Kurosawa would be proud

As the nation and its haters argue over paradigm shifts between the Red Sox and other unnamed teams no longer playing in the postseason, I'll add my own contribution. Last night, after Okajima stranded two Rockies in the sixth, Pops informed me that he's "the Zen master of relief pitching". Expanding on this it becomes clear that the '07 Sox are the Samurai class of MLB.

The Tokugawa Shogunate was one of relative peace in Japan, and the Samurai, who had previously been warriors, became increasingly philosophic and artistic. They refined their swordsmanship, and developed a culture that included Haiku, brush painting, Zen Buddhism, and the tea ceremony.

In the post 2004 ear, the Sox seem to be doing the same. Manny and Papi have refined their swordsmanship, filling in gaps in their strokes and finding ways to get all types of hits. Some lamented Papi's drop in homers, but his average, on base percentage and doubles all rose to career highs. Manny has developed a keen awareness of Haiku, including my favorite: "See the ball, hit the ball." Beckett and Paplebon have mastered caligraphy. They've been painting the corners all season. Although Schill and Dice-K have both considered Hara-Kiri, they've backed off that precipice and fought valiantly. Great warriors don't fear death. Some of you might have noticed the drumming in the bullpen. This too is a throwback to the Tokugawa Shogunate. And after last night who can argue that Okajima isn't a Zen Master?

So there you have it. Am I right?