By Jonathan Lee
1. Dee Gordon, LAD – 59.5
2. Michael Bourn, ATL – 55.7
3. Coco Crisp, OAK – 51.4
4. Brett Gardner, NYY – 46.2
5. Jose Reyes, MIA – 41.7
6. Desmond Jennings, TB – 39
7. Cameron Maybin, SD – 38.2
8. Jordan Schafer, HOU – 37.9
9. Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS – 37.5
9. Ben Revere, MIN – 37.5
The forecasted stolen base leader board features a few known veterans, but is mostly comprised of up-and-coming young players.
Michael Bourn led the league in stolen bases by a wide margin last season swiping 61 bags. He is projected to be a star in the category once again, but second with 55.7. The projected top man is 23-year old Dee Gordon. The Dodger shortstop stole 24 bases last season despite getting just 224 at-bats at the major league level. As an everyday player this year Gordon could get upwards of 600 at-bats, and give him ample opportunities to steal the 59.5 bases he’s forecasted for.
Coco Crisp is an underrated base stealer mostly because he has been held down by injuries. Last season he stayed mostly healthy and swiped a career high 49 bases. If he can continue to stay in the lineup he could threaten to top that number as he’s projected for 51.4. Brett Gardner tied Crisp last season with 49 steals, and he should continue to be productive on the basepaths for the Yankees (projection: 46.2).
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Miami opened its checkbook for Jose Reyes party because of his terrific prowess in steals. The shortstop is projected for another good season with 41.7. Another Florida player, Desmond Jennings, could join him among the league leaders. In roughly half a season with Tampa Bay Jennings stole 22 bases. Over a full season AccuScore forecasts him to steal 39 in 2012. MVP Jacoby Ellsbury is projected 9th this year with 37.5 steals.
Most baseball fans could get 50 guess, and wouldn’t be able to name the other three projected leaders for this season: Cameron Maybin (38.2), Jordan Schafer (37.9), and Ben Revere (37.5). Maybin quietly stole 40 bases in San Diego last year in what was really a breakout season for the long-time prospect. He is still just 24 years old, and has plenty of room for improvement. Schafer and Revere are both speed merchants that are married with opportunity this season. Houston has few options in the outfield, and should give Schafer every chance in the world to succeed. The young outfielder has 24 steals in 132 career MLB games. The Twins are in the same situation with Revere who has 34 steals in his career over 130 games.
