For the last three seasons we’ve been spoiled by the speed of Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and David Wright. The Mets were among the league leaders each season in stolen bases, and speed was a big part of our game.
But so far this season, the team’s stolen bases are down and not where we expected.
Currently, the Mets have 5 stolen bases and have been caught 4 times after 12 games. When you compare that to some of the other teams, you’ll see that the Mets find themselves in the lower tier of the stolen base ranks.
With 19 stolen bases and only one caught stealing, the Tampa Bay Rays are clearly the leaders in stolen bases. They are followed by the Los Angeles Angels who have 17, the Texas Rangers who have swiped 14, and the Los Angeles Dodgers who have stolen 12.
Overall, the Mets are tied for 20th with three other teams.
Jose Reyes has gotten off to a slow start with just three swipes in 12 games, a pace that will put him at 40 stolen bases this season, his lowest total in five seasons.
Sometimes a drop off in stolen bases can be symptomatic of not getting on base, but the Mets are actually ahead of last season for the same period in batting average and on-base percentage.
I’m sure things will pick up at some point, but it’s just another facet of the Mets game that seems to be a little off right now.
I have a feeling that Reyes is a little hesitant to run when Murphy is up. Although he has shown that he can take a pitch and extend an at bat, Reyes might not feel comfortable yet being able to read Murphy at the plate. Just a thought.
It appears to me (although a small sample size) that they are using the hit and run more instead of straight steal attempts. beltran was doubled up twice this weekend on line out hit and runs but never attempted a staight steal. He is one of the all time best in succcessful steal percentage but has not tried a steal yet this year
Jose still doesn’t know how to steal. All he has is speed, he’s just fast. He doesn’t know how to “read” the pitcher and doesn’t know when to run when he’s on base. He has the above average speed, but just isn’t smart when it comes to stealing yet. He needs to spend some more time with Henderson.
Stolen bases is just about the least important stat you’ll find.
You people are too much! Reyes is fine live him alone. It frustrates me to no end to read such foolish, uneducated nonscence. I know it shouldn’t but it does/ For example take Mike’s comments. “He(Reyes) needs to spend more time with Henderson.” What??! Why Mike? So Reyes can be among the top 3 stolen base leaders in the Major leagues three years in a row? M3 ike also states, “Reyes doesn’t know how to steal.” Hmm. wow for a player not knowing how to steal a base somehow Reyes Reyes will end up with between 50-60 stolen bases, Wright will have 25-30 homeruns 110-115 rbis, 40-45 doubles. Delgado will have 30-35 homeruns. 105-115 rbis. Beltran is going to have a monster year! 35 homeruns, 125 rbis 45 doubles, 25 stolen bases
Church 30 homeruns ( I know I know but I think if Castillo goes back to hitting #2 and Tatis, Shefield get more playing time in LF Church will see pitches to hit. Right now why pitch to Church when Brian S. ans Castillo follow him? As I suspected Daniel Murphy loooks like he needs more time at Buffalo. The Mets are beter of sending Murphy down hitting Castillo#2 and using Tatis more. Giving Shefield some spot starts here and there. WOW the lineup REALLY changes with that big power right handed bat in there!
All Joe did was point out another area that the Mets are a little behind in as compared to last year. But some of you are totally overreacting. I’m with Lifelong, and we can fix this by altering the lineup.
Interesting thoughts Joe. I’d be in favor of more smart stolen base attempts and less hit-and-running. The hit-and-run really serves no purpose and it led to multiple double plays this past weekend.
Yes LifeLong you are right. Joe would like to see Jose steal more bases, he needs to learn how to steal. I agree that he can steal 40-50 every year but if other people and himself want him to improve on that, he needs to be smart on the bases and steal when he should. Whenever he steals, it’s just him trying to beat the throw with his speed. Basically just running. I for one am not one to really worry if Jose has 20 stolen bases or if he has 60. But if they want him to steal more bases he needs to learn. Imagine how many more bases stolen he would have if he knew how to read a pitcher on what pitch he’s going to throw, or knew the exact times he should steal.
Don’t get me wrong, my purpose was not to say that the Mets speed has vanished. I just wanted to show that LOB was not the only aspect of the Mets game that happens to be a little off right now.
James draws an interesting perspective, as I too have see the Mets hit and run themselves out of an inning a few times in recent days. Manuel, who is more agressive than Willie was could be one reason the numbers are a little skewed.
I also think that maybe putting Luis Castillo at number two in light of his new found abilities will help as well.
Basically, the Mets need to work a little bit not only on their situational hitting, but situational running as well.
I also think the weather has something to do with it, some of the series have been pretty cold and perhaps there is a risk for injury. In addition, I heard they said Beltran’s quad has been bothering him a bit, so……..I want healthly players more then SB.
I believe that Rickey Henderson no longer has a relationship with the Mets. If that’s correct, then perhaps Jose’ is off a bit from missing that constant souurce of coaching. Just a thought, I could be wrong. I agree with others that the current emphasis for hit and run is negatively impacting the Mets success. Jerry needs to cool it with that and use it more selectively. A timely steal may be more productive than hit and runs which have a high percentage of failure. Meanwhile Castillo is looking highly productive this year and could use an expanded role. Murphy, on the other hand, while productive at bat looks like a foreigner in LF. There does not seem to be a position for him to play the way this team is constituted. Seems like he needs some personal tutoring regarding OF play. The place for that is in Buffalo. Let him take 2 months there and come back in June or July to the Mets
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