Wow! you really are on a higher level of perception than everyone else.Whew...whats next? Are you going to point out that there really isnt a seventh inning stretch either? Brilliant....you are Brilliant!
That may have to do with the fact that he will see more good pitches to hit when there are runners on. Pitchers can't afford to walk him or pitch around him as mutch if guys are on base. I see so many guys have higher averages with guys on base, the explanation that they are "clutch" just doesn't make much sense. Why don't they just hit clutch even when there is nobody on?
Clutch in baseball is ALBERT PUJOLS. Of course there is "clutch" in baseball, but since we are all Astros fans, we just haven't been too familiar with that concept lately. We really only have 1 player that fits that mold--Lance Berkman. Before Ensberg's demotion and the Huff trade, we probably had the most unclutch baseball team in the MLB (I'm thinking Preston, Ensberg, Lane, Ausmus, Everett up to bat with 2 on in the 8th or 9th inning then wham...game ending double play, not to mention the horrible Lidge).
actually, Buck's post is dead-on. the numbers show that most players play to their numbers. the most overrated "clutch" player is derek jeter. people will talk about how clutch he is in the playoffs...but his playoff averages are nearly exactly what he does in the regular season for his career. he's had postseason series where he's kicked ass and been above and beyond that...but he's also had some series where he didn't show up at all. so is he clutch because he showed up for some...or a choker because he didn't show up for the others?? or is he just a really good player who plays to his average over that many post-season AB's??
I agree that's the case for most people - that its just random chance and a guy had a hot streak (see Beltran, for example). But would you not agree that players can press at times when the pressure is higher, causing their performance to be worse? If so, is seems like the opposite could be true as well - that certain people just feel extremely comfortable in high-pressure situations, are more focused, etc.
I still think we would be best served adding another bat. If the Astros and Drayton feel that this is the year I wouldn't mind giving up some of the future (i.e. stud pitching prospects) to pick up a Carl Crawford. Some other rumors concerning the Stros that I found out there: Chad Qualls, RHRP--Houston Astros: White Sox interested Last updated: 03:14 PM - Jul 13, 06 by Unoff. MLB | Source: Jim Molony | Rated: 1.00 out of 5 Chris Burke, 2B--Houston Astros: White Sox, A's and Angels have interest Last updated: 03:13 PM - Jul 13, 06 by Unoff. MLB | Source: Jim Molony | Rated: 3.00 out of 5
Yet Abreau played some of the worst ball of his recent career in Sept/Oct last season, in the middle of a playoff chase.
The only untouchables on this team at this points are: Biggio (PR) Berkman Oswalt Clemens Nieve Aside from that, anyone else should be make fully available for the taking.
Actually, I'm not 100% sure but I think Jeter's postseason production levels are actually below his regular season averages. Does this make him un-clutch? Of course not, because there is no such thing as clutch or un-clutch.
Nieve? Agree with the rest... sort of. I agree that to the organization, those players are untouchable. Personally, I dont' like the idea of an "untouchable" player. If Texas offers us Teixiera, Blalock, Mike Young, and 10 top level prospects for Berkman, you would turn that down?
i would shoot that down in a split second, i dont want michael young stealing away playing time from adam everett.
RISP doesn't necessarily indicate a "clutch" situation does it? I would think game situation factors in. BTW I did look at a stat study about some form of pressure hitting and guess who topped out the list from 1960 to 2004. Bill Spiers. There are flaws with the study which the author talked about, but I still liked that he was on top.
