Via Fangraphs, here are the final clutch scores for the 2009 Yankees:
Alex Rodriguez 0.91
Johnny Damon 0.80
Brett Gardner 0.36
Nick Swisher 0.05
Hideki Matsui -0.05
Jorge Posada -0.13
Melky Cabrera -0.40
Mark Teixeira -0.52
Derek Jeter -0.68
Robinson Cano -2.43
It’s important to reiterate that clutch scores, according to FanGraphs, are measurements “of how much better or worse a player does in high leverage situations than he would have done in context neutral situations.” Therefore, when you see the beloved Mark Teixeira anchoring the bottom portion of this particular list, remember that one can do extremely well in the “neutral” situations — Tex is hitting .305 with the bases empty — and perform admirably in high leverage situations, yet their performance in high leverage situations isn’t as good as their performance in neutral situations (Tex is hitting .264 with RISP, which is still good just not as good as .305). Clutch score, again, is based on going above and beyond the call of duty in those pressure packed moments.
Now, do I agree with this clutch assessment? Well, not necessarily. I’m offering this list since it provides us with an interesting way in which to analyze the ever elusive phrase, “clutch.” Despite the quantifiable nature of the data presented here, I, like many of you, are not going to say that Nick Swisher is “more clutch” than Mark Teixeira—not with a straight face, anyway. However, I must say that I do agree with some of the list, as Alex Rodriguez and Johnny Damon definitely deserve to sit at the top whereas a guy like Robinson Cano — no surprise there — is probably right where he belongs.
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5 Responses to Final '09 clutch scores
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TIQ IQ
Alex has been extremely clutch, what did the final total end up being 12 or 13 of his HRs tied or put the Yankees ahead, including his first HR in the 6th inning in Tampa.
and this is the same guy they said just padded his stats. This year was Different.
You think Matsui might be a little bit higher on the list than he is, he seems to almost always get the runner at third in even with 2 outs, maybe he slowed a little this year or his early numbers weren’t as good or something.
Brett Gardner 0.36 and Melky Cabrera -0.40, is there any wonder why I like Brett as the starter in CF? Those numbers along with all the other numbers, are in Bretts favor, all but one…power!
A-Rod and Johnny have been good all year, until lately for Johnny. Let’s all hope the team plays up to their ability this year and wins it all.
Yeah, OldRanger, I’ll take a single when you need it, over a homer when you don’t. I love a good pop as well as the next guy, but people are too homer happy. Nothing wins like back to back whatever, doesn’t have be jack. Love them doubles. Heck, sometimes a homer kills the rally!