Derek Jeter

[DeToxRox]

He's 5-5 tonight.

102 of 116 playoff games Jeter has been on base.

Is there anyone who's been a better performer in October ever? I know people here don't believe in clutch or whatever which is fine, but honestly, his numbers in October are unprecedented. Most overrated player in the MLB is the biggest joke I've ever heard.

I'm sure people are sick of a Yanks love fest but this is outrageous. He's in a class of his own.

[Joe]

he's mostly said to be overrated because he doesn't deserve the golden gloves that he wins. he's rewarded in that fashion for his bat.

[DeToxRox]

he's mostly said to be overrated because he doesn't deserve the golden gloves that he wins. he's rewarded in that fashion for his bat.

I'd say most Gold Glove winners are though.

[st.cronin]

If Derek Jeter's not a first ballot hall of famer, nobody is. And I HATE the Yankees.

[Schmidty]

Derek Jeter is from the same city that I'm from (Kalamazoo, MI), and went to the same elementary/middle school I went to - Lincoln (apparantly), although he was a year ahead of me and I have no idea if I ever met him or saw him, so I am a huge fan.

[Deattribution]

While I'm sure A-rod was happy for Jeter, you know part of him had to be thinking 'aww man, shit.'

[JS19]

I hate the Yankees as well, but I like to think I know a great ballplayer when I see one, and like DeTox said, he really is in a class by himself when it comes to playing in October.

[Neuqua]

He's no Garrett Wolfe!!!!

[MalcPow]

he's mostly said to be overrated because he doesn't deserve the golden gloves that he wins. he's rewarded in that fashion for his bat.

I think this is mostly right. If you've ever seen him play though you can understand why people end up giving him gold gloves. He's statistically pretty average (or below) defensively, but he plays very gracefully. If he's coming in on a chopper or a ball up the middle he never stops, sets his feet, and throws, it's always this fluid continuation where he's throwing on the move or across his body or something. In a lot of ways he makes otherwise routine plays look difficult, not because he's screwing things up or he's all over the place, but because he performs them in a way that only somebody with his athleticism, balance, and body control could perform them. You basically walk away saying, ok, so statistically the guy doesn't get to nearly as many balls as somebody else, but... that's a tremendous athlete. So you tip your hat and give him a gold glove. He's overrated in a concrete, absolute way, but he's also unique, so he gets the benefit of being something special.

[saldana]

huge yankee hater here also, but there isnt a player i can think of in the last 25 years that i would rather have at the plate if i need 1 hit to win a game....and that goes double in october...he may not have the clutch walk off home run profile of david ortiz, but jeter gets it done everytime those assclowns need a hit.

[st.cronin]

He's no Tom Brady.

[CraigSca]

He's 5-5 tonight.

102 of 116 playoff games Jeter has been on base.

Is there anyone who's been a better performer in October ever? I know people here don't believe in clutch or whatever which is fine, but honestly, his numbers in October are unprecedented. Most overrated player in the MLB is the biggest joke I've ever heard.

I'm sure people are sick of a Yanks love fest but this is outrageous. He's in a class of his own.

He's a good player, sure. But the fact is, until last night, his October batting average and OBP in October were slightly less than career average.

Again, he's a really good player, but I think him lifting his game to a new level is merely his comfort in playing in the postseason. Heck, he's played 115 games there.

I'll take small sample sizes into account, but he's not an automatic, either (as witnessed by his 6 for 30 against Boston in 2004 and 4 for 27 against Arizona in 2001). Of course, you could ask ARod for references to those statistics.

[Ksyrup]

I'll take small sample sizes into account, but he's not an automatic, either (as witnessed by his 6 for 30 against Boston in 2004 and 4 for 27 against Arizona in 2001). Of course, you could ask ARod for references to those statistics.

And that's the thing: last night during the obligatory story about ARod's struggles, there was no mention of how ARod carried the Yankees against the Twins in the divisional round a couple of years ago. Same with the "forgotten" discussion of Jeter's failures.

Jeter's a great player and comes up with some timely hits in the postseason, but he hasn't been so much better in the post-season that I can really see the difference. It's just that his 5-5 night will always be remembered, and if he went 1-14 in the next 4 games, no one would bring that up in making the case that he wasn't clutch. Even back against the Red Sox in 2004, it was "the team stopped hitting" - until earlier this year, when ARod's stats from that series got segregated and it became all about his failure.

The one thing I don't like about Jeter is his attitude toward ARod. I just think a supposed "team leader" should be willing to put aside some comments made over 5 years earlier to try to help a teammate deal with his struggles, or come to his defense like he did an admitted steroid user. That says something about Jeter, and it's not too flattering.

[stevew]

He's no Tom Brady.

He has more rings than tom Brady.

[ISiddiqui]

The one thing I don't like about Jeter is his attitude toward ARod. I just think a supposed "team leader" should be willing to put aside some comments made over 5 years earlier to try to help a teammate deal with his struggles, or come to his defense like he did an admitted steroid user. That says something about Jeter, and it's not too flattering.

That has always bothered me about Jeter. I mean A-Rod was a better defensive and offensive SS when the Yanks acquired him, but didn't say a word when he was moved to 3B. He said all the right things and has never complained about it. It seems that Jeter perhaps knows that A-Rod is the better SS overall and feels threatened by it. That's the only way I can explain it. If he can come to the defense of Giambi, why not A-Rod?

[TroyF]

And that's the thing: last night during the obligatory story about ARod's struggles, there was no mention of how ARod carried the Yankees against the Twins in the divisional round a couple of years ago. Same with the "forgotten" discussion of Jeter's failures.

Jeter's a great player and comes up with some timely hits in the postseason, but he hasn't been so much better in the post-season that I can really see the difference. It's just that his 5-5 night will always be remembered, and if he went 1-14 in the next 4 games, no one would bring that up in making the case that he wasn't clutch. Even back against the Red Sox in 2004, it was "the team stopped hitting" - until earlier this year, when ARod's stats from that series got segregated and it became all about his failure.

The one thing I don't like about Jeter is his attitude toward ARod. I just think a supposed "team leader" should be willing to put aside some comments made over 5 years earlier to try to help a teammate deal with his struggles, or come to his defense like he did an admitted steroid user. That says something about Jeter, and it's not too flattering.

What he said.

[Ksyrup]

I don't really recall what ARod said about Jeter, but I guess it was back when he was a free agent with Seattle? Whatever it was, Jeter has never forgiven him for it. And while that doesn't bother me if ARod's still with the Rangers, once the guy becomes a teammate you deal with it and move on, for the benefit of the team. And he clearly hasn't done that.

I guess it was the SI story that referred to Jeter's history of holding grudges against people, to the point where, when he was dating Mariah Carey, she did something that upset him so much that he cut off their relationship that moment and never spoke to her again. I had never heard this before, but apparently being "Jetered" is now slang in NY for completely cutting off a relationship.

[Anthony]

Arod made a comment regarding Jeter's salary, how if Jeter was making all that money then ARod had to be making more (more or less).

[ChiMatt]

He was the captain of the team that had the biggest choke job in sports history. So he has that going for him, which is nice.

[Drake]

He was the captain of the team that had the biggest choke job in sports history. So he has that going for him, which is nice.

Hahahahahaha. My inner Red Sox fan loves you.

[Crapshoot]

He's 5-5 tonight.

102 of 116 playoff games Jeter has been on base.

Is there anyone who's been a better performer in October ever? I know people here don't believe in clutch or whatever which is fine, but honestly, his numbers in October are unprecedented. Most overrated player in the MLB is the biggest joke I've ever heard.

I'm sure people are sick of a Yanks love fest but this is outrageous. He's in a class of his own.

Except of course that his postseason career numbers aren't that special.

As of 2005:

Jeter career: .317/.388/.463
Jeter PS: .307/.379/.463

So please, enough already. You may have conditioned to believe he's some sort of clutch god, but look at the facts once in a while.

More fun - in an admittedly smaller sample:

Alex Rodriguez career: .305/.386/.573
PS: .305/.393/.534

[Buccaneer]

Except of course that his postseason career numbers aren't that special.

As of 2005:

Jeter career: .317/.388/.463
Jeter PS: .307/.379/.463

So please, enough already. You may have conditioned to believe he's some sort of clutch god, but look at the facts once in a while.

More fun - in an admittedly smaller sample:

Alex Rodriguez career: .305/.386/.573
PS: .305/.393/.534


Come on, crappy, you got to let those people live in their fantasy world and not confuse them with facts. His number are UNPRECEDENTED, didn't you hear? And the best performer in October EVER!!! Nevermind looking up anything or knowing that baseball existed before 1990, that's besides the point.

[Young Drachma]

He so clutch.

Sorry, just echoing what we'll hear for the next month regardless of what he does.

[Desnudo]

Except of course that his postseason career numbers aren't that special.

As of 2005:

Jeter career: .317/.388/.463
Jeter PS: .307/.379/.463

So please, enough already. You may have conditioned to believe he's some sort of clutch god, but look at the facts once in a while.

More fun - in an admittedly smaller sample:

Alex Rodriguez career: .305/.386/.573
PS: .305/.393/.534

How about situational averages? Those stats really mean nothing without context.

Regardless of what the stats say, having watched too many Yankees-Red Sox match-ups over the years, no Yankee worries me more when they're at-bat than Jeter. That smug bastard. Then maybe Sheffield, Williams when he was good. A-Rod only worries me when they are up or down by 5 or more runs or someone is trying to tag him.

[rkmsuf]

manlove

[bulletsponge]

Come on, crappy, you got to let those people live in their fantasy world and not confuse them with facts. His number are UNPRECEDENTED, didn't you hear? And the best performer in October EVER!!! Nevermind looking up anything or knowing that baseball existed before 1990, that's besides the point.

if Jeter walked up to you would you drop your pants and bend over so he can have his way with you?

[Fidatelo]

Everyone listing his regular season numbers vs postseason is forgetting a large piece of the equation: quality of the opposing pitcher. In the post-season you are generally facing above-average to all-star quality pitching at almost every at-bat. The fact that Jeter's numbers in the post-season are equal to his regular season numbers tells me he steps it up at least a bit, no?

[rkmsuf]

I can't believe men are fighting over Derek Jeter.


Oooh, oooh pick me, pick me.

[Toddzilla]

Jeter blew off Lil' Jimmy Norden, so booooooooo Jeter.

[Ksyrup]

Everyone listing his regular season numbers vs postseason is forgetting a large piece of the equation: quality of the opposing pitcher. In the post-season you are generally facing above-average to all-star quality pitching at almost every at-bat. The fact that Jeter's numbers in the post-season are equal to his regular season numbers tells me he steps it up at least a bit, no?

Then I guess, based on the ARod regular season/post-season stats quoted above, the same applies to him, no?


Alex Rodriguez career: .305/.386/.573
PS: .305/.393/.534

[CraigSca]

Even more so, as ARod's average is EQUAL to his seasonal average, not 10 points below, like Jeter.

[CraigSca]

I tell ya who defines clutch: Mark Lemke. The little guy batted .025 points HIGHER than his career average in 232 career post season atbats!

[Logan]

Even more so, as ARod's average is EQUAL to his seasonal average, not 10 points below, like Jeter.

Sorry, but when you're quoting an average that, despite being 10 points below his regular season averge, is STILL .307, you lose the argument.

[heybrad]

Sorry, but when you're quoting an average that, despite being 10 points below his regular season averge, is STILL .307, you lose the argument.
So that makes him the greatest ever and his career unprecedented? Isn't that what's being argued in this thread?

[Logan]

So that makes him the greatest ever and his career unprecedented? Isn't that what's being argued in this thread?

No. It doesn't imply that his numbers aren't special, as Craig originally stated. Reading comprehension.

Edit: hey brad!

[Subby]

The guy is amazing. The fact that he put up those numbers over that many postseason games is impressive...and it isn't like he plays first base or leftfield. He hits this well while playing one of the more demanding defensive positions on the field.

[Logan]

The stat nerds can have all the players with the highest VORP or win shares or whatever you want to call it. I'll take Jeter and have him be the anchor on my winning club.

[Maple Leafs]

He's good, and also had the good fortune to play on a powerhouse team during the first era with three playoff rounds, which means he should hold many hits, games and at-bats records by the time he's done.

But come on, unprecedented? There are a ton of guys who have been better in the post-season than Jeter. The sample sizes are smaller, but if you're going to only compare him to guys with similar sample sizes then he basically only needs to beat Bernie Williams.

[Crapshoot]

The stat nerds can have all the players with the highest VORP or win shares or whatever you want to call it. I'll take Jeter and have him be the anchor on my winning club.

Yes, those of us who like facts instead of hyperbole are the "stats nerds." We need more John Kruk's and Tim McCarver types.

I should have listened to Buck..

[molson]

The stat nerds can have all the players with the highest VORP or win shares or whatever you want to call it. I'll take Jeter and have him be the anchor on my winning club.

That's the thing, the Jeter overhype is based on anecdotal evidence - we remember countless big hits in the playoffs. The thing is, Ray Durham or Barry Larkin would have had countless big playoff hits if they was fortunate enough to play in 116 postseason games.

[Logan]

Yes, those of us who like facts instead of hyperbole are the "stats nerds." We need more John Kruk's and Tim McCarver types.

I should have listened to Buck..

I'm sorry, but it does mean something else when a player puts up the stats Jeter does over the course of 116 postseason games. The more you play, the more the numbers level out. It's a lot easier to hit .320 over a 16 game postseason than a 116 game postseason. By the logic shown here, Carlos Beltran is the greatest postseason batter ever (please Carlos, keep it up). Some on here are knocking Jeter because he only hit .307. That's ridiculous. He's done it in high-pressure games, against the best competition, in the number of games that is equivalent to 3/4ths of a full season.

That's the thing, the Jeter overhype is based on anecdotal evidence - we remember countless big hits in the playoffs. The thing is, Ray Durham or Barry Larkin would have had countless big playoff hits if they was fortunate enough to play in 116 postseason games.

Geez...didn't know you were able to see into the future. We should call you jbmagic.

[ISiddiqui]

Some on here are knocking Jeter because he only hit .307.

You have totally missed the crux of the argument. They aren't knocking Jeter for hitting .307, they are questioning his ability to 'elevate his game in the playoffs' if his playoff numbers are lower than his regular season numbers (which is not the case for everyone).

The more you play, the more the numbers level out.

Problem is that Jeter was being held up as a "clutch" player back in the late 90s, when he had a good deal less than 116 playoff games, not just today.

[Logan]

You have totally missed the crux of the argument. They aren't knocking Jeter for hitting .307, they are questioning his ability to 'elevate his game in the playoffs' if his playoff numbers are lower than his regular season numbers (which is not the case for everyone).

But why does he need to elevate his game, if his normal (or 10 points lower) game is enough to excel and lead his team to victory?

[Maple Leafs]

But why does he need to elevate his game, if his normal (or 10 points lower) game is enough to excel and lead his team to victory?
He doesn't, unless you want to hold him up as the great clutch player of all time with unprecedented post-season success.

[sterlingice]

How about situational averages? Those stats really mean nothing without context.

But there is context to be had here. When losing 3 or 4 games out of 5 or 7 sends you home, every playoff at bat is crucial. Not only that but I suspect that if you defined a blowout with some sort of artificial ceiling (5 runs, 10 runs, whatever), there are a much lower percentage in the postseason because scoring in general is down.

SI

[st.cronin]

He's no Marty Barrett.

[Maple Leafs]

By the way, five-for-five with a HR is pretty impressive, but I find it odd that when A-Rod has a big game and the team wins easily everyone says "typical, he never comes through in the close games". But when Jeter does it, he's a hero. I thought hitting a HR in the last inning of a blowout was what we were all supposed to hate A-Rod for?

[k0ruptr]

He's no Joe Carter...

[ISiddiqui]

But why does he need to elevate his game, if his normal (or 10 points lower) game is enough to excel and lead his team to victory?

'Cause the argument made is that he elevates his game in the playoffs, which is why he is so 'clutch'.

[CraigSca]

I don't get it. With Damon on first and no one out in the first inning, Mr. Clutch does this:

D Jeter bunt popped out to catcher.

Then, with men on first and second and 2 out in the second inning he does this:

D Jeter grounded into fielder's choice to shortstop, R Cano out at second.

He doubles with no one on in the 4th...

Then, he strikes out in the 7th.

Isn't Mr. Clutch supposed to elevate his game and not leave 3 men on base in the postseason?!

[k0ruptr]

geez, lets all BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO loudly now and lash on him in the media. I can't believe the best ever player in the postseason by far could actually do that in that game today, what a bum.

[Dekanth]

When Arod signed his huge contract with Texas he was the most hated man in baseball. Now he is a Yankee and all the former haters now step up to defend him. I think this is because Yankee fans are pissed at Arod and Yankee haters like nothing more than to disagree with anything a Yankee fan has to say. Very interesting reactions in this thread.

Me; I don't hate the Yankees, nor do I love them. Its obvious that Arod is in a massive playoff slump, and it is mentally wearing on him. Just watch his body language. there is no way he gets out of this post season slump unless (1) he gets traded, or (2) he gets a lucky hit that just turns him around. I vote for #1.

As far as Jeter, he has had so many opportunities to shine in October, and I am happy I don't have a big bias against his team. I can enjoy watching one of the most well rounded, talented players in baseball since I began watching the game 20+ years ago. Most great players with the label clutch, have a defining moment (Kirk Gibson, Joe Carter, Reggie Jackson, etc.) The unique thing about Jeter is he has many defining moments (the flip, the dive into the stands, 5 for 5, the Jeffrey Maier homerun, and his patented mid-air throws) Clutch or not, nobody I can think of has so many of these defining moments. Yeah, I know he had nothing to do with the Maier homerun.

[Crapshoot]

Jeter RULZ, EVRYONE ELZE DROOLZ!~

[JeffNights]

I don't get it. With Damon on first and no one out in the first inning, Mr. Clutch does this:

D Jeter bunt popped out to catcher.

Then, with men on first and second and 2 out in the second inning he does this:

D Jeter grounded into fielder's choice to shortstop, R Cano out at second.

He doubles with no one on in the 4th...

Then, he strikes out in the 7th.

Isn't Mr. Clutch supposed to elevate his game and not leave 3 men on base in the postseason?!


Kinda boggles the mind almost eh?

[Maple Leafs]

Its obvious that Arod is in a massive playoff slump
It is?

He was bad last year, in all of 15 at-bats. Every other year, he's been great.

Good players can have a bad series. Jeter's done it a bunch of times, including slugging a mighty .233 against the Red Sox during the big choke in 2004. It happens. What makes A-Rod different? Other than having a disgraced cheating teammate attack him in the media...

[Dekanth]

It is?

He was bad last year, in all of 15 at-bats. Every other year, he's been great.

Good players can have a bad series. Jeter's done it a bunch of times, including slugging a mighty .233 against the Red Sox during the big choke in 2004. It happens. What makes A-Rod different? Other than having a disgraced cheating teammate attack him in the media...


I would ask you to take a look at his combined stats starting with game 4 of the 2004 ALCS. Including today, he is 5 for his last 40 with 2 RBI, in 11 games (or something very close to that). That's not a slump?

[rewissick]

How can you have a slump cover very, very, very small parts of 3 seasons? This is sort of the Anti-Chris Shelton effect going on, I think. I'll never understand how 'choking' in a small sample size gets so much play. I suppose it's due to the market/time of year, but still...

Probably doesn't help he's got that 252MM target on his back, but it's not like the money wasn't offered to him. What was he supposed to do? Turn it down?!?!?

[ChiMatt]

When are people going to realize that this whole Yankee team has been choking for six years now? This is not the same team that won 4 titles in 5 years. They go into the playoffs every year as the odds on favorite with the best team on paper but can't pull it out. Somehow this escapes the media who still think that Paul O'Neil, Tino Martinez, the old Bernie Williams, and Andy Petite are playing for them. None of the hired guns signed since 2001 have produced at any great lengths in the postseason and the great Derek Jeter hasn't won since it has been "his team" including the magnificent choke in 2004.

[TroyF]

When Arod signed his huge contract with Texas he was the most hated man in baseball. Now he is a Yankee and all the former haters now step up to defend him. I think this is because Yankee fans are pissed at Arod and Yankee haters like nothing more than to disagree with anything a Yankee fan has to say. Very interesting reactions in this thread.

Me; I don't hate the Yankees, nor do I love them. Its obvious that Arod is in a massive playoff slump, and it is mentally wearing on him. Just watch his body language. there is no way he gets out of this post season slump unless (1) he gets traded, or (2) he gets a lucky hit that just turns him around. I vote for #1.

As far as Jeter, he has had so many opportunities to shine in October, and I am happy I don't have a big bias against his team. I can enjoy watching one of the most well rounded, talented players in baseball since I began watching the game 20+ years ago. Most great players with the label clutch, have a defining moment (Kirk Gibson, Joe Carter, Reggie Jackson, etc.) The unique thing about Jeter is he has many defining moments (the flip, the dive into the stands, 5 for 5, the Jeffrey Maier homerun, and his patented mid-air throws) Clutch or not, nobody I can think of has so many of these defining moments. Yeah, I know he had nothing to do with the Maier homerun.

ARod wasn't hated for the contract. People may have hated the contract and Seattle fans may have been pissed he ditched the team, but I don't think a lot of people HATED ARod for it.

He then offered to lower his deal to go to Boston and the PA stepped in. I think that gave ARod some decent pub. He goes to the Yankees and a lot of people hate him because, well, he's a Yankee.

That's fine, but it'd sure be nice if his teammates weren't part of the chorus.

I hate the Yankees and watching them lose is the highlight of any post season for me. But I don't hate a majority of their individual players. I like Jeter, even though I think he's handling the ARod thing like an ass. I like Posada, Matsui, Bernie Williams, Rivera, etc. It's the team I hate, not a majority of the players. (Giambi and Sheffield being major exceptions there)

I'm actually cheering for ARod in this series. My perfect game has him hitting 3 HR and the Yankees losing 7-6 on a Jeter error in the bottom of the ninth.

[Subby]

I hate the Yankees and watching them lose is the highlight of any post season for me.
You live a rich, interesting life.

:D

[CraigSca]

Sign me up for this rich, interesting life as I'm in the same boat as Troy. If the Yankees didn't make the playoffs (and lose), I would be disappointed.

I love the fact that Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN were both saying the series was "DONE" after game 1. Good stuff!

[dawgfan]

How about situational averages? Those stats really mean nothing without context.
Not sure if you're familiar with Fangraphs.com or not; it's a relatively new technique that charts the progress of a baseball game by showing win probability after each event in the game as a graph, and by association tracks the contributions of every player towards win probability. In simpler terms, it's a means of putting value to the how much a player's actions really mean in the context of each game. For example, a grand slam home run in the 9th inning when your team is already ahead by 7 runs isn't worth nearly as much in this methodology as a grand slam home run in the 9th inning with your team down by 3 runs. In terms of ranking "clutch" performance then, fangraphs are an excellent measure.

Since 2002 (when Fangraphs started), Jeter's "Clutch" value in the postseason is actually lower than A-Rod's (though his regular season numbers are better).

[bulletsponge]

I'm actually cheering for ARod in this series. My perfect game has him hitting 3 HR and the Yankees losing 7-6 on a Jeter error in the bottom of the ninth.
__________________

hehe ditto

[Ksyrup]

I think ARod's recent lack of success is clearly related to the pressure. He was OK before, when these issues weren't on everyone's minds and the fans weren't booing him. Since the team melted down against the Sox in 2004 - which he was a part of, of course - he has been terrible in the post-season. Right now, he looks like he did in May or June when he was striking out a bunch and eventually making an error a game.

This is just another manifestation of the pressure he puts on himself. And as badly as they want to win, New Yorkers can't stop themselves from being New Yorkers, even though they probably realize that they are, in large part, causing him to fail.

He needs out of NY quickly.

[CraigSca]

Apparently, ARod is 10 for 19 lifetime against Kenny Rogers with 5 HRs. Perhaps Kenny is the cure for what ails him.

[Maple Leafs]

Apparently, ARod is 10 for 19 lifetime against Kenny Rogers with 5 HRs.
That's unprecedented!

[Young Drachma]

Boy, that Jeter. He is so clutch. We ought to make a whole brand called Clutch and make him the cover boy.

[TroyF]

You live a rich, interesting life.

:D

Hey, hating on a team and cheering for them to lose can be every bit as fun as cheering for a team. :)

What a performence from Rogers tonight. Incredible pitching. Detroit needs to seal the deal tomorrow though. I don't think they go back to NY and win one.

[SackAttack]

Hey, hating on a team and cheering for them to lose can be every bit as fun as cheering for a team. :)

What a performence from Rogers tonight. Incredible pitching. Detroit needs to seal the deal tomorrow though. I don't think they go back to NY and win one.

Hey, they already did.

But yeah, the lights of New York will shine that much brighter in a game five, and as young as the Tigers are, I could see them wilting a little bit if it gets to that point.

Still, look at their season relative to the Twins. They coasted all season, had adversity at the end, and have rebounded to put the Yanks on the brink of elimination. The Twins foundered around, got blindingly hot at the end of the regular season, and cooled off pretty abruptly at the hands of the Athletics.

This on the heels of the White Sox winning a championship after nearly choking away the Central last season. Maybe this whole "Going into the postseason hot" business ain't all it's cracked up to be.

[Crapshoot]

The fact of the matter is that the Postseason is a crapshoot... :D

[LloydLungs]

The Twins were hot for about 4 1/2 months.

Detroit has to win game 4 -- they can do it. I like their pitching matchup. But there's absolutely no way that dork Nate Robertson wins a game 5 in Yankee Stadium. I assume that's who would be pitching. There is no freakin way. Win game 4.

[Buccaneer]

Yeah, I don't get it. The Twins come on very strong at the end and then gets swept in the playoffs. The Tigers had a tailspin but now are beating the Yanks. The Cards was going through one of the worse collapses ever and limping into the playoffs but could sweep the Pads, who had been very hot the last two weeks of the season. Same thing with the Dodgers being very hot at the end. So what the @%#%!$ happened on Oct 2??!!!??

[molson]

The fact of the matter is that the Postseason is a crapshoot... :D

The 5 game series in the divisional round is crazy. Even the baseball experts analyze and predict the outcomes of the series, but baseball just isn't like other sports - the better team is going to win maybe 55% of the time in a 5 game series, making it a complete and utter crapshoot.

[clintl]

Yeah, I don't get it. The Twins come on very strong at the end and then gets swept in the playoffs. The Tigers had a tailspin but now are beating the Yanks. The Cards was going through one of the worse collapses ever and limping into the playoffs but could sweep the Pads, who had been very hot the last two weeks of the season. Same thing with the Dodgers being very hot at the end. So what the @%#%!$ happened on Oct 2??!!!??

The A's were hot the second half of the season, too, so I wouldn't lay the blame for a collapse all on the Twins.

As for the Padres and Dodgers, both teams were inconsistent as hell all year, so I don't think it's a huge surprise to see them go cold suddenly. It's been part of a well-established pattern for both.

[Brillig]

The 5 game series in the divisional round is crazy. Even the baseball experts analyze and predict the outcomes of the series, but baseball just isn't like other sports - the better team is going to win maybe 55% of the time in a 5 game series, making it a complete and utter crapshoot.

Actually, I think what this indicates is that the teams are a lot closer in strength than people really think. If one team was a 2:1 favorite over the other, that team would expect to win 79% of 5 game series. A 3:2 favorite would win 68% of 5 game series. A 5:4 favorite would win 60% of 5 game series. I suspect that even the most lopsided series tend to fall in the latter categories.

I don't think this means that the "better" team often loses short series, though. If you're the better team on that day, you'd better win. Otherwise, you're just the Yankees.

[Logan]

Otherwise, you're just the Yankees.

Ouch. :)

[stevew]

My Derek Jeter looking great in the preseason.

[Logan]

My Derek Jeter looking great in the preseason.

If you're gonna insult the guy, get the season right please.

[CraigSca]

Yes, the whole thing is a crapshoot, which is why you can't say the Braves winning 1 World Series during their stretch is a choke.

The Yanks winning as many as they did was luck.

[Ksyrup]

Yes, the whole thing is a crapshoot, which is why you can't say the Braves winning 1 World Series during their stretch is a choke.

The Yanks winning as many as they did was luck.

I blame their 4 WS wins on Mark Wohlers. Or rather, Cox bringing in Wohlers in the 8th.

[ahbrady]

He's no Joe Carter...

Maybe not, but he doesn't have Mitch Williams pitching to him either.