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Scott Podsednik - Stolen Base King?

AxtellAxtell Posts: 10,037 ✭✭
in Sports Talk
He had another stolen base today, raising his league lead to 26...the next nearest guy has 12! With this current pace, he could reach 100 stolen bases.

Is this a sign of the change away from depending on the HR ball to drive in runs? A changing of the guard as the steroid era passes us by? The steroid boys of Bonds, McGwire, and others either out of the game or at the end of their careers (Raffy and Sosa) are done, so are we returning to a smaller ball game of base hits, stolen bases, and advancing the runners through smart play?

By the way, who as the last to steal 100 bases in a year?

Comments

  • denwd1denwd1 Posts: 430
    if the chisox win and go to the playoffs,we can expect to see some other teams follow and emphasize speed.pitching & defense. the marlins did it w/speed and pitching 2 years ago with ozzie guillen as their 3rd base coach. he liked what he saw 70's and 80's style baseball. we will still see big hr totals and lots of power as parks are smaller and pitching is watered down. it was vince coleman in 1987 who last stole 100 in 1987,i heard this on the radio yesterday because posednik is on track to hit 100 steals
  • AxtellAxtell Posts: 10,037 ✭✭


    << <i>It was vince coleman in 1987 who last stole 100 in 1987,i heard this on the radio yesterday because posednik is on track to hit 100 steals >>



    Wow...does it seem odd that it's been nearly 20 years since the last time someone stole 100 bases? I remember when it was a fairly common occurance, with Rickey, Vince, and others swiping bases.

    I hope it does indeed make a full fledged come back...the stolen base is truly an exciting play.
  • 1420sports1420sports Posts: 3,473 ✭✭✭
    I don't think stealing 100 bases is a common thing for 20th century baseball. Most of the 100+ guys played in the early stages of the game. Then Cobb, Brock, Wills, Henderson, Lopes, LeFlore, and a handful of others came along. Base stealers who swipe 25-50 have been around, but the 75 and up crowd (with the exception of the 19th century) are not as common.

    It seems that every 10-15 years a new swiper comes around.
    collecting various PSA and SGC cards
  • joestalinjoestalin Posts: 12,473 ✭✭
    Soriano is on pace for 40/40...when is the last time THAT was done?

    JS
  • SouthsiderSouthsider Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭
    Pods is a thief! Great stuff. Ozzie pretty much green lights him whenever. He's had a couple 3-4 SB games this year. I hope he can continue it all year. It would be great to see someone hit 100 SB again.
  • CubfanCubfan Posts: 1,545
    I dont think its a change in era but simply someone taking advantage of their special skills. The guy had 70 last year with a batting average of something like .244. If he can keep his average near .300 and doesnt get injured, he stands a good chance of 100.

    I keep hearing Guillen calling it Smartball instead of Smallball. If they can keep their lead at 6 games for the next two months, they should be in good shape. They do have some very good teams to play however. That will be the test.
  • CardsFanCardsFan Posts: 1,093 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Is this a sign of the change away from depending on the HR ball to drive in runs? >>



    No doubt teams are looking at speed again. Contact hitters who can run are becoming a little more important to GM's. Players like Wily Taveras and Jason Ellison are now valuable. Three years ago these type of players would probably still be in the minors.
  • phreakydancinphreakydancin Posts: 1,691 ✭✭


    << <i>Soriano is on pace for 40/40...when is the last time THAT was done?

    JS >>

    Bonds did it in '96.
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