While it isn’t an exact science, picking on a pitcher for stolen base success is not always an awful strategy. So after the jump, there is a year-to-date chart that shows the propensity for pitcher’s to give up the free base. Like I said, it is never an exact anything, because there are some elite names on this list, and because they are usually good pitchers, their respective OBP against isn’t the shining star of stats to chase. But in theory, chasing dudes for thievery in a non-thievery world is bad folly. Because getting on base is the most important thing next to waking up and reading what Ge has to say. Us bottom feeders who swim the waters in the afternoon gotta be creative and basically be the monkey on the grind box to get your attention. So for those of you with ADHD, welcome back. And here is some weekly insight into the world of steals and saves. Cause you may be a dime piece but saves and steals don’t need a face…
| Name | SB’s | SB Opps | OBPa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Glasnow | 11 | 58 | .420 |
| Matt Cain | 10 | 63 | .340 |
| Gerrit Cole | 8 | 65 | .269 |
| Scott Feldman | 8 | 59 | .312 |
| Trevor Cahill | 7 | 54 | .301 |
| Ubaldo Jimenez | 7 | 49 | .342 |
| Jimmy Nelson | 7 | 55 | .329 |
| Jon Lester | 6 | 63 | .338 |
| Jason Hammel | 6 | 74 | .388 |
| Jake Arrieta | 5 | 67 | .342 |
| Julio Teheran | 5 | 80 | .340 |
| Justin Verlander | 5 | 74 | .330 |
| Daniel Norris | 5 | 78 | .377 |
| Robert Gsellman | 4 | 63 | .391 |
| Rookie Davis | 4 | 41 | .453 |
| Tanner Roark | 4 | 73 | .309 |
- Rookie Davis’ 4 steals against are in a mere 19 innings this year.
- Jon lester has been better this year with the CS category as he has allowed 6 SB, but has 7 CS.
Reymond Fuentes – Should be the best beneficiary of the Pollock injury. Or as I like to say it “the stop it if you have heard” me. Had 9 steals in the car recovery and travel coordinators of the baseball. Whether he does enough to stay in the lead-off spot will determine almost all his value. Owings/Ahmed are also grabs if you feel like being handsy in the dessert.
Paul Goldschmidt – Weird but true this week, he has more steals over the last 162 games then all but four players. He is also ahead of Segura, Trout, Altuve, and Betts.
Tommy Pham – He’s too hot right now to not own. The Cardinals outfielders surrounding him are not. Three steals in the past 14 games is a ton for a team that isn’t all wheels on the base paths.
Kole Calhoun – Moving to the lead off spot. Interesting, couldn’t they just roll with a less consistent guy to ruin Mike Trout’s prime years? I still think they should just set it and forget it with Cam-Ron May-Bin.
Carlos Gomez – The other, other Cargo head out for an extended stay on the DL. Enter Delino-Saur Jr. regular gig unless Jared Hoying, Ryan Rua or some one else can wrestle consistent at-bats.
Corey Knebel – Mr. Happy just wasn’t cutting it doing curls with Thames. I think CK is the one until he gets more back via trade for the Brew-ha-ha’s.
Aroldis Chapman – To the DL as well. It is a giant pattern this week in SAGNOFville. Betances is the obvious cuff, but those speculating Tyler Clippard isn’t too bad also as the Yankees don’t like to overuse the as of late struggling Dellin.
Shawn Kelley – Returned from DL and blew a lead. The Nationals are like the Sarlacc pit of saves. In a Star Wars kinda way. They lack a stable closer only reliever and need one desperately.
