The individual disappointments from the perspective of club decision makers include Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano ("terrible on offense and defense'' this year, according to one AL executive), and doesn't nearly stop there. It even extends to Alex Rodriguez, whose numbers don't look all that disappointing. A-Rod actually possesses the AL's second best OPS at .992 (to Milton Bradley's 1.029) but has come up limp in the clutch.Personally, I don't think it's the off-field distractions that's effective A-Rod in clutch situations. I just think he's been pressing in these spots.He may be partially a victim of high standards, his otherworldy 2007 season and his second gargantuan contract, this one for $275 guaranteed plus $30 million in makeable incentives. But A-Rod is batting only .244 with runners in scoring position, so that stat line of .309, 28 homers and 78 RBIs isn't quite what it seems.
Club higherups are concerned enough about A-Rod that they are even wondering aloud whether his off-field distractions are affecting his play. But while he hasn't been his best, to be sure, this team has far bigger worries than A-Rod, like missing the playoffs for the first time since 1993.
If his off-field distractions were really hurting his play, it would be hurting his play all around and not just with runners in scoring position.
He didn't have these distraction in 2006 and couldn't hit in clutch situations either. Last year, he did have distractions (stripper from Miami), but hit a ton with RISP.
2 Comments:
A-Rod's distractions have nothing to do with why he's a choker.
Maybe it's all the whiner fans like the guy above me who've been on his back since he joined the team about clutch this and clutch that. Just speculating.
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