All American

You really think giving away poop at baseball games is cool, Dear Criss? Who are you?

Does baseball start this weekend? It's finally here! Hold on tightly to it because we will not have football for - possibly - a long time. What a drag. Um, apparently ESPN is showing my game on Friday at 4:00. That's great - for people who finish work at 4:00! Hello?! Who schedules these things?

Okay, once again, we can't agree on anything, not even college basketball. VCU? Okay, yes, it's cool that they beat a number one seed, but are you really gonna run out and buy a VCU T-shirt?

I'm still depressed about how BYU went down. I love what Rick Reilly wrote, "Thanks to one of the worst performances of Jimmer Fredette's frabulous career - and a set of teammates who looked like pizza delivery guys -- the BYU star took a hard fall in the Big Easy."

Let me go on the record as saying that a month ago, I had no idea who Fredette was, but just after one game (against Gonzaga, my other soft spot), I knew he was a star. (Did you know there's such thing as Jimmer Fever?) That's why I was so disappointed by the game against Florida. I knew they wouldn't win the whole thing, but he/they kinda choked in this last game. Nevertheless, congrats to the kid on a great college career, topped off by being named to the Wooden All American team.

I'm all UConn now. FINAL FOUR, BABY!

Roxy


Photo: BYU, Jaren Wilkey

Cinderella all the way?

I need to quit my job in order to give me some time to watch sports, a recap on SportsCenter and write on the blog, Dear Roxy.

That or sleep less and write on the blog either way. I did find time, however, to read that Derek Jeter’s jersey is the #1 seller in the league. I also read that the Mariners are giving away manure instead of the usual Ichiro bobble head. Interesting to say the least but very planet-friendly. The point behind is for fans to start planting trees. I say all teams do that.

I must admit I wasn't paying much attention to college hoops until 11-seed VCU beat 1-seed Kansas. I am now intrigued and a fan! Not only VCU but Butler, too! That'll be a tough Cinderella game to watch... Brings back memories of Bryce Drew and Valporaiso. That's the one college game I still remember. Anyway, I'm sort of kinda rooting for the Rams.

The new Marlins stadium is coming up fast. I can’t wait to catch the games at a real baseball stadium for a change. Not to mention the short drive/ride.

Baseball in four days!

-Criss

Photo: NBC Sports

Spring Time Laughter

Wow, it's been a long time, I know! So what's been going on, Dear Criss? Well, there's a pretty interesting NCAA tourney. While, of course, I'm rooting for UConn, I've got my eyes on BYU. Those kids are pretty amazing. I got a chance to watch them play yesterday, and was impressed. Then there's BU, which made it into the race but got quickly eliminated by Kansas. I think we all expected that, but it's too bad. Proud of them, though.

And during all these games came the racial controversy between Grant Hill and Jalen Rose, stirred up by a documentary Rose co-produced. Why on Earth would Rose include the comments he did in his documentary is beyond me.

Don't care about the NFL lockout or whatever. Don't care about the comments from both camps. Just play. Ochocinco's not gonna wait around; he wants to try out with the MLS. This guy is so entertaining, it's just too much.

Almost time for baseball! What will this season bring? I'm not feeling a ring, but who knows?

Roxy


Photo: David Goldman, Associated Press

Welcome Back, Criss!

Okay, I want to know who almost ruined the 2011 season by giving Beckett a concussion, Dear Criss. It was the assistant coach, but, mister, you gotta be more careful! We don't need anymore reasons for our pitching to be off this year.

What's this about you running the Boston marathon? I'm totally going to root for you when you do. I'll dress up in a funny costume to throw you off your time.

As for basketball, looks like the players are trying to take over in Detroit with their silly behavior. The Heat, the Jazz, the Pistons. Who's next? I'm rooting for the coaches, although it doesn't look good.

And in football, I'm hearing conflicting reports about Jason Taylor being cut from the Jets. But that only means he's free to join ... THE PATS!

Roxy


AP photo