Scouting Cards

[joelsabi]

So how would you interpret Steal = NO Delayed Steal?

That Jody Davis does not steal but the coach may call a delayed steal when he is at first.

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by joelsabi

So how would you interpret Steal = NO Delayed Steal?

That Jody Davis does not steal but the coach may call a delayed steal when he is at first.

Typically the slower runners on a team are the most likely candidates to try a delayed steal. Davis, a catcher, would be such a candidate. That's why they noted he won't try a delayed steal (because otherwise you might assume he'd be a candidate). You'd probably never see a notation of "No delayed steal" on a card for a Rickey Henderson or Vince Coleman, because those guys weren't candidates to try a delayed steal.

[joelsabi]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

Typically the slower runners on a team are the most likely candidates to try a delayed steal. Davis, a catcher, would be such a candidate. That's why they noted he won't try a delayed steal (because otherwise you might assume he'd be a candidate). You'd probably never see a notation of "No delayed steal" on a card for a Rickey Henderson or Vince Coleman, because those guys weren't candidates to try a delayed steal.

So Davis is the slower of the slowest catchers. Got it.

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by joelsabi

So Davis is the slower of the slowest catchers. Got it.

Actually, executing a delayed steal really requires a keen sense of timing, as opposed to speed (a catcher who's not paying attention also is required). Some guys can do it well, and others can't do it at all. Most don't feel comfortable at all trying it.

If you do it correctly, you can be the slowest guy in the world and pull it off.

[joelsabi]

Here are two more examples. Maybe someone know the tendencies of Mike Scioscia and Matt Williams so we can determine what the Scout meant for Steal situations.

Thanks in advance. I find these cards interesting.

[joelsabi]

Opps the Matt Williams is a duplicate. Here is Eric Davis for compare and contrast.

[Rob D.]

On Scioscia, the book on him is he will delay steal.

The Opp. on Scioscia ... I do not have an answer.

On Davis, the book on him is he will steal, especially on the first pitch of the count (or the first pitch after arriving at first base). The advice is for the pitcher to wait a little extra longer (hold ball) while he's in the stretch before delivering the pitch. This is done because a lot of pitchers fall into a groove in which they come to the stretch, wait a second and deliver the pitch. Good base stealers can get a heck of a jump by timing this. So holding the ball takes that away from the runner.

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by joelsabi

So how would you interpret Steal = NO Delayed Steal?

That Jody Davis does not steal but the coach may call a delayed steal when he is at first.

You know, that line could be read either way. Your explanation could be the right one. It all depends on how the Padres filled out these cards.