YANKEES: A-Rod's Clutchness

Replacement Level Yankees Weblog did an article on A-Rod's Clutchness (or Lack Thereof). I found this interesting because, unlike other writers who just tell us he is failing every time he strikes out with the Yankees down by any amount of runs, this was a scientific study. Real statistics were used to evaluate his clutchness, including statistics specific to the latter innings. One of the ways they evaluated him was by studying his stats when the Yankees were down by 1, 2, 3 runs or tied in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. They singled out those statistics. After looking at the chart, they determined you "can see a pretty severe falloff" though it was only statistics for 204 plate appearances. The article also deals with other claims, such as: A-Rod only comes through when the Yankees are already ahead. I'll let you read it.

I have always been a fan of A-Rod, whether or not he comes through in the clutch. He is an intimidating figure at home plate and is yet another deep bat on the Yankees lineup. Not to mention he is right handed and the Yankees are left-hand heavy.