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Originally Posted by kutulu
As to him not being a clutch player, there is no such thing as a "clutch player". It's a myth perpetuated by those who want to prop up less talented players. There's all sorts of split stats people use to evaulate the 'clutchness' of a player and they are all crap. The sample sizes are small and you need several years of data in order to get the equivalent of a full season of AB's in those situations. By that time, most players' numbers in those situations converge to career averages. There are outliers of course, but they are not common.
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Statistically, your argument makes good sense. However, 'clutch play' is not really something that should be measured by statistics. I suppose your entire argument is based on that fact though, that when measured, a "clutch player" really doesn’t exist. However, you say yourself that "most players' numbers in those situations converge to career averages. There are outliers of course, but they are not common". That statement acknowledges that there are outliers, so it really isn’t a myth right? Maybe overemphasized instead? Crunch the numbers and maybe a clutch player doesn't exist, but I want Derek Jeter at bat when the money is on the line. Don't give my Gary Sheffield though; I don't think he will convert.
In addition, clutch hitting could be viewed as putting the ball in play, extending the at bat. These things have an affect on the result, and I think they are characteristics of a "clutch player". In basketball, you can look at a player’s field goal percentage and free throws made in the final couple of minutes to see how much of a clutch player he is, but that is not a commonly accepted stat. As a fan you just know who is clutch, you know who makes big shots, and who you want to have the ball in their hands at the end of the game. Kobe Bryant shoots a lot in the 4th quarter, especially when his team is coming from behind. He obviously misses a lot too, and comes up short often. I believe statistically he doesn't rank as a clutch player according to a stat I vaguely recall from ESPN's NBA Fastbreak earlier this year. However, if I could choose one player to have down the stretch of a game, I would pick him. I have seen him do it time and time again. Regardless of what the stats say, that’s who I would want.