Top Clutch Performances of the Week
The top clutch performances of the week are back, and as expected, it features a heavy dose of Major League Baseball.
The MLB trade deadline has shifted the way we look at certain teams. Clutch performances from National League and American League contenders are all present on this list. Not to be outdone, world soccer and one last football performance are also featured on this list.
Without further delay, here are the top clutch performances of the week.
The Texas Rangers Make Noise at the Trade Deadline
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Who: Texas Rangers catch Jonathan Lucroy
When: August 1
The Texas Rangers made sure this year's trade deadline went off without any hitches, landing outfielder Carlos Beltran from the New York Yankees, per the Rangers' Twitter feed, and catcher Jonathan Lucroy from the Milwaukee Brewers, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.
Both hauls were significant and will provide the Rangers with extra firepower heading into the home stretch of the season. Between the two of them, Lucroy and Beltran have hit 35 home runs and 114 RBI.
It was a clutch move for Texas management to procure both names near the deadline.
Scott Schebler Provides a Little Walk-Off Magic
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Who: Cincinnati Reds outfielder Scott Schebler
When: August 2 vs. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cincinnati Reds proved power can come form the most peculiar places, thanks to outfielder Scott Schebler.
An August 2 showdown against the St. Louis Cardinals turned into a coming-out party for the 25-year-old, after he ripped a game-winning, three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth.
It was a drama-inducing blast that sent the Reds' bench into pandemonium and also welcomed Schebler back into a starting role, per Cincinnati.com's Zach Buchanan.
Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets Come to Terms
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Who: New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick
When: July 27
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the New York Jets and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick reached a one-year agreement worth $12 million on July 27.
The cash haul was big for Fitzpatrick, and it finally solved the question of who will be the Jets' quarterback entering the 2016 season. It has to be settling for a guy who threw 31 touchdowns and passed for 3,905 yards in 2015 to get a deal done. Despite his positive numbers, we should note, Fitzpatrick also tossed 15 interceptions.
No matter what he does this season, it was clutch for both sides to reach a deal. The Jets have a gifted roster and putting Fitzpatrick back under center was the missing piece of that puzzle.
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The New York Yankees Look Toward the Future
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Who: New York Yankees
When: August 1
The New York Yankees wasted no time selling off as many assets as they could during the MLB trade deadline. It's not a typical New York move, but the Yanks' decision to clear the contracts of Carlos Beltran, Aroldis Chapman, Ivan Nova and Andrew Miller has helped bolster this team's farm system.
Jim Callis of MLB.com even went as far as to say the Bronx Bombers now "have arguably the best and deepest farm system in the game."
At 53-53, it took a lot of pride and forward-thinking to make these types of moves. Hopefully they pay off in the long run.
Life Gets Better in Los Angeles
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Who: Los Angeles Dodgers
When: August 1
Another winner of the MLB's yearly trade deadline turned out to be the Los Angeles Dodgers. Battling for supremacy in the National League West, the Dodgers' acquired both Rich Hill and Josh Reddick from the Oakland Athletics, per Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan.
Taking two talents from the northern part of the state was a smart decision in order to keep pace with the San Francisco Giants. Hill has been impressive on the mound so far, posting a 9-3 record, a 2.25 ERA and fanning 90 hitters. Reddick, for his part, is hitting .291. His ability to get on base is a significant boost for the Dodgers' outfield.
Both moves were clutch and needed. If the Dodgers want to get into the postseason, they're going to need Hill and Reddick to step up and put numbers on the board.
Munir El Haddadi Leads Barcelona Past Leicester City
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Who: Barcelona forward Munir El Haddadi
When: August 3 vs. Leicester City
Barcelona returned to action against Leicester City for the 2016 International Champions Cup and put on an offensive clinic.
The 4-2 takedown of Leicester City was in part thanks to Munir El Haddadi. His two goals—one in the 26th minute and the second at the 45-minute mark—put Barcelona ahead for good.
It's a big moment for the 20-year-old, who only netted three goals in total during La Liga's 2015-16 campaign. If he keeps this up, Barcelona will be thanking the soccer Gods they re-upped his contract in July, per Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC.
The New York Mets Trade for Jay Bruce
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Who: New York Mets outfielder Jay Bruce
When: August 1
The MLB trade deadline was mighty active this year. Even the New York Mets jumped in, trading for former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce.
Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball was the man who first reported the deal, officially putting the National League's RBI leader with the Metropolitans.
The move comes at an important time for the Mets. This team is one year removed from the World Series, and at 55-51, they've grossly underperformed this season.
Perhaps Bruce, his 25 home runs and 80 RBI can finally help turn things around for this club.
Salvador Perez Carries the Kansas City Royals
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Who: Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez
When: August 2 vs. Tampa Rays
Game-winning hits don't always come in the ninth inning or later. On August 2, Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez hit a two-run shot that put his team up for good over the Tampa Rays—the final score turned out to be 3-2.
It hasn't been easy for the defending World Series champs. A 51-55 record has this team outside of the playoff picture. But if you could find a few bright spots, one of them has been the power surge from Perez. His 16 home runs and 47 RBI are on pace with his consistent numbers—Perez hit 21 home runs and drove in 70 runs last year.
When it’s all said and done, clutch hitting, even for a team below .500, is still clutch hitting.
Rasheed Wallace Gives Back to the People of Flint
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Who: Rasheed Wallace
When: August 1
Rasheed Wallace may no longer be an active NBA player, but that hasn't taken away his ability to come up with clutch performances.
On August 1, Wallace came up big in a way that went beyond the realm of sports. The deed was brought to life by ESPN's Rachel Nichols. Her Facebook video showcased Wallace buying stocks of water and delivering them to the people of Flint, Michigan. Along with Stephen Jackson and Nichols, the trio supplied a ton of water to a city in desperate need.
This performance outshines every other one we've mentioned. Thanks for being a good guy, Sheed. The world needs more people like you.
All stats, box scores and information via Sports-Reference.com, unless noted otherwise.
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