Posted By:
Al C.risafulliA-Rod made the silly mistake of accepting a lot of money for doing what he does.
As a result, he gets hammered for not hitting 8-run home runs every time he steps up to the plate. The reality is that until the 2005 postseason, he was an excellent postseason performer. His postseason batting averages were strong, and his slugging numbers were outstanding. And because of 19 outs (he made 6 outs in the 2005 postseason, and 13 outs in the 2006 postseason), he gets labeled a "loser."
I suspect that A-Rod will hit .300 this season, with 45 home runs and 120 RBI. He'll score 100 runs and steal 25 bases, have an on base percentage over .400, and an OPS near 1.000. And Yankee fans will still wish for Nettles or Brosius, becuase despite the .250 batting average and 80 RBI those guys were good for, they were "winners."
Scott Brosius' postseason batting average was .245. He hit 8 home runs and drove in 30 runs in 58 games.
Graig Nettles' postseason batting average was .225. He hit 5 home runs and drove in 27 runs in 53 games.
A-Rod's postseason batting average is .280. He's hit 6 home runs and driven in 16 runs in 35 games.
I'll take A-Rod and his massive upside.
-Al