What if Gwynn Rakes?

[DuWayne Steurer]

Perception is also incredibly contextual.

 

If Joe Hitter is 0-4 with 7 stranded runners coming into his last at bat, then comes up in the 9th with 2 out and the winning run out at 2nd and drives him in, a few weeks later what you'll remember is the game winning hit.

 

If Joe hitter then in a later game goes 3-4 with 3 RBI, then strikes out in the 9th with tying runs on in a 9-8 loss, you'll hear or remember that he "failed to deliver when it mattered".

 

And with defense, perception is often even more problematic. If a guy is defensively average (let's say Gwynn), and only plays in the OF 20 games, then makes an awesome catch or leaping grab, that's even more memorable. It doesn't take more than a few great plays for a defender to get labelled as above average, even if he's no better than average in reality.

 

How long did Jeter live off of that play vs. the A's in the playoffs?

[Baldkin]

Or his 47 "running to the hole, jump and throw to first" plays.

 

Just because any average SS makes that play backhand, planted, and throws the guy out by 2 steps.