"In the Web"

I welcome you to another edition of "In the Web." I hope I entertain.

One of the great leaders our country's seen since General George Patton, New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre, snubbed his nose at an incentive-laden contract extension proposed by Bombers suits Thursday evening. As other generations recall Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Mantle, I will fondly reminisce of the "Clueless Joe" era. Torre, who defeated prostate cancer in 2001 and established an anti-domestic abuse fund, "the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation," guided the Yankees to 4 World Series titles, six pennants and every one of his 12 squads made it to October.

Naysayers and critics alike will always yammer and claim Torre's an average skipper who's a product of George Steinbrenner's pockets. It's also fashionable for Torre bashers to emphasize that he hasn't navigated any of his squads to championship glory since 2000 despite being provided with an embarrassment of financial resources. Listen, Torre's squads haven't exactly bowed to a posse of untalented gumps.
The majority of teams that ousted a Torre led Bomber squad in the playoffs ultimately were crowned champions that year (01' Arizona Diamondbacks, 02' Los Angeles Angels (Jesus, this is long!) of Anaheim, 03' Florida Marlins, and the 04' Boston Red Sox).

My friends, take a look at the futility that was the South Bronx in the 80's and early 90's (I'm going to hope and presume you aren't front-runners and did actually watch back then). Steinbrenner threw money around like an affluent virgin in a nude joint during those painful years as well and his fleet of nine managers won, well, nothing with the dinero they were granted. I have never liked coincidences. Torre's calm demeanor and unparallel ability to relate with his players was the ingredient that catapulted the Bombers to 3 consecutive championships and 4 in 5 years from 1996-2000. I can say with steely confidence that Randy Johnson will be on the cover of Playgirl before a feat like that reoccurs in baseball.

Unfortunately, it seems lucid that the Bomber's brass offered Torre a contract that he had to refuse and one that was presented as a token gesture to ward off an even harsher outcry about their handling of this situation. The Yankees have amassed an impressive formulation of talented youth and veterans and they seem primed to recapture their dominance sooner than later. Nevertheless, the loss of Torre could usher in a return to managerial unrest and utter chaos. Human beings like Joseph Torre aren't found on every corner and I genuinely feel privileged and honored to know that I had the chance to watch him for such a prolonged period. If I'm ever half as "clueless" as Joe Torre is, I'll be satisfied with the way my life has unraveled.

Red Sox ace Josh Beckett should count his lucky stars that he was separated from the Cleveland Indian's Kenny Lofton in Game 5 before the lefty speedster got his paws on him. Lofton would have ended that "Mexican street fight" in the time it takes Takeru Kobayashi to eat a single frank.

The Red Sox defeated the Indians 11-2 Sunday night to win the ALCS in 7 games and advance to their second World Series in four years. Genuinely, the Yankees had better start to panic. If the Sox do in fact prevail and beat the Colorado Rockies they will have captured 7 whole crowns in their long and illustrious history. That’s only 19 less than the Yankees have recorded.

I love Chad Pennington like a brother and I would go to combat with that man in the bat of an eye. Nevertheless, it's time to usher in the Kellen Clemens era.

As a New York Jets fan, watching this version of the New England Patriot's (7-0) is akin to being sent to Guantanamo Bay. After watching their 49-28 route of the Miami Flamingo’s, nothing and I mean nothing, indicates that barring injuries this team can be beat. Make no mistake, cheaters or not, this is a genuine dynasty for the ages and this particular team may ultimately prove to be the best of any age.

Indiana University men's basketball is rudderless with Kelvin Sampson running the program. The Hoosiers don't necessarily need "Norman Dale." But, they do need someone and that someone is not Kelvin Sampson.

Granted, I'm biased because "I hate the fucking Eagles, man." But, eventually, Boston College will fold like a cheap suit.

If Miguel Cotto's fight on November the 10th against "Sugar" Shane Mosley is as tremendous as I anticipate, boxing will have had quite a few good months.

My most sincere thanks for reading another posting of "In the Web."