Miami Marlins lead the Major League with highest number of stolen bases - MLB Update
Performance in rest of the areas of the game apart, maximum number of stolen bases the Miami Marlins have recorded so far in the season can restore their pride to some extent.
Eighteen stolen bases signal the kind of strategy manager Ozzie Guillen has employed in the season. Not the best of hitters in the line-up available, reliance on stolen bases is the best way to move the score forward.
The fact Marlins are facing quality pitchers in the National League for example Stephen Strasburg, Roy Halladay and many others, if hits are not available, at-least scores can be added this way.
As soon as an idea of stolen bases appears in the discussion about the Marlins, perception of a contribution by Jose Reyes comes to mind just as an afterthought.
Much to the surprise of every one however it is not the Reyes alone, outfielder and third baseman Greg Dobbs and Donnie Murphy respectively have made amazing strides in this regard.
It is not hidden now that stealing bases was a part of an overall plan and while it was under discussion, role of every player was considered.
As the manager Guillen revealed that regardless of the outcome they will take chances and will make to the bases, it will be a sight to watch how successful they come out in their quest.
“We’re going to run,” said Guillen. “[Fans] are going to have to be aware that we’re going to make mistakes. People are going to go, ’Wow, why did you steal this base for [when players are thrown out]?’ But we’re going to push the most we can because we
can’t rely on just the top of the lineup to steal bases."
Reliance on a single-prone strategy can be counter-productive any time. Covering bases this way is always great for a side, but myopic attitude can easily result in under-utilisation of the talent.
Unless the Marlins diversify their play, the kind of position they hold on the table at the moment will not change.
If one ask the biggest reason behind the Marlins’ lose to the Washington Nationals, the fact they never drew right hits, instead rely majorly on stolen bases can easily become a part of the criticism.
One will hope that the Marlins will not lose sight of real problems in their happiness of the maximum stolen bases they have managed.
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