05-24-2010, 07:02 PM
Let me first state that, like most issues, I'm 70-30 about it, not 100%. It does seem, at first glance, that some guys are "tougher" than others, I agree.
Fella, I do have 2 problems with your otherwise fine point:
1-Ask any casual fan about Scott Brocius vs. A-Rod as a clutch hitter. How is that not like Tony Gwynn vs. Neifi? It's because of incorrect perceptions.
1- How come some guys who are thought to never get "sweaty palms or weak knees" (Derek Jeter, Reggie Jackson, Mariano Rivera) have multiple instances where they SUCKED in massively important, "clutch" situations?
The ultimate example of the non-clutch game of all-time?
Game <b>Seven</b>, 2001 World Series: Curt Schilling, one of the best "clutch" pitchers of all-time, pitching. Seventh inning, in a one-run, tight game, he surrenders a 2-run homer run to...try to imagine a really UN-clutch player.
Soriano?
Yes, it was Alf who homered.
So Schilling gets yanked. Now all the Yankees need to <i>win the World Series</i> is have Mr. Ice-Water in his veins, Mariano Rivera, come in and do what he usually does, be clutch.
He fails miserably: commits an error, beans a guy, gives up a huge game-tying double to a terrible hitter (Tony Womack), then gives up the Series-winning hit.
Jeter, Mr. November? A weak 1-for-4, with an earlier fielding miscue. His Series? 4-for 27, .148 average, no walks. For the leadoff hitter? He COST them the Series!
Or did he? <b>In Game 4, he hit the game-winning home run! </b>Bottom of the 10th inning!
<!--sizeo:4--><!--/sizeo-->So is Jeter clutch, or not?
How about Mo Rivera?<!--sizec--><!--/sizec-->
Fella, I do have 2 problems with your otherwise fine point:
1-Ask any casual fan about Scott Brocius vs. A-Rod as a clutch hitter. How is that not like Tony Gwynn vs. Neifi? It's because of incorrect perceptions.
1- How come some guys who are thought to never get "sweaty palms or weak knees" (Derek Jeter, Reggie Jackson, Mariano Rivera) have multiple instances where they SUCKED in massively important, "clutch" situations?
The ultimate example of the non-clutch game of all-time?
Game <b>Seven</b>, 2001 World Series: Curt Schilling, one of the best "clutch" pitchers of all-time, pitching. Seventh inning, in a one-run, tight game, he surrenders a 2-run homer run to...try to imagine a really UN-clutch player.
Soriano?
Yes, it was Alf who homered.
So Schilling gets yanked. Now all the Yankees need to <i>win the World Series</i> is have Mr. Ice-Water in his veins, Mariano Rivera, come in and do what he usually does, be clutch.
He fails miserably: commits an error, beans a guy, gives up a huge game-tying double to a terrible hitter (Tony Womack), then gives up the Series-winning hit.
Jeter, Mr. November? A weak 1-for-4, with an earlier fielding miscue. His Series? 4-for 27, .148 average, no walks. For the leadoff hitter? He COST them the Series!
Or did he? <b>In Game 4, he hit the game-winning home run! </b>Bottom of the 10th inning!
<!--sizeo:4--><!--/sizeo-->So is Jeter clutch, or not?
How about Mo Rivera?<!--sizec--><!--/sizec-->
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