Many sabermetricians downplay the value of RBI, pointing out that the statistic hinges on opportunity and preferring instead to focus on rate stats such as on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

The Yankees’ Joe Girardi, a manager well-versed in metrics, takes more of an old-school view on this particular topic. Girardi describes Mark Teixeira as “a true RBI” guy, adding there is an “art” to driving in runs.

Teixeira, Girardi said, reacts differently to different situations, and his success at times stems from not trying to do too much. If a sacrifice fly is required, Teixeira will settle for a sacrifice fly, the sure RBI.

Sabermetricians long have debated whether clutch hitting is an actual skill, or even exists at all. No question, certain hitters get far more chances than others with runners in scoring position, helping produce a greater number of RBI. But Girardi’s explanation makes sense, too.

Girardi's explanation "makes sense"? Under what circumstance is a SF better than a hit?

In his career with a runner on third and less than two outs, Teixeira selfishly has 115 hits, 74 walks, 13 HBP, and only 56 sac flies.

Teixeira, Girardi said, reacts differently to different situations, and his success at times stems from not trying to do too much. If a sacrifice fly is required, Teixeira will settle for a sacrifice fly, the sure RBI.

I'm all for the idea of situational hitting and guys being able to accomplish different things more in tune with the moment. The thing is we have the ability to do the research on this. Shouldn't it be relatively easy to see Teixeira's fly ball rate in those situations compared to ordinary situations and determine if he really is adapting? I mean hey, a sac fly is better than a strikeout, agreed. How tough can it be to show that a player is in fact able to make those adjustments?

Girardi's explanation "makes sense"? Under what circumstance is a SF better than a hit?

Where did Girardi say a SF is better than a hit? It seems Girardi is saying a SF* is better than trying to do too much and striking out (or popping up, I suppose), thus leaving that guy on third base. And in that sense, he's absolutely right.

* Whether Mark Teixeira is actually better at sac flying in those situations is another matter.

Girardi's explanation "makes sense"? Under what circumstance is a SF better than a hit?

Man on 3rd in a tie game in the ninth. I'd take a SF over an infield hit that fails to advance the runner.

Shouldn't it be relatively easy to see Teixeira's fly ball rate in those situations compared to ordinary situations and determine if he really is adapting? I mean hey, a sac fly is better than a strikeout, agreed. How tough can it be to show that a player is in fact able to make those adjustments?

His fly ball : ground ball ratio does go up in sac fly situations, both those are a small percent of his overall career PA.

Mark Teixeira: 6878 Plate Appearances in Career-2014

Batted Ball Type

Not (785 BB / 1194 K / 102 HBP)         2081
                    Ground Ball         1854
                       Fly Ball         1554
                     Line Drive          962
                        Pop Fly          427

EDIT: 56 SF

Mark Teixeira: 437 Plate Appearances in Career-2014, less than 2 outs and 3rd Occupied

Batted Ball Type

Not (74 BB / 48 K / 13 HBP)          135
                   Fly Ball          107
                Ground Ball          106
                 Line Drive           61
                    Pop Fly           28

EDIT: 56 SF

Mark Teixeira: 188 Plate Appearances in Career-2014, less than 2 outs, score tied or down 1 runs and 3rd Occupied

Batted Ball Type

Not (33 BB / 20 K  / 8 HBP)     61
                   Fly Ball     52
                Ground Ball     41
                 Line Drive     24
                    Pop Fly     10

EDIT: 24 SF