06-04-2009, 12:53 PM
Pick any five players at random, and check out their splits for the last few seasons. You'll find that their stats from year to year in the various "clutch" situations (RISP, late-inning pressure, postseason) can vary widely, with no rhyme or reason to the splits. <i>But over a large enough sample, players will hit in given situations pretty much as they do overall. </i>
Derek Jeter is a good example, because he has appeared in a TON of playoff games -- and probably a large enough sample size to make a case. He is also considered a "clutch" player by many.
Jeter's career averages: 316/387/459
Jeter's postseason averages: 309/377/469
Practically identical.
Now...I'm not saying there aren't "clutch" performances. There are. There have to be. But every player in baseball is capable of a clutch performance on any given day.
Derek Jeter is a good example, because he has appeared in a TON of playoff games -- and probably a large enough sample size to make a case. He is also considered a "clutch" player by many.
Jeter's career averages: 316/387/459
Jeter's postseason averages: 309/377/469
Practically identical.
Now...I'm not saying there aren't "clutch" performances. There are. There have to be. But every player in baseball is capable of a clutch performance on any given day.