Rocky Balboa and the Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are the World Champions, and it reminds me a bit of final movie in the Rocky series.

Playing the part of Rocky Balboa: David Ortiz.  Big Papi, at the right moment, took a reeling Red Sox team, and with one speech, set their thinking in the right direction.  I'm pretty sure the words weren't, "It's not about hard you hit.  It's about how hard you get hit and keep going forward."  I understand it had a lot of expletives, but the point was made.  His speech changed the course and destiny of the Series: Boston won three in a row.  He walked out on the field and performed, showing plenty of skill to go with the will.

Playing the part of Robert Balboa, Jr.: Xander Bogaerts.  He received that speech, and delivered a .296 avg and .412 on base percentage.  Little Rocky may have made some excuses before seeing battle, but he learned from the experience.  Bogaert's arrival, and the exposure to the leadership of Ortiz, opens the door to a long career.  When some top prospects are hated, he is well thought of in the Red Sox organization, and it is easy to see why.  He carries the right attitude.

Playing the part of Mason "The Line" Dixon: the St. Louis Cardinals.  While they weren't the current champs coming in, they played the role of heir apparent.  They were done in by an injury to Allen Craig, and the mistakes made by a team aware of the prize.  Props to Michael Wacha for his performance: he could be one of the best in baseball, and very soon.

Playing the part of Paulie: John Farrell.  While he doesn't quite fit the bill of a boozing ex-meat cutter, Farrell had the right moves at the right time.  Sometimes, leadership is stepping back and sometimes it is stepping up.  He put the right person, Jonny Gomes, in the right place to turn Game Four with his three run homer.  John Lackey pitched well throughout the series, at the right times.  He stepped back and Ortiz lead the clubhouse at the right time.

It comes back to David Ortiz.  If he isn't in Cooperstown when he hangs up the spikes, it is a travesty.  Great leaders should be honored, too.  He has more than earned it.

So...am I off base?