Does this guy have 40 steal upside? He's running more frequently than N Morgan (who I also have) and looks to be a much better base stealer.

I am kinda considering starting him over Weeks or Hardy occasionally... my team's desperate for steals (17 sbs so far, almost last) and is doing real good in the power categories, although the margins are kinda tight.
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Also, does Hairston still have enough speed to steal 30 nowadays? (If he remained healthy for 500ABs)

He's got 35 steal ability. I like him better than Morgan.

And of course in his first game for me, 0 for 5 against Daniel Cabrera when his team scores more than 10 runs.

Back on the bench today and I guess he's gonna get 2 hits and steal a bag.

Ticker Tease!

If you're not comfortable playing him everyday he's not going to help with steals. Chasing steals is far worse than chasing home runs. Regardless of the players steals are erratic and frustrating. He's stealing at a 75% clip and he's just been moved to the leadoff spot. The capability is there and the opportunity just increased (for the moment). Washington pitching isn't good and the giants should be scoring a bit more than usual. I'd start him for a week and then re-evaluate his situation.

Of course it depends on just how "tight" your power margins are.

In a 5x5 vacuum, would you drop Kubel for Burriss?

No

Ulitmately Burriss is a one category contributor (maybe two if you overlook the fact that he's a giant). Kubel has the potential to positively effect four categories provided he sees regular playing time.

Just an opinion though.

Right... the SAGNOF guy in me wants to plug him in and let him earn me 3 SB per week. The practical side of me says hold on to Kubel, who is just riding my bench. Huh?

Well, the question puts both players in a 5x5 vacuum. It's possible I misunderstood the question but for me that means there are no specific positional or categorical needs. Thus, the more productive player is obviously Kubel. Given the situation papasmurf outlined, solid power numbers and a lack of steals, it makes since to plug in Burriss as long as he won't drop your power numbers below the value his steals will bring.

In daily leagues there's simply no guarantee that Burriss will bring anything of value in a plug and play start and most likely he will hit below a teams batting average. That's why I questioned what the term "tight" meant. If you're 30 steals from another point, odds are he alone won't do jack for your team. If you need 7 steals for 4 points (similar to the league I'm in where I picked him up on Monday) you have to play him in the hopes he'll help bridge the gap. If you're plugging him in only for an open roster spot in daily leagues who cares. He won't see enough time to really help or hurt your team.

All things being equal I wouldn't start him over Weeks or Hardy (especially with weeks bring some SB's to the table himself). But if he starts everyday he could be a band aid for a specific category. In his situation though, If it was me, I'd sit Hardy and let Burriss have a shot at being a one category booster. With my luck, it would probably be the one week where Hardy hits .380 with 5 home runs to make his season look respectable.

I agree with everything you said. I already have Pierre on my team, and can't risk having another 1-2 category player hanging around my lineup. It just sucks having borderline dropable players sucking up time on my bench. On any given night I have two outfielders hanging around my bench. This is not fun. I'd almost rather have two solid middle relievers boosting my ratios.