Clutch Count 2006 Post Season
A-Rod vs. Jeter
The post season… a whole new ballgame.
Jeter: +2
(0 for 0)
A-Rod: 0
(0 for 0)
General Criteria (To be used only as a guide in the playoff atmosphere)
“Clutch” situation defined as tie game or game in which Yankees are trailing by 3 runs or less or leading by 2 runs or less (i.e. reach the save cushion of 3 Runs and clutch-Meter turns off). Must be 7th inning or later.
Negatives
Lead off out (-1)
Any general failure with RISP* (-1)
Rally killing inning ending DP (-2)
Failure get in runner on 3rd, less than 2 outs (-2)
Positives
Late inning Lead off walk/single (+1)
Stolen base to get in scoring position (+1)
Walk/Hit with RISP (+1)
Sac fly/RBI ground out (non-DP) (+1)
RBI to tie game or break tie (+2)
Walk off Home Run (+3)
* Out advancing runner(s) w/o RBI not viewed as a failure (but not a positive as it is a minimum “expected” outcome) For Clutch Count purposes it is the equivalent of a walk (i.e. a non-AB). Failure to advance runner on 1st not a negative.
6 comments
ALDS Game 1:
No clutch defined situations for either player. Jeter went an awesome 5 for 5 with a HR. A-Rod went 1 for 4, but looked good… two more hard hit balls right at someone.
Sorry, but I have to dispute not giving Jeter at least 2 points for his performance on Tuesday. He willed the team to win. 5 for 5!!! In the post-season, the general criteria do not necessarily apply because pitching is so much better. You have to make the most of opportunities. Jeter hustled 2 singles into doubles. Hit a much needed insurance HR late in the game and started the big double play that got Wang out of trouble. I say +2!
After discussing around the tabe, I have given Jeter a +2 for his overall performance, but no change to the clutch ABs.
ALDS Game 2:
No clutch situations again. Nothing good from either of them. Nothing good from anyone but Damon and Matsui.
At this Point:
Jeter +2 (0 for 0)
A-Rod 0 (0 for 0)
ALDS Game 3:
No clutch situations again. Another dismal performance by the entire lineup.
At this Point:
Jeter +2 (0 for 0)
A-Rod 0 (0 for 0)
ALDS Game 4:
Nothing doing again… they were blown out too quick. This post season clutch count was pretty uneventful and short-lived. How fitting.