Swiper, No Swiping: Will Bigger Bases Alter Offseason Planning?

I mean could you imagine how many SB Ricky Henderson would've had if he has larger bases? But I do agree that with the larger bases, the throw over limit, and the pitch clock starting, I think teams are going to start utilizing more defensive catchers first. Soon enough their bats aren't going to carry them to a MLB team, unless they plan on switching positions. And as I stated in a previous article, I would honestly prefer the catcher to be more of a defensive specialist behind the plate. 

We need to work on all aspects against base stealing 1st we need a catcher that can throw out a runner & pitchers. & teach players how to steal a base (a lost art), a base stealer really shakes up a pitcher. With a deader ball we need to take every advantage.

IMO a stolen base helps rally a team. So yes crank up the base stealing machine & learn to shut down the competitor. Baseball is back.

The pitcher can go over a 3rd time, but an unsuccessful attempt results in a basically a balk as the runner gets bumped

I expect stolen bases to go up some, but not just because bases are larger, but that should help a little, I mean how often does it come down to just an inch or two?  Where I think the rule changes will be the step offs and pitch count will increase base stealing more than anything.  Mainly from pure strategy stuff. 

I am personally looking forward to hopefully more running.  I still doubt the Twins will do a ton, unless they get some better base runners up.  They operate under the risk reward factor is too low to risk it.  I personally, miss the hit and run game, the stolen bases setting up and manufacturing runs.  I could go on about how I feel the analytics cloud people's minds to cause them to stop doing certain things in the game.  Not saying no analytics, but think people see the data and draw conclusions and forget it is still a situational game and we are not playing on paper or rolling dice. 

In AAA teams ran more often with a greater success rate than in 2021. There will be more stolen bases and there is reason to be concerned about Jeffers. Catching the same pitching staff Sanchez was much more successful throwing out runners at 28% vs 18% for Jeffers. If Sanchez is at best average then Jeffers has significant work to do to get there.

I don't think it's going to suddenly be 1985 any time soon. Most teams are still going to demand a 75% success rate even if running conditions are improved. And most players today are not taking a real lead and drawing throws over to first, much less getting to second with only 2.5 inches to spare.   You may see more action from the Base Stealers but I'm not sure it'll spread to many others.

It is interesting to see both Harper and Schwarber running. The good teams are not afraid to run.

The Twins weren't just poor at stealing bases, they were not good at running the bases anywhere as a team. The Twins did not score on doubles from first base very often nor even on singles with two out. While I have no idea why the team was a collective turtle, those of us who watched enough games can attest to the lack of base-running acumen from our Twins squad.

Buxton should run. It is a part of his skill set. If everyone is too worried about injuries we are looking at a unique player being held hostage as a DH. If he can't run, he might get hurt in the outfield too.

I'm hopeful for a change in ideas for the Twins in 2023. That hope includes improved fundamentals on the bases and behind the plate as well as in the field.

I think the manager needs to start managing and implement the running game more ...

Other teams are going to attempt more chances  and with so many bang bang plays with bases 90 feet  , with just a few inches of difference in distance the bang bang play might just go away  and less review challenges  ...

I'm looking forward to a running game that should bring some excitement  , being last in rankings of 30 teams on stolen bases really just sucks  , I hate being last  so time for manager and coaches to get the boys in tip top condition and steal the show away from the other team ...

Our pitchers / catchers are going to have their work cut out for them on the new rules and closer bases , we need the defense at catcher to improve ...

We need defense improved throughout  ...

Go twins  ...

That's my plan and I'm sticking to it ...

Well I can assure you that Jeffers sitting on his butt will not discourage Twins opponents from running. 

I don't think shortening the basepaths 4.5" (which is what the bigger bases will do) is going to have any affect on stealing bases.  What is going to affect base stealing is limiting the throws over to first.

The issues with this rule change won't pop up next year, but in 4-5 years I think we are going to see a slew of unintended consequences.  An increase in pitchouts, intentional walks with runners on first, managers looking for ways to circumvent the letter of the law,

These types of micro-managing rules always seem to backfire at some point.  I am not a huge fan of these changes.  All they really need to do is enforce the rules in place:

- Call the balks on all left-handers that step home and throw to first (the Buerhle rule)
- Call the balks on all the pitchers that do not come to a demonstrable set
- Call all of the blocking/hindering attempts by the 1B on pickoff attempts 

Stop giving the pitchers all of the advantages.  Call the rules in place.

I'm with tony&rodney on this one.  We are a team who's manager still manages like it's 2019.  Sorry Rocco, the Twins ain't hittin' 310 HR's in a season anytime soon.  Tony&rodney correctly pointed out that we are in fact, a poor "baserunning" team.  Our 3B coach sent MANY runners who were pegged out at the plate.  As a team the Twins have players who could run:  Buxton, Gordon, Kepler.  But even SLOW runners can steal a base if you're aggressive enough and they're coached properly.  

I "rec" a lot of stuff mikelink writes, but I disagree with the "don't let Buxton run, he might get hurt" line of thinking.  It's long past time to stop trying to "manage" Byron into better health.  Let's just take the shackles off and let him play...and what comes will come.  "FREE BYRON!!!"  :)