I dont give a flying f*** if a guy is a strikeout machine, so long as he can hit to the situation. If he goes up there with a runner on second and 0 out, I expect him to either get a hit or try to move the runner. If he goes up there with a runner on 3rd and less than 2, I expect him to try to drive it to the OF. Aside from that, the K is harmless for the most part.
A perfect example of this is Jeter, who has his fair share of K's, but will shorten up when warranted and place the ball.