Base Running

[nicksaviking]

this team has been pretty good about taking extra bases and beating throws to the plate, just as advertised with Molitor as manager.

 

But what's going on with the steals? The 59% steal rate is awful, only the Tigers have been thrown out more but that's due to a higher volume. It's not like this team is devoid of speed, there are lots of guys who should be 10-30 SB guys, but when they get caught, it's not even close, they're getting thrown out by a mile. What gives?

[Linus]

Was wondering the same thing. At this point they should just skip it - they are killing too many innings.

[Brock Beauchamp]

If noticed the same thing. Without digging into the numbers, I'm going to write it off as "young players doing stupid things". A good example was Rosario's steal of second in The Comeback Game. That steal attempt was moronic and there's no way Molitor called for it.

[stringer bell]

 

If noticed the same thing. Without digging into the numbers, I'm going to write it off as "young players doing stupid things". A good example was Rosario's steal of second in The Comeback Game. That steal attempt was moronic and there's no way Molitor called for it.

Molitor indicated that he gave Eddie the green light if the first baseman was playing behind him (he was) and if Soria "lifted his leg" (didn't slide step). Soria did lift his leg and Eddie took off without getting much of a lead or a good break for second. It shouldn't have been close, but it was.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Molitor indicated that he gave Eddie the green light if the first baseman was playing behind him (he was) and if Soria "lifted his leg" (didn't slide step). Soria did lift his leg and Eddie took off without getting much of a lead or a good break for second. It shouldn't have been close, but it was.

Actually, I think that's the core of my point. Molitor isn't specifically calling bad steals but he's giving a lot of green lights, which the young players are using at questionable times.

 

And I'm okay with that. It's hard to teach if you don't let people fail on occasion. If this continues in 2016 and 17, then I'll get irritated about it.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

If noticed the same thing. Without digging into the numbers, I'm going to write it off as "young players doing stupid things". A good example was Rosario's steal of second in The Comeback Game. That steal attempt was moronic and there's no way Molitor called for it.

But young players shouldn't be doing stupid things at this point in the season. These guys need red lights unless a steal or hit an run is specifically called.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

But young players shouldn't be doing stupid things at this point in the season. These guys need red lights unless a steal or hit an run is specifically called.

I disagree. Yes, the Twins are in contention but you still have to let young players learn the game. It's one of the reasons why teams loaded with young players often stumble badly during the season. Young players do dumb things, sometimes at critical moments.

 

These kids are going to have to learn what works and what doesn't sooner or later and mistakes will be made. What's important is that they learn from the mistakes and don't make them repeatedly. I don't care that Rosario tried to steal second at such an ill-advised moment, what I care about is whether Molitor pulled him to the side after the game and explained why it was a mistake to run on that pitch.

[DaveW]

They are getting caught stealing, picked off and thrown out at third way too much this year. Also I think they are bunting more then they should, now that the bats are heating up I hope Molitor stops trying to play so much small ball. Unless you are up against a Cy Young type there is little reason to be bunting before the 7th inning.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Thanks for looking this up. I thought part of the advertised genius of Molitor would be knowing the best spots for a runner to steal. Between that and the bunting I think we are giving up way too many outs and at bats. Hopefully the benefit of letting them learn it on their own is that they become much better base runners and base stealers in the future.

[Brock Beauchamp]

The bunting bothers the hell out of me. The outs on the basepaths, not so much. It's aggravating but it comes with the territory.

[nicksaviking]

Perhaps the youngsters are running when they shouldn't, but most of the time it seems they are out by a mile. It just seems like there must be some technique they are flubbing. Whether Molitor has them doing something different with timing, leads or first steps, it seems to me these guys either aren't doing something right, or Molitor's successful technique as a player was unique to him perhaps.

[stringer bell]

In this home stand both Dozier and Plouffe have stolen third without a throw. Dozier also stole second when faster runners were caught. It is about timing, getting a great jump and choosing the right pitch. Few guys are capable of stealing when a competent pitcher/catcher tandem are focused on stopping them. Buxton has the speed to be one of those guys. He's not there yet. The young guys all need to improve.

[Minniman]

Ricky Henderson or Tim Raines these guys are not.

 

The Twins need to be coached better on how to take a lead, what pitch to watch for, and how to just stay put even when the light is green.

 

I wonder how many of these steals are failed hit and run attempts ... run and hit misses.

 

[spinowner]

 

The bunting bothers the hell out of me. The outs on the basepaths, not so much. It's aggravating but it comes with the territory.

I think it's fine to have Suzuki sacrifice bunt but for most other players on the roster, not so much.

[HitInAPinch]

I haven't watched too closely, but I was under the impression the Twins were bunting more to take advantage of the shifts.