Tonight at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, the Red Sox and Yankees began the last series they will ever have in the old place. ARod had one of his worst games ever – going 0-for-5 at the plate with two GIDPs and shakey play defensively – in the Sox 7-3 win. He was also on the receiving end of a Bronx Cheer on more than one ocasion. It went on all night until the fans were so disgusted they fled, around the eighth inning.

This preformance and this reaction once again brings the question of Alex Rodriguez’ ability to “hit in the clutch” to the forfront. Yes, we are here again friends.

The perception is that Rodriguez was awesome with runners in scoring position last year and terrible this year.

2007 with RISP: 1.138 OPS
2008 with RISP: .824 OPS (Coming into tonight)

Given the numbers, the perception is somewhat accurate. But, if those numbers fit with his career numbers can we chalk it up as normal fluctuation?

Career with RISP: .957 OPS
Career: .969 OPS

I think we can.

So, fans, don’t boo Alex and his .992 OPS, which is 2nd in th American League, boo the law of baseball averages or the fact that injuries have decimated the Yankees pitching staff. I know Alex is fighting it right now, but please he’s like the 20th thing wrong with this team right now. Putting all the blame on him is unfair.