As we enter the busiest week for the world famous Razzball commenter leagues, I think it’s important to look back unto the days of yester-year and let us not forget that numbers sometimes, very rarely… OKAY, they lie a lot! But usually after massaging them, numbers are gluttons for attention. They always wanna be gone over, hen-pecked, and prodded. Just like your mother. RCL leagues are no different, and the SAGNOF’s general audience is those of us in these type leagues, looking for a special boost to their team, whether it be a streaming option, growing trend, or just some divine intervention that I say something useful. So with the help of the RCL guru, Matt Truss. I got some info that will help you analyze your stats as you peer onto your team for projecting steals and how you stand in the category. Because going into battle knowing what you need to compete is, according to G.I. Joe, “half the battle”. But since we already know, does that mean the battle is already over and we are just competing and arguing with ourselves? Confused? Me too! Well here is some less confusing info that is straight to the point with numbers and stuff… Cheers!
- Last years average league winning SB category total was 187.
- The overall SB leader last year was Team Lion with 235 (highest total ever in an RCL was 270 in 2014).
- The lowest winning number in a league was 152, by some dude from West Boston. (It’s Prospector Ralph by the way, and there is no real West Boston.)
- The steal as a stat was in shock decline before a slight upturn to 2,537 last year. The previous four years in total were 2,505 (2015), 2,764 (2014), 2,693 (2013), and 3,229 (2012).
- Oddly enough the OBP last year of .322 was it’s highest since 2010, where it was .325 and they had 2,959 SB’s.
So my take on all that? The trend to stream SB’s is getting harder to predict and is the worst thing to try and stream for. Drafting guys who can guarantee you the magic number of any-wheres between 180-190 total SB’s in your league should guarantee you the top side of the point total. So plan for 150 on draft day and figure the other 20% will come through the waiver wire. Anymore than trying to accrue that number is taking away from other numbers on your team if you draft strictly from SAGNOF standpoint. Of course, outliers exist where the top guys meet or exceed expectations. Here are some guys making waves and notions towards more at bats this year with some sneaky steal potential…
Andrew Toles – Making people forget how to spell Andre either, ether, ethier. Could be a squeaky clean 10/10 guy with a decent amount of runs scored when the lineup flips over. Only caveat is that he may sit versus some left-handed hitters, so find a nice streamable RH option that should be rostered and boom.
Mallex Smith – Smith is going to make the opening day roster because Colby has spoiled… again. Speed for days. Just worry about the OBP not being up to snuff and having him try to steal the dugout.
Raul Mondesi – Has the gig in KC. No word if the Sunshine band has any employment opportunities though. His one usable asset is his speed, and he needs to grow into his batting ability.
Ben Revere – Revere is already going to be in a platoon with Cameron Maybin. Limiting not only his ceiling but the entire Maybin baseball playing family. If you put them together, they probably steal what Jarrod Dyson does all year. Crazy to think about in halves but it could be true…
