Barely Breathing? Not at All.

Farrell to the Blue Jays? No! Well, good for him. He always seemed like a good guy. But he still looks better in Red Sox colors.

Um, I know you said your Yankees were barely breathing. No kidding. Not breathing at all. A lot of new faces in this World Series, but I'm not excited enough to watch. The real World Series was Yankees-Rangers, and that finished well with A-Fraud striking out.

Finally, Dear Criss, did you see the Dolphins game? That call was so wrong. I'm not a Dolphins fan, but it was clear to me the Dolphins had reasonable possession of the ball (my own new rule) after the Roethlisberger fumble, which was initially ruled a touchdown. The first two bodies/hands on that ball were Dolphins. Everyone else just piled on. Glad that TD call was challenged, but in the end, it was a lousy, lousy loss.


Roxy


AP photo

Riding to Texas

We are barely breathing, but breathing nonetheless, Dear Roxy. The Team is taking one game at a time and is going back to Texas.

They just need to stay in one piece as they can't afford more injuries. My heart stopped when Teixeira went down. His offense has been lacking but his defense is second to none. He will truly be missed at first. And thank goodness Berkman is okay after that slip last night. Scary times at first.

The offense showed signs of awakening last night. They just have to keep the momentum going...

Hang in there, boys. It aint over til the fat lady sings!

-Criss

Barton Silverman, NYTimes

Highway to the Danger Zone

Oh no, now I have that song stuck in my head.

You forgot to mention that one of the miners used to play soccer, Dear Criss. Earth to Miss Soccer over there. But really, it is a great story. I was so nervous.

And so your Yankees are struggling. You lost Teixeira and are one game away from being eliminated. Am I excited? No, because I've seen teams do this too many times, and then they blow it. So until there's one out left in the ninth, and Texas is ahead by 10, I'm not getting excited. I have a feeling they will drag this out to game seven.

Speaking of a drag, I can't take any more criminal news in sports. What happened to Junior Seau? I didn't expect this, but I really am not too familiar with him besides his time on the Pats at the end of his career. I do remember him playing against Steve Young back in the day.

Last thought: The Boston Globe asked "Should the Red Sox go after Cliff Lee." Yes. Actually, no. Whenever we go after the hot stars, they do nothing for us. But, oh my, this is pointing in the direction of the Yankees. Blech.

Roxy

33 Miners Rescued

If this is not teamwork, perseverance, heart, human kindness and passion, then I don't know what is. What a beautiful day for Chileans and the world who watch as each of the 33 miners trapped for 69 days were brought up to new light and life. One for the history books, Dear Roxy. This brought tears of joy.


-Criss


Photos: Reuters/Stringer, Reuters/Government of Chile

Deja Broom

Yes, the Yankees have swept the Twins and we’re set to go against either the Rangers or Rays. I have no preference, of course, but I want the team who will lose against the Yankees. That’s who I want.

With that said, I am extremely happy the Rangers and Rays are playing a Game 5. That means no Lee or Price for Game 1 against the Yankees. The Yankees won't see either one of those aces til at least Game 3! That sounds dandy.

Pitching and timely hitting finally came through for our boys, even from the unexpected bunch! They look like they finally (keeping my fingers and toes crossed) have their stuff together. Must be October, Dear Roxy.

I do feel a bit sad for the Twins. They've lost 9 straight against the Yankees in the postseason. I know they wish for redemption every time the postseason comes, but I think they're better off facing someone else. Til next year, I guess. They're a great group of guys but the Yankees were just a better team.

Same goes for the Red and Braves. With that said, the Braves’ Bobby Cox has seen his last game as a major league coach. Congratulations on an exceptional career and to a great sportsman. There aren’t many of those out there – all heart!

Looking forward to the Game 1 NLCS matchup. Halladay and Lincecum - can you say greatest pitching matchup thus far?

And can somebody tell me what happened to the C A N E S? They got C R E A M E D! Argh.

-Criss

PS: Johnny Damon didn't want to go back to your Dirty Sox but would love to get a chance to be a Bronx Bomber again. Get 'em where it hurts!

Photos: Barton Silverman & Dave Martin

Happy Birthday, Steve

I don't want to discuss the Brett Favre situation, Dear Criss. I will say, it's not a criminal investigation like the Roethlisberger thing, so let's just wait and see what the NFL says. Augh. I hate this stuff.

Okay, so the Yankees swept the Twins. That's pretty sad. Come on, people. You have to bring it. They'll never get anywhere playing like that. Wake up, get pumped up, want it.

What a lousy sports period. Let's just focus on Steve Young and wish him a very happy birthday. His Niners almost had their first win of the season last night, but kinda blew it at the end. Oh well.

Roxy


Photo: Paul Chinn, Examiner

Favre to Moss

So Moss is hanging with Favre now. This deal really shocked me. I didn't see it coming. It doesn't shock me that Belichick would trade one of his top players, but it does surprise me that he did this mid-season. And the fact that Moss went BACK to Minnesota ... well, he must really want to be with Favre. Listen, this is gonna be fun. I'm looking forward to it. I think he'll do well with him. Favre really needs some help over there.

And, look woman, you back off of my V.Tek and stop demeaning him! You wait 'til they kick Posada to the curb - and Jeter someday. Then we'll see what you do, Dear Criss.

As for your stinkin' Yankees ... I'm rooting for Milwaukee. They may surprise you.

Roxy


AP photo

We're Off!

October baseball is here and couldn't have gotten to a better start, Dear Roxy!

Let's just stick to the teams that matter (unlike VTek and those Sox of yours). Lee was great and Price wasn't in the first ALDS game. But let's just talk about Roy Halladay for a minute... the guy couldn't have been more dominating, even if he'd pitched a perfect game. I mean, this guy was on cruise control! Never had I seen someone dominate the way he did... and trust me, I saw his perfect game in Miami not long ago! And did we mention it was his first postseason game - ever? I'd be afraid to go against him.

Anyway, the Yankees' CC Sabathia wasn't his usual dominating self, but pitched good enough to get the W and that's what matters. And let's not forget timely hitting by Posada, Cano and Tex!

Let's keep it up boys.

In other sports, the Dolphins game was a huge disappointment. Let's just hope they can get their stuff together during the bye week.

And the Canes play those Noles this weekend. This should be very interesting. Let's go Canes!

-Criss

Photo: Charlie Neibergall, AP

Blog Hog: Bring Him Back

Okay, this is my Varitek post, and you better sit and read this, Dear Criss. He can't go. We need one more year. Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe did a great story on why this may not have been The End.

"There’s evidence that the organization believes Varitek is still its best defensive catcher, the best handler of pitchers, and an invaluable piece of the team. There’s evidence, too, to suggest Victor Martinez may not stay here after the team offered him a contract for two years (and may be willing to go to three), but not the four or five years Martinez is seeking and could get in free agency.

"There’s a feeling in the organization of some that if Martinez departs, the team could commit to Jarrod Saltalamacchia as the starting catcher and have Varitek mentor him."

So I wrote to the guy and said that he needed to get Theo on the same wavelength. He replied that the folks upstairs just may be on the same wavelength, "unless something better comes along." But let's ignore the last part of that thought. Wait, we don't have to because who could possibly come along that's better?! Joe Mauer is already committed, friends.

But the Boston Herald further broke my heart when they quoted Varitek:

“'I can’t really say that every bone in my body wasn’t shaking,' Varitek said, referring to the long, passionate standing ovation he received. 'I had to really try and take a few deep breaths and try to relax.'”

This off-season is going to be hard.

On to the Pats-Dolphins game. What was that? Special teams, special teams, special teams. There were two touchdowns in 2+ minutes. Crazy. Blocked punt turns into a touchdown, kick return turns into a touchdown ... interceptions, fumbles, a mess. It was the usual close game in the first half then turned into a sad blowout.

Next week: Jets-Vikings. GO FAVRE! Get that Sanchez, and take him to school!

Okay, and finally, if you missed "Four Days in October" tonight on ESPN's 30 for 30, you HAVE to see it!!! All I will say is 2004.

Roxy

Photo: Kelvin Ma, Boston Herald

So Long, Farewell, Old Friends ... Maybe

An emotional baseball weekend for me, Dear Criss. So my boys are not in the post-season this year - it was obvious after so many injuries. But that's not the emotional part. There are so many question marks as well as good-byes that are making me sad (sniffle).

Question mark #1: Will Big Papi be back? They gave him a hearty ovation today after pulling him from the game to put in a pinch runner. He hit the loveliest bunt of his career.

Question mark #2: Was this Varitek's last game? I savored every moment of him out there catching. They gave him a very warm ovation, and he bee-lined into that dugout like there was a thunderstorm with a chance of lightning. (You know I'll be blogging about this more soon.) I mean, his face is just breaking my heart. Please, just one more year.

Good-bye #1: Mike Lowell has retired. I remember when he first came to Boston and when Varitek held up a sign that read "Re-sign Lowell" during the World Series parade. Even Cora came out to say good-bye.

It's like a new era is starting in Boston.

In football, we've got an exciting week: Redskins/Eagles and Pats/Dolphins. Can't wait!

Roxy


Lowell photo: The Boston Globe, Matthew J. Lee
Tek photo: Getty Images

Small Yankees Blog

The Yankees are finally in the playoffs, Dear Roxy! That can only mean one thing... your guys are gone. Til next year - ha!

And now they are tied and in a battle for first place in the East with the Rays. It all comes down to this weekend - the last regular season weekend! All that stands between the AL East title/best record in the AL is your guys (once again)! This shall be very interesting.

I just want to say one thing to the Yankees pitchers - step up! It's October, people! Time to get some W's in there! We need 11 starting Wednesday or Thursday of next week!

-Criss

PS: I just want to add how much respect I have for Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers. What a great and smart choice to make given the circumstances. Truly a class act.

Nathan Dennette, Canadian Press, AP