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We have some decent speed with Reed, Vernon, Royce and even Hill, and though last year we didn't even make a true effort to steal bases it seems it's more in our mindset this year.

I believe one of the keys to victory in the season opener was the stolen bases as it put our runners into scoring position on a 12 time (I think) Gold Glove Winner behind the plate. If we can steal 2/2 against Pudge, we can do it against the entire AL.

Obviously stealing bases has its downfall, aka more outs. but do you think over the long run it will help us win or lose more games?

I don't think it fits in with current roster. Why take the chance of taking the bat out of the hands of guys like Glaus, Wells, Thomas, Rios, Overbay, etc?

At the same time, it is situational. In a tie game with the bottom of the order coming up, you have to take the chance if a runner gets on. Also, you see a lot more strategizing in the NL with one of the spots being taken by the pitchers which can sometimes be absolute rally killers.

I disagree with rd here, as I think it is a plus especially with our lineup. Even though we have a lot of home run threats, if they arent going out of the park they are driving it to the outfield. You wont see anyone score from first on a long single, but our quicker guys can score from 2nd.

You do have to pick your spots. You dont want to try it out in the late innings when the other team can just intentionally walk the batter when 1st becomes open to keep the double play in check.

I think that we should run less, not more. No need to run ourselves out of innings when our 'speedsters' are marginal but we have a lot of power in the order.

It doesn't sound exciting but waiting for the 3-run homer is still a sound strategy with this team.

The_Hater wrote:I think that we should run less, not more. No need to run ourselves out of innings when our 'speedsters' are marginal but we have a lot of power in the order.

It doesn't sound exciting but waiting for the 3-run homer is still a sound strategy with this team.

That's key...none of the guys on our roster are going to steal 40 bases (we didn't even have anyone steal 20 last season). I think a lot of our current players have larger frames (or bodies) and although they are quick it takes them a while to get going or their speed is generated by their longer legs.

It's a different situation if you have someone that can cause chaos on the basepaths like a Reyes, Pierre, or Ramirez. These guys just have a natural basestealing ability.

i don't really consider Reed Johnson a "speeder"... he's the type of guy who does anything possible to get on base.....

I'm going to agree with most here by saying that we don't need to steal bases to score runs. We have powerd in the middle and when the top or the bottom of the line up guys steal bases it opens up a base to get around guys like Glaus, Thomas and Wells to get to guys like Zaun, Clayton and Hill

I'd like to see what Clayton can do on the basepaths (I'm really not too familiar with his abilities) but I don't think I want Reed Johnson trying to steal bases. He's not what I'd consider a speedster.

We need TJ Ford to do some base stealing

You don't need to be a speed demon to steal bases; a lot of it is IQ, jump timing, the pitcher's delivery and catchers arm.

Interesting article in the Star about our base stealing today

I love situational baseball so I think stealing is a great thing to have in a team's arsenal.

With all the big bats in our lineup I don't think there will be an increase of SBs for the Jays this season. In past seasons we resorted to playing smallball more and manufacturing runs but this year I'd rather have our sluggers drive them in. I'd like to have a little more speed in our lineup but I'm happy with what we have.

rdua wrote:I don't think it fits in with current roster.

Invert that.

Reed Johnson did steal a lot of bases in the minors, IIRC. Obviously, once he came to the bigs he went to a team that didn't want to run, but he still might be able to steal 20+ if given the green light. By biggest thing with SB's is the percentage. In 1998, Tim Johnson used to give the green light to everyone. Jose Canseco hurt the team every time he got on base due to his quest to be 30/30. He stole 29 bases but had a 63% success rate. Considering he was hitting ahead of Delgado, it made no sense and ran the team out of potentially big innings for no reason.

My suggestion: be economical with the base stealing. Use the right guy and use the right situation. Don't run yourself out of innings. We don't have a Carl Crawford type.

This isn't a strength for the jays... sure we have guys that COULD steal bases but why take the chance when we have such good bats?

I wouldn't mind seeing a few more hit and run plays but with Glaus and Thomas there either HR or K most of the time... especially with Glaus so that makes it even harder to run if the guys not going to make contact with the ball...

Just a risk not worth taking too much this year IMO

Why take the risk? Well, why think that every at bat will be a home run? Singles and doubles are more frequent and you need guys in scoring position to score on those.

I am not saying steal at every opportunity, pick your spots. Pick the appropriate player and time to do so.