Clutch Count 2006
A-Rod vs. Jeter
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Jeter: +6
(26 for 55) .473
A-Rod: +3
(34 for 70) .486
General Criteria
“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.
67 comments
For Game 1, the clutch count for Jeter and A-Rod was 0-0. No heroics were needed.
Last night, A-Rod left runners in scoring position in a tie game in the 7th and 9th, making the final out of the inning both times. His clutch count for that game is -2. Jeter also failed to do anything in the 9th (and was instructed to sacrifice in the 7th). Jeter gets a clutch count of -1.
I have to think about this a little more. Given a great batter fails 7 out of 10 times, the current methodology for the clutch-count may result in overly negative numbers. We may need to develop a more detailed and objective point system. Something like:
Negatives
Any general failure in close game with RISP (-1)
Rally killing inning ending DP (-2)
Failure get in runner on 3rd, less than 2 outs (-2)
Positives
Late inning walk/single with 0 outs (+1)
Late inning Sac fly (+1)
Late inning RBI to tie game or break tie (+2)
Walk off Home Run (+3)
This is just an example, but I’d like to keep it relatively simple. I could use some comments on this.
Just a thought… Instead of different point values, how about starting at a higher number. For example, we could start out at 100 and A-Rod would currently have a 98.
I guess the other problem is the difference in number of clutch opportunities. In that case we may want to take #of clutch hits/opportunities. This would be more of a clutch batting average.
Anybody else have ideas?
What about a stolen base in a clutch situation? I know players inflate this statistic oftentimes, but A-Rod and Jeter usually steal when it matters to put themselves in scoring position. Something like from the 7th inning on when the score is either tied or down a run. There could be others like taking the extra base too, but that might be too difficult to evaluate (being very subjective).
Since the whole evaluation process is subjective, the formula Mike T described is as good as any. I don’t mind if Mike T decides a clutch + or _ in any situation that occurs. We can then debate the award. It may be fun… or we may decide to kill Mike T. on roundtable day.
Tough call today. Obviously the error by Jeter in the field was a negative, but since we are talking about offense, I’ll have to ignore the error (although it was the begining of the end to Wang’s night.
As for the Clutch Count. Game was tied in 7th, 8th and 9th. Jeter and A-Rod only had AB’s in the 8th. Jeter (leading off) made the first out… -1. A-Rod with Sheffield in scoring position and 1 out, struck out -1.
After thinking about it, I beleive Mike T’s point value system is probably the way to go. Different events should be weighted differently. When an affecting event happens, you can decide how much of an increase or decrease there should be in the count. The point values are good and should act as guidelines. We may want to award an extra point for something like a game-winning hit against Boston. The reasons can be posted in the comments here. We can debate them on the main page.
As long as we keep the point values consistent for each player, we are going to get the comparison results we want, so it doesn’t have to be perfect system.
From Friday’s game. Jeter drew a one out walk in the 7th to load the bases, but not so sure this could be given a positive since it meant ALL or Nothing Sheffield would come up. He of course grounded into an inning ending DP. Man if we were keeping the clutch count on Sheff.
A-Rod lead off ground out to the pitcher in the 8th. (-1)
Saturday/Sunday. On Saturday Jeter had the HR in the 1st to put the Yanks on the board. On Sunday, A-Rod homered off his personal whipping boy, Colon. These were too early in the game to be called clutch in my opinion. Saturday, down 3-1, Jeter made the 2nd out in the 8th with no one on (based on the objective criteria above, I think that is a non-event). A-Rod made third out with Sheffield in scoring position (-1).
One more suggestion on clutch count and I think Mike G. suggested this last week. Maybe we should subtract from a high number like 1,000. For example, if A-Rod is (-5) then his pct. would be .995. Jeter at (-2) would be .998 and so on and so on. At the end of the season, whoever has the higher number – wins. This way it’s simple math and Mike T. doesn’t have to change anything.
Official Ruling from Yesterday. A-Rod had no real clutch situations. He was up in the 7th with two out and no one on and made an out. Jeter made sure that A-Rod would not have to get up again. As for Jeter, I agree with Mike G. The weak grounder to lead off the 7th was a (-1), and his Home run in the 8th with two out, on opening day to effectively win the game gets a (+3). (Normally this is a +2 but gets a bonus point for opening day, two out dramatics, keeping our opening day winning streak alive (now 9 years running) and getting Mo into a game). So overall Jeter gets +2 for the day.
A-Rod’s double to lead off the 8th on Thurs. (+1). KC had scored in the top of the frame to make it 4-2. Giambi homered to make it 6-2. Yanks didn’t really seem in danger at that point, but from an objective standpoint, he gets a point here.
Friday. A-Rod, leading off made 1st out in the 7th. Yanks were only down by one at that point (-1). Jeter, leading off in the 9th, made the 1st out (but bullpen had already blown the lead). Game was 5-1 twins at that point, so Jeter’s out not as bad as A-Rod’s. (Even)
Saturday. Jeter Doubled in the 2nd run in the 5th (not “technical clutch” situation, but just warranted mentioning) this halved the score 4-2. In the 7th, Jeter with one out drove in Cano and Damon to tie the game (+2). In the 9th, Jeter sucessfully bunted Damon to 3rd (Even). A-Rod singled to drive in Jeter to give Yankees the lead 5-4 (+2). BUT with Damon on 3rd with 2 out in 9th, A-Rod popped out to end the inning on second pitch (-1). IM open to debate on A-Rod’s (-1) in the 9th.
FYI – Damon on Saturday +1 for Doubles with Canon on 1st and 1 out. +1 for lead off walk in 9th. +1 for stolen base in 9th.
Mike G is correct. For Wednesday A-Rod gets a +1 for leading off the 7th with a walk (eventually coming around to score the third run) and a -1 for striking out to end the 8th with Philips on second. Even on the day and and 1 for 2 in “clutch” opportunities. Nothing for Jeter today the out in the 8th was without RISP and the caught stealing at 3rd was kinda boneheaded but happened early in the game). I’m open to giving A-Rod a bonus +1 for the Home Run since it was in the 5th in a 0-0 tie and put the Yankees on the Board in a tightly pitched game. Any thoughts on the Bonus point?
Jeter (the only man on this lousy team!!!) with a (+1) in the 7th for his lead off single in the 7th. No + for his walk in the 9th (there was one out). I would have given Jeter a (+1) for his stolen base to go from 2nd to 3rd and putting Sheff in scoring position too after A-Rod (-1) struck out with men on 1st and 2nd. But since they scored it “defensive indiference” no +1.
A-rod (-1) for failing to advance runner in 7th, and (-1) for lead off out in the 9th. Jeter (+1) for the single with RISP in the 10th, and he should get a negative for failing to get the runners in from 3rd w/ less than 2 out in the 6th, but our rules are the rules and it was not the 7th. So another + for Jeter and – for A-Rod. Also (should failing to advance the runner be a (-1)? Please let me know.
I think John S post is well reasoned, therefore I will amend A-Rod’s clutch count for not advancing the runner. If the runner is not in scoring position and you fail to do anything you will not get a negative. Thefore I will take away one (-1) from A-Rod.
Last night, captain clutch came through again. In a game where Yanks were only leading by 2, Jeter got the RBI double to tack on an insurance run and make the score 4-1. (+1). A-Rod didn’t have any “clutch” situations.
Although technically, I could give A-rod a (-1) for his lead off out in the 8th. But since they were leading by 3 at the time, I will refrain from the negatives.
A-Rod’s lead off walk in the 7th on Friday was a +1. Honorable Mention on Sunday goes to A-Rod for the bases loaded walk in the 5th to break the tie and Jeter’s 2 out 2B in the 7th which allowed Giambi to get up and hit the HR and give the Yanks the 4-1 lead.
A-Rod got the benefit of the inning last night. Trailing 0-2 in the 6th he hit into an inning ending DP, but because it was the 6th he avoided the (-2). In the 8th Jeter made the leadoff out (-1). In the 10th Jeter’s walk (with Damon on 2nd and no outs) is a non-event. A-Rod’s RBI single was a (+2).
As for the Boston game (no clutch count events). Jeter walked with one out in the 8th. A-Rod struck out trailing by 4 in the 9th.
Jeter (+1) for his 2 out walk with Sheffield and Damon on 1st and 2nd. A-Rod gets a (+1) for taking one for the team and getting the go ahead run. Had it been a walk or a Hit, I would normally give him a (+2). But Orvella had walked the previous two batters (Jeter and Giambi) Then Camp comes in with the bases loaded and hits A-Rod with the 1st pitch….Come on.
I’ve been asleep at this for a couple of days. As I recall Jeter gets a (+1) in Thursday night’s debaucle against Boston for his single and stolen base in the 7th, A-Rod a (-1) for failing with RISP and 2 out in 7th. On Friday, I was in favor of a (+2) for A-Rod but lean towards (+1) since it was in the 6th (But it was definitely clutch). No situations for Jeter. On Saturday nothing for anyone (but I will note a ground out by Jeter to end the inning with runner on 3rd in the 6th). On Sunday, A-Rod gets a (-1) for his lead off out in the 7th (Jeter singled in the 6th). So overall for the past 4 days we have Jeter with a +1 (1-1) and -Rod with -1 (1 for 3).
Last night Jeter singled with 2 out in the 8th which doesn’t count either way on the clutch count but did get the tying run to the plate. A-Rod made the first out of the 9th so he gets a (-1).
Not the game (which was fun/frustrating to watch). No I am talking about A-Rod who managed to snag a (-3) in that game. He got a (-2) for failing to get Damon in from 3rd with no outs in the 7th, and a (-1) for failing with Damon in scoring position in the 9th. Jeter gets no points for the day although honorable mention goes to the 3R HR in the 6th to close the gap to 10 – 8, and his bunt base hit in the 7th, and his chopper in the 9th which in effect acted as a bunt.
Jeter (-1) for failing with RISP in bottom of 7th ending Yankee rally. A-Rod had no clutch situations but his 0-4 day and failure to get in Giambi from 2nd in the 6th didn’t help.
Jeter gets a (-1) on Saturday for his ground out in the 9th with with runners on 1st and 3rd and the game tied. A-Rod gets a (+1) for his leadoff single in the 7th, an Honorable mention for his walk in the 9th with Giambi on 1st and a Dishonorable mention for his DP in the 10th with a runner on 1st and no out. As for Sunday, Jeter no points (although dishonorable mention for inning ending DP in the 6th, an honorable mention for his bunt single in the 8th to load the bases.) A-Rod gets a (-2) for his inning ending DP in the 8th. Overall that’s (-1) (0-1) for Jeter and (-1)(1-2) for A-Rod.
Nothing Friday even though they both got on base, the runners were not in scoring position. Saturday – Clutch Count not on because of the blow out. Sunday – Jeter (-1) for lead off out in 7th. A-Rod (-1) for lead off out in the 8th. Monday up by 4 in the 7th so clutch count not on. Tues, Jeter (-1) for lead off out in the 11th; A-Rod (-1) for lead off out in 9th. Wed – A-Rod (+1) for tacking on the insurance run with his run scoring triple. Overall Jeter (-2) 0 for 2; A-Rod (-1) 1 for 3.
A-Rod was a no show at the plate, especially with the lead off out in the 7th and 9th. (-2).
Jeter is the man. +4 last night. +2 for his two out RBI in the 7th to put the Yankees up 4-3. +2 for his two out RBI in the 9th to put the Yankees up 6-5. A-Rod took the night off. He was sick to his stomach. Oh wait that was me thinking about Randy starting today.
A-Rod came up with the strikeout in the 7th against Boston. Bases loaded Yankees up by 1 (on Giambi’s walk in te preceding AB). A-Rod strikes out. (-1) (0-1).
By the way on Saturday, Sunday and Monday there were no Clutch Count situations. On Saturday Jeter reached on an error to lead off the 7th in a close game. I’m treating that as a non-event.
Friday Jeter gets a (-1) for his lead off out in the 9th. BUT I will note that Jeter walked in front of the Giambi Home Run which made it 6-4. Dishonorable mention to A-Rod for striking out in the middle of that rally. After A-Rod, Posada walked and Cano tripled to make it 6-5.
Saturday – Jeter (-1) for failing with RISP (2nd & 3rd) and two out in the 7th trailing 4-2. Dishonrable mention to A-Rod for failing to advance Giambi in the 8th. Dishonorable mention for Jeter and 3rd out in the 9th.
Sunday – No clutch adjustments. But both Jeter and A-Rod failed to advance Damon in the 7th. Jeter sent one to the warning track, A-Rod flied to Right and was booed mightily. Jeter made third out in the 9th.
A-Rod (-1) for lead off out on Tues with Yanks leading 1-0 in the 8th. Nothing on Wednesday. A-Rod (-2) for failing to get runner in from 3rd and 1 out in the 8th trailing 6-4 on Thursday. Jeter had no “clutch” situations as his HBP with 2 on in the 8th (trailing 6-3) is a non-event even though it loaded the bases.
Ok havent done this since Thursday so here it is.
On Friday, A-Rod gets a (-3). He left runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out in the 7th and failed to do anything in the 8th with RISP. Jeter gets a (+2) for his bases loaded walk that tied the game in the 8th.
Saturday, A-Rod gets a (-1) for failing with runner on 2nd in the 8th Yanks up by 1. Hon mention to A-Rod for his HR in the 5th that put yanks ahead. Hon mention to Jeter for his 2 out double in the 8th (which of course put the pressure on A-Rod).
Sunday, A-Rod (+2) for his RBI single to break the tie in the 8th.
Monday – Jeter (-1) for failing with RISP in the 7th (although he did advance the runner).
Tuesday – A-Rod (+1) for his single with runners on 2nd and 3rd in the 7th that scored a run to put Yanks up 5-3. A-Rod got lucky in the 8th. Yanks scored 4 runs before his inning ending DP so he avoids a (-) for that. Jeter HBP is a non-event.
Overall: A-Rod (-1) 2 for 5. Jeter (+1) 1 for 2.
Last night Jeter (+1) (1 for 1) for his 2 out single drive in a run and make the score 2-0 in the 7th. A-Rod (+1) (1 for 1) for his lead off walk in the 8th. Nice to have a + + day.
Nothing to add or subtract from the weekend series vs. the Marlins.
Braves update. Nothing on Monday. Tuesday Jeter (+1) for lead off single in 8th. Hon mention for a taking base on A-Rod’s K (not scored a SB so no point). Dishonorable mention for A-Rod for his 1 out K in the 8th. Wednesday. Jeter (-1) Lead off out in 8th. A-Rod (-1) lead off out in the 10th. Dishonorable mention for A-Rod’s error in the 11th that almost cost them the game. (-1) for Jeter’s lead off out in the 12th. A Big (+3) for A-Rod’s walk off home run. I am willing to listen to arguments that he is entitled to an additional (+1) or more for singlehandedly bringing the Yanks back. Overall that is (-1)(1 for 3) for Jeter and (+2)(1 for 2) for A-Rod.
Honorable mention to A-Rod for his Grand Slam to put the Yankees ahead of the Mets on Sunday 7/2.
Clutch-Count update. Friday- Jeter +1 for lead off double in the 8th Yanks up 2-0. A-Rod (-1) for pop out with Jeter in scoring position. Saturday Dishonorable mention to a-Rod for his meaningless lead off solo shot in the 8th down 8-2. Sunday A-Rod (+2) for his performance (I am counting it as 1 AB). Monday Jeter (+1) for lead off single in the 8th. A-Rod no situations. Tuesday – Nothing for nobody (although I would give Ron Villone a +2 for his relief and -5 combined for Chacon, Beam, Myers and Proctor. Overall that is (+2) for Jeter 2 for 2 and (+1) for A-Rod (1 for 2).
No updates from the rest of the Cleveland blowout games.
Tampa series clutch-count Jeter (-2) (0 for 2) friday ground out with RISP in the 8th, bunt pop up in the 7th on sunday. A-Rod (-1) (0 for 1) for K in 7th with RISP on Sunday, and dishonorable mention for failure on Saturday with Damon on 3rd and 1 out in the 7th, and rally killing DP in the 1st on Sunday.
A-Rod gets a (+1) (1 for 1) for his leadoff single in the 8th last night. No clutch situations for Jeter.
A-Rod (-2) for strikeout with bases loaded and 1 out in the 7th. Berry berry bad.
Here’s the update. Remainder of Seattle series A-Rod was (-1) (1 for 3). (-1) for leaving Nick Green on 2nd with 2 out in the 7th on Tues. (Dishonorable mention for K with man on in 9th). On Wednesday A-Rod got a (+1) for Lead off single in 7th and (-1) for lead off out in 9th. Jeter gets (-2) (0-2) for the remainder of Seattle series. (-1) for lead off out in 8th and (-1) for lead off out in 10th.
For Toronto – A-Rod was (-1) (0-1) for his K with the bases loaded and 2 out in the 7th on Saturday. (Honorable mention for walk in the 7th before Giambi’s Double on Thurs). Jeter was (+1) (1 for 2). (-1) for K to lead off the 10th on Thurs. (+2) for his bases loaded walk to drive in go ahead run in the 7th on Saturday.
Overall that is (-2) (1 for 4) for A-Rod and (-1) (1 for 4) for Jeter.
Texas series:
A-Rod (+2) (2-2), leadoff late-inning hit, 8th-inning homerun down 2
Jeter (+1) (1-1), leadoff hit in 9th before Giambi’s blast
No clutch situations in the Tampa Series.
I would have liked to put more detail, but the game happened to long ago.
Toronto Series update: no qualifying situations in any of the three games. Nice sweep. A-Rod is starting to look relaxed and getting some hits (a few big hits before the 7th).
Baltimore Series:
On Friday, A-Rod made a lead-off out in the 7th with the Yankees down 1. Jeter made a lead-off out int he 8th with the score tied. That’s a -1 (0-1) for both players.
No clutch situations for the rest of the series.
Tuesday against White Sox:
A-Rod +1 for his base hit in the 8th with the game tied and Jeter on second (which Jeter should have been sent home on). An argument could be made to give A-Rod a +2.
Derek Jeter -1 for his leadoff out in the 10th.
A-Rod +1 for his stolen base in the 10th to move into scoring position.
Overall, that is +2 (2 for 2) for A-Rod and -1 (0 for 1) for Jeter.
Correction:
Overall, that is +2 (1 for 1) for A-Rod. The stolen base does not count as an AB.
At This Point:
A-Rod -13 (19 for 53)
Jeter +3 (16 for 36)
I think we should keep thess “At This Point” numbers on each update. It can show us the progress a player is making. For example, A-Rod was at -16 or -17 not too long ago.