CLEVELAND -- Drenched after his players joyfully doused him with champagne and beer, Indians manager Terry Francona stood at the center of the visitors clubhouse in Fenway Park, a ballpark where he had been in the middle of so many similar celebrations.Francona didnt get a hit, steal a base or record an out as Cleveland surprisingly swept Boston in the AL Division Series.He did just about everything else.As he removed his glasses to wipe the sudsy shower from his face, Francona could finally relax -- for a night. His moves pushed the Indians deeper into October.The bubble gum-chomping, drought-busting motivator is Clevelands MVP.Whether masterfully maneuvering his bullpen in Game 1, playing a hunch with his lineup in Game 2, using platoon players or daring to pitch to slugger David Ortiz in Game 3 as Boston fans roared, Francona had the perfect touch as the Indians won three straight and advanced to face Toronto in the AL Championship Series.Francona, affectionately known as Tito -- his dads name -- refused to take credit and turned the attention on his players.Ive done it before, said Francona, who led the Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and `07. You know what, what it meant to me is to celebrate with the Indians and our crew. I dont care where it is. I respect that we beat a heck of a team, but to celebrate with our guys, thats what was meaningful for me.The Indians have been defying odds -- and baseball logic -- for months. Despite a slew of injuries to key players, losing two starting pitchers for the postseason, and being given little chance to win the AL Central, they overpowered Detroit and Kansas City before dismissing the Red Sox, who led the majors in scoring but managed just seven runs in the playoffs.The obstacles have only empowered the Indians. Francona made sure they were never knocked off track. He did more than manage games, massaging egos and making everyone believe.Its extraordinary, Indians president Chris Antonetti said. Hes a master at it. He really understands people. He builds relationships. He creates connections. He communicates extraordinarily well. He has the right balance of providing a professional and prepared group, but also having fun. If there is anybody better, Im not sure Ive been around him.His rotation close to shambles, Francona understood the importance of winning the opener against Boston.After Trevor Bauer, who began the season in the bullpen, got him into the fifth inning, Francona brought in tall left-hander Andrew Miller -- normally used in the seventh and eighth -- and Clevelands relievers closed out the 5-4 win.Despite Boston lefty David Price being on the mound in Game 2, Francona went against the book and started left-handed hitter Lonnie Chisenall, who batted just .217 against lefties during the regular season. Chisenhall was in more for his defense but hit a three-run homer -- his first off a lefty all year -- in the second inning of Clevelands 6-0 win in Game 2.Sometimes, Francona said afterward, good players make you look smarter than you probably are.He trusted his gut after Game 3 was postponed a day, sticking with Josh Tomlin as his starter. The right-hander, who had nearly a 12.00 ERA in August and was briefly bumped from the rotation, held the Red Sox to one run through five innings. Francona sent him back out in the sixth before again turning to Miller, who gave up a sacrifice fly to Ortiz and then struck out Hanley Ramirez with runner at second.Everything Francona did in the series worked, including a moment that almost backfired before Game 1.As he shook hands with Red Sox manager John Farrell, Francona took a wad of gum from his mouth and tossed it at Dustin Pedroia, one of his favorite players. Pedroia grabbed and swatted it to the ground, much to Franconas relief.Thank God he caught that, Francona said with a laugh. It was going to hit Hanley right in the face, and I dont know Hanley that well.The playful gesture toward Pedroia is typical of Francona, who develops a deep trust inside the clubhouse with how he treats players. Hes firm but fair and he prides himself on keeping his door open. A few weeks ago, Oklahoma City Thunder coach Billy Donovan visited the Indians and when he walked by the managers office, Francona was playing cards with Tomlin.That was the day we took him out of the rotation, Francona said. I was explaining that to Billy. I said, `Two hours earlier we had taken him out of the rotation, and he was back there playing cribbage with me. That to me, shows that we can get through anything.And if Francona keeps playing his cards right, the Indians can go anywhere. Marlon Brown Jersey . The Hall of Fame defenceman told Landsberg that he believes fighting still has a place in todays game, but thinks staged fighting needs be outlawed. Sam Koch Jersey . Just not the game. Kyle Palmieri scored two straight goals in the third period to rally the Anaheim Ducks past the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Tuesday night. http://www.customravensjersey.com/custom-l-j-fort-jersey-large-1413d.html .com) - The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks both take aim at their first wins of the season on Saturday, as the Canucks open their home slate at Rogers Arena. Tandon Doss Jersey .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Torrey Smith Jersey . Kozun faked to the forehand and beat Monsters starter, Calvin Pickard, pad side in the second round for the winner. Spencer Abbott also scored in the shootout for the Marlies (25-13-4). NEW YORK -- Zak Irvin led five players in double figures with 16 points and Michigan pulled away late in the first half for a 79-61 victory over Marquette in the second semifinal of the 2K Classic at Madison Square Garden Thursday night.Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and reserve Mark Donnal added 15 points apiece for Michigan (3-0), which led for the final 33-plus minutes and beat Marquette for the 14th time in 20 meetings.Michigan will face SMU in the championship game Friday. Marquette will face Pittsburgh in the consolation game.The Wolverines shot 59 percent in the first half and 51 percent overall.Luke Fischer led the Golden Eagles (2-1) with 19 points, Hannif Cheatham added 12 and JaJuan Johnson contributed 11 but it was not nearly enough as Marquette shot 41 percent and committed 15 turnovers.Marquette trailed by 29 early in the second half and made a slight dent in the lead with about 6 1/2 minutes remaining when Matt Heldt scooped in a layup through a double team after nearly fumbling the ball away to make it 67-53.Michigan did not let the lead slip below 12 and sealed the win when Irvins 3-pointer late in the shot clock spun around the rim before going in with about a 4 1/2 minutes remaining. On the next possession, D.J. Wilson converted an alley-oop baseline dunk and free throw for a 73-57 aadvantage.ddddddddddddMarquette held a pair of one-point leads early in the second half and stayed with Michigan until around the eight-minute mark. Already leading 28-20, Michigan scored 10 straight points in a span of 2:05 and held a 50-26 lead at halftime.BIG PICTURE:Marquette won its first two games by double digits over Vanderbilt and Howard, getting away with shaky first halves. The Golden Eagles averaged 36.5 points in the first halves those games but against a higher level of competition, Marquette was held to 26. The first four possessions of the second half did not go well either as the Golden Eagles were called for traveling twice and were not close on two 3-point attempts.Michigan made 342 3-pointers last season, the most in school history, and the third time under coach John Beileins spread offense the Wolverines made at least 300. Michigan is off to a good start again from long range. After going 16 of 45 in its first two wins, the Wolverines were slightly better Thursday with a 9-of-23 showing.UP NEXT:Marquette will face former Big East foe Pittsburgh in the 2K Classic championship game Friday.Michigan will face SMU in the 2K Classic championship game Friday. ' ' '