Who will steal the most bases in 2009?

[henks]

Is it going to be someone we expect? or someone out of nowhere?

Discuss.

[love_that_reefer]

It was a tough call for me but went with Ellsbury. He is focused and has said he wants the MLB single season record for SBs. It was a tough call for me because I think Crawford has rededicated himself this year and is prime for a huge season but he might come up short of the younger Ellsbury.

[cjkalt]

God forbid if ellsbury could start hitting, the # of SB would just be ridiculous

[NYgiantsfan5689]

^ exactly why i didn't pick him

[realmofotalk]

No contest. JP has gone Beast Mode.

[missionhockey21]

^ Fantastic picture.

I picked Taveras. His success rate was great last year when he nearly hit 70 SB's with such a low OBP. You might not be able to steal 1st, but Baker has to be giddy getting him (as I imagine it was his desired target) so I can see him being very aggressive with how he uses Taveras no matter what his OBP is.

[Providence A's]

wait, there are still steals in MLB?

[DiamondDave]

Watch out for Adam Jones on the O's if he ups that average closer to .300 and stays in the 2 hole in the lineup... him and Roberts could be a nice base stealing Duo.. ESPECIALLY since the O's need anything positive for showcasing people on the team.. with that pitching, it ain't gonna come from wins.. so maybe expect the coaching staff to let people free for SB's, swinging for the fences, etc

[cjkalt]

wait, there are still steals in MLB?

+rep

[Witlon]

Initial thought was Gomez, but now that I've thought about it, I'll go with Michael Bourn.

He stole 41 bases with a .288 OBP last year. Can he really be that bad this year? I don't think so.

[Kingdom]

He's that bad.

[nick]

Watch out for Adam Jones on the O's if he ups that average closer to .300 and stays in the 2 hole in the lineup... him and Roberts could be a nice base stealing Duo.. ESPECIALLY since the O's need anything positive for showcasing people on the team.. with that pitching, it ain't gonna come from wins.. so maybe expect the coaching staff to let people free for SB's, swinging for the fences, etc

Gotta agree with you on Jones.... I think he's gonna be really good. Chance he steals 40+ this year, but 20-30 is more likely I'd say. Nonetheless, if he keeps his weight in check these next few years, as he becomes more disciplined as a player and his numbers everywhere else improve, I don't see why baserunning can't either. He certainly gets a good jump...

Dave, is Felix Pie still going to be starting for you guys? If he is, he's another guy who could definitely steal atleast 20-25 this year if given the sufficient playing time. Can only wish him the best... was my favorite Cub for the past few seasons.

[Slyder]

Tavares says his goal is 100 for the season. Which to me sounds like he's going to be off and running often and running into even more pickoffs, caught stealings, etc and further diminishing any value as his struggles to keep his obp above .310 and reds fans are left scratching their heads as Duhhhsty will continue to make excuses and give WT as many opportunities as possible until its too late and the 09 season ends like the 08 for the reds... in major disappointment.

[love_that_reefer]

Nick,
Pie was never starting for the O's and won't be after a horrid spring.

[DiamondDave]

Nick,
Pie was never starting for the O's and won't be after a horrid spring.

I have to agree... he is a project... they love that potential.. but he has to show something.. .right now he'll be an occasional starter and probably hit out of the #8 position when he does start