I agree it's clutch. My point is that it's sort of after the fact, you know? I mean, I don't know about you, but I don't think there's something more to it than Ortiz is a very good hitter who has performed very well in the very small sample size of at-bats that provide for VERY memorable and VERY dramatic results. Please note, this takes nothing away from Ortiz. I'm just skeptical of how much of this is due to some kind of inner quality that allows Ortiz to "be clutch" and be an even better hitter than he already is. I think he's just a very, very good hitter, and I imagine over the course of his career, you're going to see his "clutch" stats come close to matching his career stats.
What I think it shows though is that sometimes what you see IS reality. The 2004 playoffs are where his reputation as a clutch hitter came from. I can't tell you how many times since then when he's come up in a situation like that that I've said I'd be more shocked if he DIDN'T get the hit. And logically, you think it was because I was just glossing over the times he didn't and remembering the times he did. But since the end of the 2004 season, he went 11/14 in those situations with 5 walks. So really, he DID come through that often. Reputations are there for a reason.
Clemens seriously lost the strike zone there for a bit. I'm amazed his pitch count is still obscenely low.
I agree it's there for a reason. Ortiz has been absolutely sick in pressure situations. I just think it's a ridiculously small sample size to then EXPECT that performance in the future. Look at this year as an example. Yes, he's hurt. (My point isn't to say that Ortiz is no longer clutch... not even close.) But he's still had a hell of a year, otherwise. I find it difficult to believe that he pulled his clutch muscle, which he only needs in close and late situations, you know? I'm not saying people should be getting on his case, either. Like I've said, Ortiz is a great hitter. The initial point was just how the reputation affects the perception, which can affect how accurately people judge performance.
I addressed that quote explicitly in my previous post. It was with regard to accurately judging a player's performance... not the existence of reputation alone.
francona thinks coco crisp is the best centerfielder hes ever seen? why would he dive for that ball? francona should look out their when melky is in center.. he will def. see a better centerfielder.. arod's blunder cost us a run, but its all good
I think Coco's a better defensive CF than Melky. He has better range and better instincts. Melky has a better arm, but I give the nod to Coco. Best CF in the game, though? I don't think so. Grady Sizemore says high.
well thats whut they were talkin about on the YES feed yesterday, how francona said that.. but i think melky has good range.. coco might have better..
Yeah, I had heard that. I guess you have to commend Francona for supporting his players... but... really, Terry? The best you've EVER seen? *cough* Willie Mays *cough*
Francona ACTUALLY said that Crisp was the best defensive outfielder that's ever played for him, not in the history of the game.
michael kay told us that francona said the best centerfielder hes seen, not in the history of the game, but that doesnt mean that its only active centerfielders..
