Stealing
Posted: Thu May 25, 2006 7:54 am
There *really* ought to be a steal-success rating to go with a steal-attempt rating. Maybe include a new stat for next year like "intelligence" that encapsulates this. A more intelligent runner will better know when to hold up or take the extra base. Perhaps this rating could give a boost to a guy's ability to hit and run or sacrifice and increase range in the field a little bit (because he knows where to position himself and what direction to take his first step).
Also, it would be a lot more realistic on steals if, instead of telling a player exactly when to steal, you as a manager had the choice to give a guy the "green light". Most speedsters, I think, aren't told "hey, I want you to steal second this at-bat". A less intelligent player might run on a green light all the time whereas a smarter guy might only do so when he's almost positive he'll get the steal. Telling a player exactly when to steal should incur a natural penalty because he's not going to be able to read the pitcher and go when he wants to go.
Also, it would be a lot more realistic on steals if, instead of telling a player exactly when to steal, you as a manager had the choice to give a guy the "green light". Most speedsters, I think, aren't told "hey, I want you to steal second this at-bat". A less intelligent player might run on a green light all the time whereas a smarter guy might only do so when he's almost positive he'll get the steal. Telling a player exactly when to steal should incur a natural penalty because he's not going to be able to read the pitcher and go when he wants to go.