(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Upton's numbers are going up at a much more rapid pace than even Ellsbury, but he's also been more consistent (around a 77% clip). At this rate, he could theoretically steal 18-19 bases in July, but he won't. The All-Star break interruption (and his possible inclusion) will deter all that.
What makes his numbers even more impressive is that he only had 5 steals through May 1, but was 5/5.
4. Michael Bourn, Astros:
He has 25 stolen bases in 33 attempts through 75 games (36-39 team record), on pace for 54.
Bourn's season pace slowed from 57 to 54, and he's went 3/7 since June 16.
Bourn's steals by month:
April: 6
May: 10
June: 9
July: ???
To no one's surprise the enigma Bourn's numbers are going down, but at least this year, at a slower pace. He actually jumped Chone Figgins who slid to fifth. (I'm actually surprised Bourn's still in the top five with Juan Pierre climbing fast).
As the 'Stros continue to falter, will he run with nothing left to lose, or will he quit, as always?
5. Chone Figgins, Angels
He has 23 stolen bases in 30 attempts through 75 games (42-33 team record), on pace for 50.
Figgins season pace crashed from 58 pace to 50 and he's went an inexcusable 1/1 in that time. He'll fade soon. Have I made that clear enough?
Figgins' steals by month:
April: 9
May: 11
June: 3
July: ????
Figgins' numbers are down the most, and his team went 9-4, so you can see a direct correlation and you don't have to be in the Angels' clubhouse to know that manager Mike Scoscia must have told him to quit running for the good of the team. Yawn.
This was no surprise, as like Bourn, Figgins does this every year which is why he'll be out of the top five soon and will probably finish only in the top 10, if he's lucky.
Unlike the Rays, who have been hot, or Red Sox who have been consistent, the Angels have jumped into first place and seem intent to keeping that familiar spot at the cost of the stolen base.
Hey Chone, do us all a favor and move out of the way so we can watch a real base stealing threat like Pierre justify the spot-poser.
There you have it. The updated top five. Check back around August 1 for an update on the season long quest for 100 steals.
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