The Boston Herald discusses Coco Crisp and base stealing today. I like what I’m hearing from Francona on this subject:
That doesn?t mean, however, that Crisp will be allowed to recklessly run wild. He has been caught on 35 percent of his steal attempts in the majors (29-of-83), but he cut that down to 28.5 percent (6-of-21) last year. Johnny Damon, meanwhile, went 18-for-19 on the basepaths for the Sox last year.
?If (Crisp) wants to take off every time, he could get 30 easily, but we don?t want him to go 30-for-60,? Francona said.
The Red Sox didn’t steal much last year, but they stole well. Their 79% success rate was second in the AL. With Francona picking the spots, I suspect Crisp’s percentage will be very high this season.
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Stolen base success rate seems like one of the performance metrics that more managers have keyed into recently, with teams stealing smarter.
Below the Herald item on Crisp is an even more interesting tidbit — a rumor, not terribly well-substantiated, that the Sox may try to bring Doug Mirabelli back from San Diego.
I don’t understand how they let ‘Belli go in the first place. He hits decently for a backup, and has years of experience catching Wakefield’s knuckler. Josh Bard can buy a mitt the size of a trash can cover, and Doug would still do a better job.
I’ve got a poll about it up at:
http://overthemonster.com/story/2006/3/13/1256/40996
Yeah, but who does Boston send back? Graffanino? The Padres are also in need of a solid backup/platoon catcher, since Piazza’s only going to play 100 games or so behind the plate.