Having any of these guys in your lineup will put a lot of pressure upon the opponent's pitching and defense. A walk turns quickly into a runner on second. Then, depending on the situation, a manufactured run is likely. Having speed in front of power is a good thing too. Shifts against pull hitters can't be employed to the extent they usually are, and a 2-base advance on a "harmless" single is the norm. Speed kills.
The Sox had two double steals today, both featuring Ellsbury. Bizzarro Sox! Far cry from the manufacture-runs-by-walks-and-
hits-and-none-of-those-pesky-
steals team of '04 (that did, admittedly, have one of the most famous postseason steals ever in the ALCS.)
It's about time to see the AL playing small ball, too. Steals are an important part of the game, eliminating double play chances, entering scoring position, etc. All they need now is to can the DH and they will really be playing baseball again.
White Rat baseball is back.
I have Bourne on one of my fantasy teams; the 13 SB is great, but the .202 BA kind of tempers my joy.
