Why now and not the beginning of the season? This was nothing more and nothing less than a motivational ploy, and transparently so. Part of Murphy's managerial style is as an emotional, psychological button pusher who knows how to use those tools to inspire (manipulate?) his players. It makes for good optics, so lots of fans enamored with it, and the storyline vaults into instant lore and legend. I couldn't care less. If that's what it takes to help bring home a championship, so be it.