The Rays once again outlasted the Red Sox. (AP Photo)
No one said the ALCS was going to be easy for the Red Sox, because, well...it never has been easy for the Red Sox. This was the second time of the 2008 playoffs that the Sox have lost a long, tough, five hour plus extra innings game, and just like the last time they lost in extras they have to dust off, stand-up, dig in, and get ready for another round. Because that's where the Red Sox now find themselves, in the midst of a good ol' fashioned AL East brawl with a more then formidable Rays team.
While watching the game Saturday night I equated this current Sox playoff run with one of the best movies in cinematic history, and that movie is of course Rocky III. This is the third run the revitalized non-racist Tom Yawkey Red Sox are making at a World Series title and they're older, wiser, and no longer everyone's lovable underdog. (Side Note: 2005 doesn't count because Matt Clement of all people started game 1 of the ALDS, which leads me to wonder what the hell he's up to, and if Clay Buckholz borrow his goatee?) Rocky I was totally the 2004 Sox, the truest of underdog stories. While 2007 was more Rocky II because while it still wasn't as dramatic as 2004 (Rocky I) it still contained some similar plot lines. Sweep Angels in ALDS - Check. Make a historic comeback in ALCS - Check. Sweep the World Series - Check. This year has been different from the start.
While the Sox have been one of the best teams all year long in MLB, it's always seemed to be an uphill battle for them. There's never truly seemed to be any breathing room where they coasted for any extended period of time, and there's always been some sort of pressure exuded on them. It all started off with them playing games in Japan, then losing key players to injury, dealing with Manny being an asshole, etc. etc. etc.
But what are you going to do? Lay down for a standing eight count, or wipe the sweat off your brow, bang your gloves together, and get back in there and fight. I bet you the 2008 Rocky Sox are going to be standing up to fight.
Rocky III was always my favorite of all the Rocky movies. Aside from there being a robot maid and Hulk Hogan in the beginning (see, right there you're nodding your head in agreement aren't you?) you have the best Rocky villain ever with Mr. T as Clubber Lang. Do you think it's a coincidence that the Tampa Bay Rays, the upstart young team, are all wearing Mohawks? I don't think so. They're totally the Tampa Bay Clubber Langs to me now. Micky died in Rocky III, Manny died in 2008. Rocky was rich, famous, and used to winning in Rocky III, the 2008 Sox also need to regain that edge and identity we once had. Maybe Mike Lowell can be our inspirational Apollo Creed from the bench, or side of the ring? Parallels are abound I tell you. This whole theory may be turned upside down, or twisted all sorts of ironic if we end up facing the Phillies (Drago?) in the World Series, but right now all focus is on the Rays, and the Rocky Sox need to punch them right back in the mouth today at 4:30pm.
I feel like a Rocky III montage with some Dokken is in order. Let's Go Sox!
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