Will Beltran ever be a base-running threat again?

This article predicts he'll get 14-17 steals this year. But I think that with all of his leg injuries and his age, he may not reach 10 SBs this year or any year ever again.

about 2 years ago dat_dude 6 comments 0 recs |

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hmm

The article’s not clear that the projection is for his shortened season, but I think it is.

Even falling 2 batting order slots would only translate to ~14 fewer times on base. That’s probably like 5 attempts.

I think his base-stealing tally is going to fall, but mainly due to his mentality. He’s always been excellent at picking his spots when he’s sure he’ll get the base and his confidence has got to be low at this point. Hopefully, they let him run in whatever minor league rehab he gets.

by hotspur on Mar 22, 2010 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

It will be down to picking spots

which it always has been for Beltran, not pure leg speed. His ownership of the all-time SBT% is testament to that. And if teams consider him less of a threat now with his wonky knees, well, he could clean up. I predict 12-15 SB this year, 20 next year (health permitting).

by deadspy3 on Mar 22, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

One factor

If he hits fifth, which might mean in front of Francoeur (3.40 P/PA), that might translate to fewer SB opportunities than if he hits third in front of Wright (3.98 P/PA) or Bay (3.95 P/PA).

by JoshNY on Mar 22, 2010 1:48 PM EDT reply actions