The Clutch (and anti-Clutch)

In every sport there is the one guy that you know is going to produce in the clutch. The historical names are pretty easy to generate. No one was ever more clutch than basketball's Michael Jordan. Hockey's Claude Lemieux (no relation to Mario), just had a knack for scoring important playoff goals (for every team he played on). With 2 minutes left on the clock, up by 6, no defensive back wanted John Elway or Joe Montana lining up on the other side of the line of scrimmage. On the other hand, there are also those players that have a history of disappearing when their teams need them the most. Ron Hextall's 5-hole always seemed bigger in the big games. Phillies fans still have nightmare's of Jim Fregosi handing the ball to Mitch Williams in the World Series. Its unfair to have Scott Norwood on the list for one missed kick, but it did cost his team the Super Bowl. I have devised my lists of the most clutch current players and the anti-clutch current players. Please feel free to add your own.

CLUTCH

Golf - This is a no-brainer. Tiger Woods might be the most clutch golfer ever.

Tennis - Roger Federer simply does not lose (except the occasional lose to Nadal, typically on clay). There is a reason Federer and Woods hang out together.

Hockey - Martin Brodeur. Simply put, goaltending wins in the playoffs and there is not goaltender I would rather have in that situation that Martin Brodeur. Brodeur ranks up there with Patrick Roy as one of the best to ever play the game. The Devils were mostly able to survive the retirement of Scott Stevens, I don't know how they will survive when Brodeur finally hangs up his skates.

Baseball - Here's the thing. The obvious answer is Derek Jeter. The Yankees have just won the World Series too many times, and Jeter has just been the player who seems to make the plays that helps them win. I happen to think that a lot of it is just hype, but I can't think of anyone who belongs here more than DJ. Mariano would have had a chance but he has been on the mound when the Yanks lost a world series, and when they lost a 3-0 lead to Boston. I still think he is one of the most dominant closers to ever pitch, but he can't compete in the Mr. Clutch competition.

Basketball - This is not my area of expertise, and I can't think of any one player who belongs in this category. I can see an argument for Kobe or Jason Kidd. I will rely on people more informed than me on this one.

Football - When I first started thinking about this, I dreaded the fact that I was going to put Tom Brady down. However, the more I thought about it, the more I think it is a different Patriot who gets the gold. All of Tom's Brady successes have 1 thing in common, Adam Vinitiari. Tom Brady is a great QB. However, he has gotten a lot of help. The tuck rule and Adam V's heroics got him his first one. Adam V. got him his second one. The entire time he has had the mad genius cooking up his defense. Heck, even in the win over the Chargers, it wasn't Brady who saved the day, but an incredibly smart Troy Brown (this is a subject for another diary, but that play by Brown just shows what kind of players they have in NE!!). At the same time, Adam V. has lined up by himself, sometimes in the snow, sometimes in a dome, but always with the game on the line and nailed the kick. With the game on the line and within 50 yards, seeing Adam V lining up for the kick would make me cry if I were the opposing team. I know it is tough to give the award to a kicker, but too many important games have been won on his foot.

The Anti-Clutch

Golf - Phil Mickelson had this one all wrapped up until he went a won a major. He has been playing so well lately that the award is going to go to Greg Norman who won a lot less than he should have, or Jean Van de Velde, who was a relative nobody who had the British Open all sewed up only to choke in one of the greatest chokes in golf history.

Tennis - Ok. This one comes from women's tennis. The answer is easily Anna Kournikova. So much hype so few victories. Not only that, but her only attribute was that she was the best looking woman on the tour which she ceased to be once Maria Sharapova joined the tour.

Hockey - It is tough to single out a particular hockey player who is "un-clutch." I mean, it was easy to point out Ron Hextall, like I said, because he always seemed to give up a bad goal at a bad time. The best I can come up with recently is Eric Lindros. Now, Lindros did have some good playoffs. From 1994 to 1997 he averaged at least a point per game in the playoffs. However, he never led his team to a Stanley Cup win, was part of multiple Flyers collapses, and was one of many victims of Scott Stevens' playoff intensity. A quick look at his statistics reveals that Lindros, who came into the league hyped like no one before, hasn't even been to the playoffs since 2000.

Baseball - my original image is Kenny Rogers walking in the winning run in an extra inning playoff game. However, his record in last years playoffs might have saved him the indignity of be Mr. Anti-clutch. Maybe I am tainted by recent events, but Alex Rodriguez has to be considered Mr. Anti-clutch right now. His last 3 playoff series he has hit .258, .133, and .071, with a total of 2 HRs and 5 RBIs. All one need to do is compare those playoff numbers to his paycheck and its a pretty easy conclusion. I wonder if ever before in history Mr. Clutch played right next to Mr. Anti-clutch.

Basketball - My basketball answer is going to be a little bit of a cheat. Again, it might just be my lack of knowledge about basketball, but my Mr. Anti-clutch does not fail in the playoffs because he can't lead his team to the playoffs. The fact of the matter is that every team Stephon Marbury leaves gets immediately better and every team Marbury goes to gets remarkably worse.

Football – He gets another chance this weekend, but right now the answer has to be Peyton Manning. Thus far, the Colts have won this playoff year despite Manning. Manning has been stellar throughout the regular seasons, leading an offensive juggernaut. However, he has consistently failed to get things done in the playoffs, including a shutout by my beloved Jets. Manning’s big game failures date back to college. Manning has more talent than any other QB in the league. However, until he wins a Super Bowl, or at least gets to one, he will just be an example of why talent alone is not enough in the NFL.