TORONTO -- MVP: Most Versatile Pitcher.The humble workhorse in a wipeout bullpen, Andrew Miller was selected American League Championship Series MVP after his latest splendid performance in relief helped the Cleveland Indians win their first pennant since 1997.Miller tossed 2? scoreless innings in a 3-0 victory Wednesday over Toronto, capping a five-game series in which the lanky left-hander overpowered the dangerous?Blue Jays.He struck out 14 of the 26 Toronto batters he faced over four games -- an ALCS record for a reliever. Miller gave up three hits in 7? shutout innings and earned a four-out save in Game 3.At this point of the year, you just find a way. Thats all that matters. Its about winning, Miller said. I would have given up 100 runs if we won 101-100. Thats all that matters is were going to the World Series, and thats a special experience and I cant wait.After capturing their sixth pennant, thanks in large part to Miller, the Indians are four wins from their first championship since 1948.Miller became just the fourth reliever ever to win the award, joining Dennis Eckersley (1988), Mariano Rivera (2003) and Koji Uehara (2013).Miller was acquired from the New York Yankees for a package of prospects in a July 31 trade, and Cleveland had an interesting idea of how to use him. Rather than restricting him to a closer role or using him only in the eighth inning, the Indians have been flexible with Miller -- especially in the postseason.Its so fun to be a part of this team, Miller said. I really enjoyed my time with the Yankees. Its tough when you leave a comfort zone and a place that you like and people that you like. But I knew I was coming to a team that had won a lot and had expectations to win more.Now, whenever the Indians have a lead in the middle innings, the 6-foot-7 lefty begins looming large in the bullpen -- and Miller time is near.With that nasty slider and a sizzling fastball he spots to both sides of the plate, he struck out 21 of 41 batters during the AL playoffs. He has allowed a mere six hits over 20 scoreless innings in his postseason career.Drafted sixth overall by Detroit?out of North Carolina in 2006, Miller was part of the blockbuster deal that sent Miguel Cabrera from the Marlins to the Tigers after the 2007 season. Miller made 66 starts in the majors but never fulfilled his promise until switching to the bullpen. His first full season as a reliever -- with Boston?in 2012 -- provided a hint of what was possible.Miller posted a 3.35 ERA in 53 appearances that year, and the following season he dominated hitters with 48 strikeouts in 30? innings.After stops with Baltimore?and the Yankees, Miller ended up in Cleveland, and the Indians had an unorthodox plan for his usage.When they were upstairs in their meetings about the trade talks and they were talking about Andrew, they were actually talking -- and I was in there listening and doing some talking -- just about how he would fit into a bullpen and how you could leverage him, just like we are now, manager Terry Francona said recently. So the thought was alive before we got him. We envisioned using him like we are.There are plenty of other important contributors in the Cleveland bullpen, particularly closer Cody Allen, who had 32 saves during the regular season and hasnt allowed a run in the postseason.In fact, Indians relievers racked up 22 innings in the ALCS -- the same amount as their starters.But its Miller who strikes the most fear in opposing hitters after he whiffed a whopping 14.9 per nine innings this season while going 10-1 with a 1.45 ERA and 12 saves.In the playoff opener against Boston, Miller entered in the fifth inning and pitched into the seventh. That set the tone for an October in which Miller could be available pretty much any time the Indians need him.Miller has tossed 11? shutout innings in six postseason appearances. Its a workload that might not be sustainable in the regular season, but with off days built into the playoff schedule, this approach has served the Indians well.All that matters are outs. All that matters are wins. It honestly does not matter how we get there, Miller said. And I think top to bottom, this team believes in that.The Associated Press contributed to this report.? Custom Ottawa Senators Jerseys . Lack made 20 saves for his third shutout of the season as the Canucks blanked the St. Louis Blues 1-0 in the first post-Olympic game for both teams night. Wholesale Custom Hockey Jerseys . Woodson said during a radio interview Thursday that the Knicks Carmelo Anthony doesnt get the same calls as other superstars. http://www.customjerseyshockey.com/custom-columbus-blue-jackets-jerseys-329b.html .ca! Hi Kerry, Heres an interesting one. I know its common knowledge that all players are responsible for their sticks. We witnessed that when Zack Kassian hit Edmontons Sam Gagner in the face after a missed check. Custom Florida Panthers Jerseys . Emery skated the length of the ice and fought an unwilling Holtby during the third period of the Flyers 7-0 loss Friday night in Philadelphia. He was given 29 penalty minutes, including a game misconduct. But Emery did not face even a disciplinary hearing with NHL senior vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan because rules 46. Custom Minnesota Wild Jerseys . Third-seeded Murray had the easiest path to victory on New Years Eve, barely breaking a sweat during his 6-0, 6-0 win over 2,129th-ranked Qatari wildcard recipient Mousa Shanan Zayed. FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots have claimed wide receiver Michael Floyd off waivers one day after he was released by the Arizona Cardinals.Floyds agent Brian Murphy confirmed the move in an email.Floyd, Arizonas first-round draft pick in 2012, was released by the team two days after he was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and failure to obey a police officer.The 6-foot-2 220-pound receiver gives Tom Brady a big, experienced target. Floyd was having a down season, but had five 100-yard receiving games last season.Floyd had 33 catches for 446 yards and four touchdowns with the Cardinals this season, but had several critical drops.The Patriots have been hit by injuries to their receiving group, including star tight end Rob Gronkowski.A couple of hours before New England made the move, Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald made his first public comments about the Cardinals decision to release his good friend.I cant give you my true feeling because ppeople might get upset with what I really feel, but Mike is like my brother, Fitzgerald said.dddddddddddd Ive known Mike since he was 13 years old; we come from the same place. I love him dearly.Both players are from Minneapolis.Like any other family member, I never turn my back on him no matter what, Fitzgerald said. Im going to support him.He said hed met with Floyd on Wednesday and planned to do so again on Thursday.Fitzgerald said Floyd was going to be a great pickup for whoever lands him.Youve got a young guy whos hungry, hes eager to make plays on a contract year, Fitzgerald said. Hes got a chip on his shoulder now, not that he didnt already have one, but hes got a bigger one -- and I hope he goes and makes a deep playoff run.A short time later, the Patriots made their move.--For more NFL coverage: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL. ' ' '