Quote:
|
Are you comparing "veteran mentors" with clutch?
|
Yes, in the sense that I don't think it's actually measurable. Human beings react differently when they're in more stressful situations. Some people probably do handle being a closer better than others, but there's very little statistical correlation over long periods of time. Probably because skill and talent balances it out.
Quote:
|
You don't think adding a Greg Maddux or a Barry Larkin to your team helps the young players? It doesn't even have to be young players that are helped. Players learn from each other all of the time. Look at Kerry Wood last year picking up the cutter from Mariano Rivera. I don't think its any different than having an extra pitching, bench, or hitting coach that can mentor one or two particular players and bring the benefits that any OOTP coach currently gives to a player.
|
I'm not saying it doesn't help and I agree with you here--except it doesn't HAVE to be a veteran player. You don't think any Giant hitters could learn something from Buster Posey about hitting? I know Panda swings at everything, but maybe he could give some tips of plate coverage.
My point is there's no way to put a single rating on it. Now, if you want to suggest maybe players can pick up traits from other players (pitchers picking up pitches, for example) then I'm all for it.
Mike Sweeney is a guy who hung around at least five years longer than he should've because he was a nice guy with "veteran presence," but I see no evidence that he actually helped any individual player in the long run.