6/2 @ NY Yankees

[BornToRun]

The problem is that "clutch" by itself is such an abstract concept. Define "clutch".

 

My point exactly . I've done some reading and it is an indeed a very muddied conversation. I guess the simplest definition would be coming through in a big situation and someone being clutch is a person who possesses it as an ability or at least gives off that appearance.

[wyo-sox]

I was just thinking about how much Drew made that look like what you expect from a professional SS and how many ways Aviles would have found to have messed that play up.

 

Funny. I think Aviles might, maybe could have made the play... just not looking nearly as smooth.

[Standing Room]

This point brings up another debate. To what extent does clutch exist? A pretty interesting conversation IMO.

 

Clutch doesn't exist in that it isn't a repeatable skill that people can be consistently good at. But choking in large situations does in fact exist. It's rare, but there are some players who are consistently bad in big situations. Since Cano's rookie year, he's been the second worst player in baseball when it comes to production in close and late games relative to production in neutral situations.

[BornToRun]

That guy is an ugly looking SOB.

[User Name]

One aspect that hasn't been mentioned in the Pedroia vs Cano debate is durability. Cano has been more durable than Pedroia over their respective careers.

[BornToRun]

Clutch doesn't exist in that it isn't a repeatable skill that people can be consistently good at. But choking in large situations does in fact exist. It's rare, but there are some players who are consistently bad in big situations. Since Cano's rookie year, he's been the second worst player in baseball when it comes to production in close and late games relative to production in neutral situations.

 

What would you call Ortiz, then? Not arguing just curious.

[User Name]

My point exactly . I've done some reading and it is an indeed a very muddied conversation. I guess the simplest definition would be coming through in a big situation and someone being clutch is a person who possesses it as an ability or at least gives off that appearance.

 

A) It is not a repeatable skill. B ) What does "coming through" represent? If the winning run is on third of a tie ballgame with one out, and the current hitter walks, did he come through? He didn't make an out, which should be the true objective of a hitter. Was that "clutch" walk?

[jung]

The problem is that "clutch" by itself is such an abstract concept. Define "clutch".

 

Even when you see the stats associated with "clutch" at places like Baseball Reference, the concept leaves you wanting. It is almost like somebody had a "good" idea one day but had no real way to execute on it.

[kapsis21]

Papi in 2004 alcs. Clutch...

[BornToRun]

A) It is not a repeatable skill. B ) What does "coming through" represent? If the winning run is on third of a tie ballgame with one out, and the current hitter walks, did he come through? He didn't make an out, which should be the true objective of a hitter. Was that "clutch" walk?

 

I guess it would be not making an out. Also, I never thought of clutch as an ability to raise your game but as an ability for it not to dip in big moments. Which I suppose initiates the argument as to whether choking exists.

[Standing Room]

What would you call Ortiz, then? Not arguing just curious.

 

I would call him a good hitter. I've looked at his statistics in high leverage situation and there is no consistent pattern year to year.

[CaliSoxFan04]

almost a sweet dp

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Wow, Napoli should have caught that DP. Great play by Drew.

[User Name]

Papi in 2004 alcs. Clutch...

 

That doesn't make any sense. He hasn't been able to repeat that production in subsequent playoffs. For "clutch" to an acceptable skill, a player needs to have the ability to repeat that skill consistently.

[Station 13]

Nice snag Drew, and Napoli wtf man.

[User Name]

I guess it would be not making an out. Also, I never thought of clutch as an ability to raise your game but as an ability for it not to dip in big moments. Which I suppose initiates the argument as to whether choking exists.

 

It's easier to prove the choke factor than it is to prove the choke factor.

[wyo-sox]

Quick someone tell me how Drew is slow to the ball. Lol

[BornToRun]

It's easier to prove the choke factor than it is to prove the choke factor.

 

I'm guessing there's a typo somewhere in there.

[CaliSoxFan04]

Nice job holding on to that one Nap

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

There's the DP we've been waiting for.

[User Name]

Quick someone tell me how Drew is slow to the ball. Lol

 

Drew has been fantastic on defense this year with a 4.4 UZR and 17.5 UZR/150.

[Standing Room]

There's that trademark choke hitting from Cano. A guy gets on base and with the opportunity to put the Yankees up by two, he grounds in to a double play.

[User Name]

I'm guessing there's a typo somewhere in there.

 

Clutch in the second part

[wyo-sox]

Drew has been fantastic on defense this year with a 4.4 UZR and 17.5 UZR/150.

 

I am becoming a fan of that guy. Great defense,his average will get better and better, and no bs drama queen super star attitude. Dude is quiet and gets his work done.

[BornToRun]

Clutch in the second part

 

That's what I thought. Well, you made a typing error and therefore your entire point has now been rendered moot. Sorry and better luck next time.

 

[kapsis21]

That doesn't make any sense. He hasn't been able to repeat that production in subsequent playoffs. For "clutch" to an acceptable skill, a player needs to have the ability to repeat that skill consistently.

 

Ok then how about Michael Jordan..in baseball if you are at .300 its a feat. So in every clutch situation 2/3 times a decent player will miss it. Again its really hard to define but when you say clutch all I can think of is papi in 2004

[kapsis21]

Pedey you awesome man

[wyo-sox]

Let's get the runs a coming!

[User Name]

Ok then how about Michael Jordan..in baseball if you are at .300 its a feat. So in every clutch situation 2/3 times a decent player will miss it. Again its really hard to define but when you say clutch all I can think of is papi in 2004

 

You could honestly make a better case for "clutch" in basketball than you could in baseball. Then again, it isn't a consistent, repeatable skill.

[Station 13]

Get a hit Papi.