Comments on: Opinion: The Many Faces of Leadership

By: VCarver

VCarver — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:49:29 +0000

BTW, do you know Bill James isn’t considered all that relevant in the Saber community anymore?

Says who?

And that SI.com article is hardly a ringing endorsement for clutch.

Says who?

By: squad

squad — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:17:39 +0000

BTW, do you know Bill James isn’t considered all that relevant in the Saber community anymore? And that SI.com article is hardly a ringing endorsement for clutch.

By: edwin nieves

edwin nieves — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:25:02 +0000

I guess I wasn’t clear in making my comment on “Showboating”. Its OK to celebrate in side the Dugout. Its the celebrating on the field which is considered “showboating”. Even Keith Hernandez (who when last checked was an All Star ball player) mentioned that was the reason the Marlins and Nats played above their heads towards the end of last season against the Mets and leading to their demise! And yes, in refernce to the statement of what goes on in the ballfields of Latin countries I speak from expereince from watching my dad and uncles play semi-pro ball in Puerto Rico. You see in these countries games take a new meaning cause in most of them the players themselves are betting heavy money on them(Money-games they are referred to) and so the players try to pull any pysch they can.

By: VCarver

VCarver — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:45:24 +0000

TMU, I think leadership is different than what you are describing — a hustling veteran who hits in the clutch. Leaders can be pitchers as well, and it has to do with how players effect the clubhouse as well as how they set an example on the field.

Ortiz is a hustling veteran who hits in the clutch but is he a leader for the Red Sox? My guess is that he’s not.

I think there has been a leadership vacuum on the Mets, especially last year. In 2006, I think Valentin and Pedro and Floyd provided much needed leadership, but all 3 were absent last year. But this year, I think you’ll see both Wright and Beltran step it up. This is just the beginning for Beltran. He’s taking responsibility to fill the void a little.

BTW, do you know Bill James has done a 180 on the issue of clutchness. He now believes in it.

By: Another Matt

Another Matt — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:11:08 +0000

Argh! Atlanta fans are infiltrating!

Oh wait… it’s a high-tech thing, can’t be them.

Whew!

By: MetsLv31

MetsLv31 — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:10:47 +0000

I’ll agree with you here. They don’t play in a vacuum so obviously energy and excitement act as extra motivation. When you’re happy you perform better, is pretty true for anyone in any situation. I just think Jose gets an unfair, disproportionate amount of blame for last season.

By: DaWrightStuff

DaWrightStuff — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:37:46 +0000

After all those “booing” discussions, I’m so glad we have some positive news.

By: MudvilleNine

MudvilleNine — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:05:46 +0000

So in your job when your not feeling well or feeling down your work doesnt slack off a little bit? And when your feeling great you dont end up doing a little more? These are human beings who react mentally and physically to their surroundings just like anybody else. Though it is their job, it’s still a sport and a game that requires a certain mental approach. Look at the pitchers who say they were pumped up because of the excitment of the crowd. Beltran’s first year when he hit horribly at home because of all the booing and negative feelings toward him. People in here complaining because Willie doesn’t fire the team up. They think the team needs the mental boost. Dont get me wrong, I didnt say nor would say that the team would slump because Jose wasn’t excited. All I’m saying is that they play a little better and hit a little more when he’s hitting, having fun, and showing it.

By: jamie

jamie — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:52:32 +0000

how? they have essentially the same core batters (and minus bobby abreu), their pitching is arguably worse…?

By: cyclone

cyclone — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:43:20 +0000

That is such a stupid comment I don’t even know where to begin…relagating it to a latin thing? Get your head out of your ass.