Cubs' Ramirez Wants to Steal More Bases

**cigaretteman** · 03-07-2011, 11:33 AM

The media mob was there to ask about Ramirez's request to manager Mike Quade to give him the green light to run in 2011.

Ramirez had no base-stealing attempts last year, and in 1,534 major league games, he has 15 steals in 29 attempts. But he said he feels like he can swipe "five or 10" bases if given the opportunity.

"They aren't paying attention to me, I know that for a fact," he said. "We'll see what happens during the season."

When Quade mentioned the idea of a green light for Ramirez, it was greeted by chuckles.

"Go ahead, laugh," he said. "We'll get him one or two."

Really? Aramis Ramirez?

"He's all fired up," Quade said. "He's ready to roll. I told him 'Ask April 1.'"

Chicago Cubs: Aramis Ramirez wants green light to run - chicagotribune.com

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseb...-approval.html

**Clones21** · 03-07-2011, 11:35 AM

I'd like to see the Cubs get more aggressive on the base stealing. Its been a non-factor for the past 4 years for us.

**Acylum** · 03-07-2011, 11:37 AM

I'd like to win The Masters.

**CYdTracked** · 03-07-2011, 11:38 AM

I'd like to see them get more agressive too but A-Ram could probably barely beat Geo Soto in a foot race I bet. Castro, Fukudome/Colvin, Byrd, and maybe even Soriano all are better base running options.

**CycloneErik** · 03-07-2011, 11:40 AM

Holy bad idea, Batman!!!

I can't see that concept working well.

**dtclones** · 03-07-2011, 11:44 AM

Base stealing isn't all about speed. Some of the fastest players still can't steal bases. If you're smart and sneaky enough, 5 to ten stolen bases isn't out of the question for anyone.

**CycloneErik** · 03-07-2011, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by dtclones

Base stealing isn't all about speed. Some of the fastest players still can't steal bases. If you're smart and sneaky enough, 5 to ten stolen bases isn't out of the question for anyone.

Agreed. Is Aramis sneaky, though?

**Clones21** · 03-07-2011, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by CycloneErik

Agreed. Is Aramis sneaky, though?

No. The only way Aramis gets any stolen bases is a over thrown pitch and it gets behind the catcher.

**cycloneSOULja** · 03-07-2011, 11:50 AM

Stealing bases is only helpful if you are successful 80% of the time or more. I don't think the Cubs success hinges on whether Aramis can steal 5-10 bases in a season.

After posting a .294 OBP last year, he just needs to worry about reaching base safely....

**dtclones** · 03-07-2011, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by CycloneErik

Agreed. Is Aramis sneaky, though?

I do not know. I wouldn't say he's the smartest either. For sure, not fast at all. There would definitely be an element of surprise though. You know what eliminates the need for stolen bases though? Home runs. Which is what he needs to be doing.

**dtclones** · 03-07-2011, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Clones21

No. The only way Aramis gets any stolen bases is a over thrown pitch and it gets behind the catcher.

Or more commonly known as a wild pitch/passed ball, not a stolen base.

**cycloneSOULja** · 03-07-2011, 11:54 AM

This reminds me of the fat kid in little league, who tries to convice the coach to let him lay down a bunt, because "they won't be looking for it"... It's the major leagues here. You might be able to get away with 1 or 2, but even if they aren't looking for it, if you get a bad jump or are slow, a decent catcher can still throw you out.

**CycloneErik** · 03-07-2011, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by dtclones

I do not know. I wouldn't say he's the smartest either. For sure, not fast at all. There would definitely be an element of surprise though. You know what eliminates the need for stolen bases though? Home runs. Which is what he needs to be doing.

Agreed. I was going to avoid the smart part, but he kind of raises the issue with this brilliant idea.

It's not like planting this idea in the media is suddenly going to have teams cowering in fear at the next Rickey over there.

**ThatllDoCy** · 03-07-2011, 12:38 PM

Aramis time is better spent on improving his defense and upping his output at the plate from last year.

**PabloDiablo** · 03-07-2011, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by dtclones

I do not know. I wouldn't say he's the smartest either. For sure, not fast at all. There would definitely be an element of surprise though. You know what eliminates the need for stolen bases though? Home runs. Which is what he needs to be doing.

Except when the Sun-times and Trib run articles on it... He has bigger fish to fry than attempting to steal a few bases like his avg and HR and RBI's, that's what he is paid for. This will inevitably lead to me screaming at my tv several times this season!