Stealing the Show: Why Twins Should Prioritize Stolen Bases in 2024

[High heat]

14 hours ago, Doctor Wu said:

Does Julien really have the speed to be a stolen base threat? I honestly have no idea, just wondering out loud. 

Well he stole 34 bases in 2021 and 19 in 22.  Yes that’s in the minors and he isn’t likely a huge threat but will probably steal 10 or more if healthy.

[Major League Ready]

On 10/24/2023 at 9:53 PM, terrydactyls said:

Julien came up through the system with robo umps.  He hasn't adjusted to the terrible umpiring in the major leagues.i

It's an impossible task with the velocity and movement today.  We will see the challenge system or automated strike zone in the not-too-distant future.   The new rule changes have really improved the game leaving this problem front and center.  

BTW .... I think Julien is really going to be an on base machine when the system is changed.  He gets called out quite a bit on pitches that narrowly miss the zone.

[Major League Ready]

20 hours ago, Otaknam said:

Rocco has shown some growth in two areas: more base stealing and letting starters go deeper. They even had a complete game! In past years they relied on power, not speed, even when a fast runner was on base. So it’s good to see some movement towards adding speed to the game plan. That said, they seldom did hit and run, aspect of adding speed to the game plan. Let’s hope the speed trend continues, and they can start that by signing the super sub Castro.

It has nothing to do with Rocco.  Our pitching was better so he let them go longer.  We got Willi Castro and MAT.  They stole bases.  

[Doctor Wu]

On 10/26/2023 at 9:19 AM, High heat said:

Well he stole 34 bases in 2021 and 19 in 22.  Yes that’s in the minors and he isn’t likely a huge threat but will probably steal 10 or more if healthy.

Thanks for those stats. I didn't realize he had been that fleet of foot in the minors. Gives me hope!

[stringer bell]

Speed isn't the be-all and end-all. Acuna led the majors in steals and his sprint speed is good, but not elite. Julien has been measured at slightly above average in sprint speed, but apparently displayed the knack to steal bases in the minors. For the Twins, I believe he was limited most of the season by leg miseries that pretty much ruled him out from trying to steal. 

I was a bit disappointed in Julien's base running beyond the lack of stolen bases. He seldom took the extra base and was picked off or made outs on the bases an inordinate number of times (IMHO).

[2-6CS]

Stealing significantly more bases I think is going to be a challenge when you look at our roster.  Our shortstop is self-described as slow as F. Our 2nd baseman(s) are aging with injury history and younger with below average speed.  And our front office likes slugging corner outfielders.  And if we are super lucky our center fielder is fast as F but injury risk isn't worth the stolen base benefit.  

With the right players healthy I think we can see an uptick in stolen bases but I wouldn't expect much more than that!

 

[Linus]

6 hours ago, 2-6CS said:

Stealing significantly more bases I think is going to be a challenge when you look at our roster.  Our shortstop is self-described as slow as F. Our 2nd baseman(s) are aging with injury history and younger with below average speed.  And our front office likes slugging corner outfielders.  And if we are super lucky our center fielder is fast as F but injury risk isn't worth the stolen base benefit.  

With the right players healthy I think we can see an uptick in stolen bases but I wouldn't expect much more than that!

 

This. If they try to steal more with this lineup we are going to see a bunch of caught stealings. I would be happy with fewer base running blunders as a more realistic goal. If the lineup turns over more than more stolen bases might be possible