I'm a big stats guy but I'm an even bigger observer of abstract historical considerations. Blame my History training. In this light, I wasn't sure if I wanted to go with this piece as my second submission to Blogcritics.
The timing too is a little off seeing that baseball is over and football season is in full flight. However, this little gem of a thought just entered my little head and it could not be resisted. Humour me.
The uneasy existence between the New York Yankees and Alex Rodriguez has been a heated topic of discussion among New Yorkers. Much has been said about A-Rod and it is now time to consider some hard truths. Let a Canadian (I'm from Montreal) be a moderate voice for you all. Baseball is a game of statistics, so why not use them to make a point?
One of the biggest knocks against the personality-challenged Rodriguez (and Barry Bonds for that matter) is postseason performance. True, it may not be up to par with Rodriguez and his high regular season standards, but is it really that bad?
The comparison to Derek Jeter is too easy. Forget that. Let's dip into history. Let's say, oh I don't know, the 1960s. Hmm, but which two players to compare? I got it! Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. Two of that era's greatest icons.
We're all familiar — ok, maybe not all but most have an idea, and if not, here's the short version: the numbers were solid — with their regular season stats. So shall we dive straight into the postseason?
(By the way, I am aware that the 1960s were a pitcher's era where pitching inside was the norm. Treat this merely as food for thought.)
First up is Mays. Say Hey played in six postseasons and 25 games. His career numbers are:
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