Sox Get Out the Brooms; Torre Gets Our Support

Sometimes pictures capture a victory celebration better than words–sometimes even better than my words. (We at Gossip on Sports can be humble, you know. We like humility the way we like hair shirts and iron maidens. Nevertheless, it can be done). In honor of the Red Sox 9-1 victory over the Angels yesterday, sweeping the 3-game ALDS for a trip to the American League Championships, I give you Julio Lugo and H2O:

(Click to enlarge; photo courtesy of Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

And, if you’re still not feelin’ the love, baseball locker room-style, here’s a shot of Jonathan Papelbon, David Ortiz, and a drop or two of champagne:

(Click to enlarge; photo courtesy of Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Let the gloating begin! Well, we actually got a head start on the gloating (see here for said gloating), but now that Schilling shelled, Manny was “being Manny,” and Ortiz did his “Big Papi homerun thing,” our smiles are extra-wide. You can relive the glory here. In that oh-so-special 2004 season, the Sox also earned their way to the ALCS via a sweep over the Angels. So, is this a “Get ready to cast the World Series ring!” omen or a “Damien, what’s that 666 doing on your scalp?” omen? We’ll start spreading out the tea leaves on Friday at Fenway, where the Sox will meet the winner of the Indians-Yankees match-up.

Speaking of which, Yankees manager Joe Torre staved off a trip to the unemployment line with yesterday’s 8-4 win over the Indians. Pinstripes owner George Steinbrenner, known throughout MLB for his warmth, kindness, and touch-feely style (I typed that with a straight face, can you believe it?), told Torre if the team lost Game 3, the skipper would have to start posting his resume on Monster.com.

Luckily, that didn’t happen, and you can see Torre talk about it here. No, that wasn’t a typo, and yes, I’m serious. I’m throwing my support behind Joe Torre. He’s a gentleman and a class act, and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that many other Sox fans feel the same way. (Heck, I wouldn’t mind seeing him at the helm in the Sox dugout some day). The same can’t be said for his briefs-two-sizes-too-small boss, though, whose strengths include moneymaking and overturning the chess board whenever “Check!” is nigh.

The cool-under-fire manager will be remembered by history far more fondly than the paranoid, turn-on-your-inner-circle Steinbrenner. In the end, Torre will be the one saying ”Checkmate.”