Captain Clutch: John Buck in September

by andrewmiller on Sep 21, 2007 10:15 AM EDT

So far in September, John Buck is batting .275/.318/.450. In his Royals career, he's never hit below .275 in September (.275 in '04, .321 in '05, .300 in '06). His composite total, in 248 AB, is .290/.327/.512, with 13 HR and 40 RBI. If he were a Yankee, we'd have heard Tim McCarver shout "Buck rhymes with clutch!" or some such nonsense.

Applying the nebulous standards of the word "clutch," this could be used as evidence for both Buck supporters and Buck bashers.

Pro side: He saves a little bit in his tank throughout the year to ensure enhanced performance during the stretch drive. The fact that the pennant race fails to materialize isn't his fault.

Anti side: Buck is actually anti-clutch, which is why he only produces when his team has been officially eliminated, making the games pressure-free and essentially meaningless.

In a more tangible corridor of the goofy "clutch" realm, here are some 2007 numbers that disprove the assertion, occasionally voiced on this site, that Buck only produces during blowouts:

Late and Close (PA in the 7th or later with the batting team tied, ahead by one, or the tying run at least on deck): .309/.356/.709

PA in games with margin >4: .196/.324/.339

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buck rhymes with clutch!

LaRue rhymes with goo

Anyone but Terry

by FireBell on Sep 21, 2007 2:27 PM EDT reply actions

imagine a world without the clutch mythology

I'd love to live there

by Freneau on Sep 21, 2007 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

The way to end the clutch mythology

Make play-by-play announcers just report what is going on in the game. And do away with color commentators. Of course this will never happen, but this would be the key to killing the myth. I really believe the constant repetition of conventional wisdom BS by sports broadcasts is biggest factor in the continuation of this mythology.