02-10-2009, 11:09 AM
Yep, I agree. As I stated at the outset of my post, Manny is the guy I'd <i>most</i> want up there in a "clutch" situation. Actually, Pujols would be #1, just cause he's the best hitter, and I believe it has more to do with overall<b> skill</b> than it does an inherent "clutch" chromosome in a guy's DNA.
As for situational hitting, I agree with you about Dunn. While I think he's very valuable over the course of a game, in the 9th inning, with an important run that HAS to get plated, you don't want a guy taking too many pitches. Unless he's followed in the order by an even better hitter...in that case, it'd be awesome to have the first guy still in scoring position, and Dunn either on 1st with a BB, or on the bench, having NOT hit into a DP.
But I agree with you, he's not my 1st choice for a 9th inning, game-on-the-line situation.
But yeah, you did catch my point about the Manny story...too small of a sample size can lead to all sorts of erroneous conclusions.
As for situational hitting, I agree with you about Dunn. While I think he's very valuable over the course of a game, in the 9th inning, with an important run that HAS to get plated, you don't want a guy taking too many pitches. Unless he's followed in the order by an even better hitter...in that case, it'd be awesome to have the first guy still in scoring position, and Dunn either on 1st with a BB, or on the bench, having NOT hit into a DP.
But I agree with you, he's not my 1st choice for a 9th inning, game-on-the-line situation.
But yeah, you did catch my point about the Manny story...too small of a sample size can lead to all sorts of erroneous conclusions.
There's nothing better than to realize that the good things about youth don't end with youth itself. It's a matter of realizing that life can be renewed every day you get out of bed without baggage. It's tough to get there, but it's better than the dark thoughts. -Lance