AJC Article: Run, Braves, Run!

Tapate50

Tapate50

Well-known member
AJC article got me thinking about how this lineup is constructed. We have guys that are very capable base stealers and we are on a pace behind last year for total SBs. I have to wonder if the FO philosophy of not risking SBs is overtaking what should be a strength of this lineup? Putting pressure on the defense with runners in motion (while not a great strategy ALL the time) should be on the table a little more than it is now. Food for thought.
 
Well the Uptons, Bonifacio, Heywood and Schafer combined for 75 steals last year for us. Our best base stealers are still in the minors. Peraza/Mallex Smith should combine for 100 once they are up.
 
cajunrevenge said:
Well the Uptons, Bonifacio, Heywood and Schafer combined for 75 steals last year for us. Our best base stealers are still in the minors. Peraza/Mallex Smith should combine for 100 once they are up.
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I doubt it. We haven't tried to steal much historically under Fredi. Maybin and Young should have stolen a lot more than they have so far.
 
smootness said:
I doubt it. We haven't tried to steal much historically under Fredi. Maybin and Young should have stolen a lot more than they have so far.
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Maybin has been batting 8th, you get less chances to steal batting 8th. While Young cannot get on base enough to steal much. But you're right about Fredi, it's just part of it is how he sets the line-up. Plus there have been times we could've used Young as a pinch runner to steal second late in a game but didn't do so.
 
Fredi used Bourn a lot to steal bases. I'm not overly worried about him being hesitant to send Smith and Peraza.
 
With 3 of our best prospects games revolving around stolen bases I think they will find a new manager if they have to. EYJ should really be used as a pinch runner.
 
We don't run. Haven't in 10-15 years. Fredi ran in Florida. Seems like part of "The Braves Way." Lots of guys run more before and after. Fat Upton has 8 bags for the Padres.
 
Yeah he wasnt really into it, and its never been a Braves thing other than when we had the Loftons and Furcals. Just not our MO.
 
If we don't incorporate more agressiveness on the base paths then a huge strength of the organization is ignored. If that happens then I will question the overall competency of the organization. I still hold out hope that once Peraza is up we are going to see players start to run more.
 
In order to run, run, run you have to get on base, get on base, get on base.

Cox ran a lot with Gant, Nixon, Sanders, but then we went back to the 1960s-1970s Orioles' blueprint of Dr. Longball. I think Fredi would--and probably will--run more as the team gains experience. As others have said, we have some wheels in the minors in Perez, Peraza, and Smith.
 
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