2008 MLB Rankings–New Sources of Steals
Steals seem to be a category that sometimes can be overlooked. We live in a SportsCenter
generation where we love the long ball. And sometimes after the draft, you look at your roster, and it has less speed than the cast of “The Biggest Loser”……at the beginning of the season! Here are a list of guys who can give you some of those elusive stolen bases after you drafted nothing but guys the size of Ryan Howard.
Eugenio Velez, SF—the Spring Training leader in steals (with 14 in just 27 games) was the talk of Giants’ camp, not that that is saying much. Velez tried to force himself into the Giants’ plans with a .294 average with two doubles, three triples, and 13 RBI on the Spring. Velez isn’t guaranteed everyday at-bats to start the year, but given Ray Durham’s injury history, the chance is good that Velez will see enough starts to warrant ownership in larger leagues, and certainly NL-only.
Carlos Gomez, MIN—quite possibly the biggest piece of the trade that landed Johan Santana in New York, Gomez was recently named the starting centerfielder for the Twins. He won’t hit for a real high average, won’t hit more than ten homers, but boy can Gomez run. In his final two full seasons in the minors Gomez stole 64 and 41 bases. Given the fact that the Twins probably won’t compete for the playoffs, I’m figuring that they will be giving Gomez the green light a lot, and he certainly has a chance to steal 50 bags in 2008.
Michael Bourn, HOU—Bourn was the one of the prospects dealt in the trade that sent Brad Lidge to Philadelphia, and he has been crowned the starting centerfielder and leadoff hitter for the Astros. Bourn stole 45 bases in his 113 games in the minors last season, and 10 in just 24 games this Spring. Bourn should land in the top five in SBs in the majors this <img align=”left” src=”http://fightingchancefantasy.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/ellsbury241.jpg” alt=”ellsbury241.jpg” />season, probably in the 40-50 range.
Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS—Even though the Red Sox haven’t traditionally been a team that steals a lot of bases, Ellsbury is the kind of player who makes you change your strategy. In the 250 games that he played on the minor league level, Ellsbury stole 105 bases. He didn’t look great in Japan, and didn’t start the second game, but Ellsbury is the starting CF for the Red Sox. He is a definite candidate to steal 40+ bases.
Lastings Milledge, WAS—Milledge is a guy with a huge chip on his shoulder. After being the prize of the Mets’ minor league system, Milledge was more or less dumped for Ryan Church this offseason. He will make it his mission to show them that they gave up on him too soon. Milledge has the capabilities to hit 20 homers and steal 30-35 bases this season.
Erick Aybar, LAA—Most likely headed for a platoon with Maicer Izturis, Aybar could put up big steal numbers if he is given the full time job. From 2004 to 2006, Aybar stole 51, 49, and 32 bases respectively. One red flag, however, he was caught about 50% of the time during those seasons. If it is reported that Aybar wins the shortstop job, he should be good for 40 steals.
Cameron Maybin, FLA—Ok , so he will start the year in the minors, but who really expects him to stay there long? Maybin stole 25+ bases in both of his seasons on the farm (in under 100 games each), and when he is given his chance in Florida it is expected that he will approach 30 a season.
Felix Pie, CHC—Pie has been installed as the starter in center for the Cubs. He isn’t as much of a speed demon as some of the other guys on this list, but he should be good for
25-30. He has spent some of the spring dealing with a nagging, embarrassing injury, but appears to be ready to start to show some of the promise that we have been hearing about for the last few years.
Matt Kemp, LAD—Possibly a guy who is ready to completely break out this year, Kemp has big-time potential. It looks like he is very close to officially being named the starting right fielder for the Dodgers, and when that happens you will want him on your roster. Not only does Kemp have the potential to hit 30 HRs, but he could steal 30 bags as well. I would be surprised if he hit those numbers this year, but he should be a great player for years to come.
