed Lou Gehrig's franchise record for base hits; 3. finished second in the league in hits, third in batting average and on-base percentage, fourth in runs, and eighth in stolen bases at the ripe age of 35; 4. won his fourth AL Silver Slugger and Gold Glove; and last but not least, 5. led his team to a 27th World Championship with a batting average of .344 with a .432 on-base percentage, three home runs and six RBIs in 15 games, while batting .407 in the World Series. Just to name a few.

-Criss

Photo: Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images and AP.

Blog Hog: To All the Doubters

Am I a doubter, Dear Criss? Probably, but there's no way the Pats or Steelers make it to the Super Bowl. So we're really narrowing things down here. Colts-Saints? Colts-Vikings? I think Tom & Co. have a looong trip home today to think about things. But good for the Dolphins. You can't be upset. I'm happy for them. They worked hard to get this win. This match up is always interesting. I agree with the analysts/commentators this morning who believe we may be seeing a rebuilding period in New England. Scary.

Then there's the Steeler soap opera. Stop the drama. Hines subtly trash talks Ben. Players and commentators around the league are shocked. Then Ben is hurt. Then Hines and Ben talk for an hour. Now Hines apologizes. They buy best friend lockets - well, not really. I didn't realize Ben and Hines weren't that tight. It sounds like playground nonsense.

And the Sox aquire Marco Scutaro from the Blue Jays. Anyone from a team that has our number can't be a bad pick-up. Let's see. I didn't get spring training tickets. It's nearly impossible to get covered seats. I'm still on the look-out. Not giving up yet. I just don't want fake tickets, you know? It's a loooong drive over there.

Roxy


AP photo

Ouch

What happened? I predicted it, Dear Criss. Go look at my old post! But I thought the Pats-Saints score would be closer - a lot closer. Am I mad? No. This is clearly not a Super Bowl year. Lately it seems reeeally downhill. But then I'm a little upset at Brady (again) after I was the last person in the world to find out he blew off Suzy Kolber from ESPN in September (I said I was the last to find out - it's old, I know). ESPN did a spoof on it this Sunday with her training to keep up with Brady and get her questions answered. He pulled the old, "I can't hear you!" (Look at Belichick recruiting Brees in the pic.)

Your summary of the latest sports DRAMA is unreal. Tiger, Serena, Bowden, Weis. I'm right with you on your coaches coverage. Whoa! And Bowden built that school. I'm curious to see those teams' records next season. Real curious.

Roxy

P.S. What's the deal with Jeter being Sportsman of the Year? Give me five good reasons.


Recruiting: Photo by Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Wes: Scott Halleran, Getty Images