Fantasy Baseball 2011: Stolen Bases At All Positions

There are only so many Juan Pierres and Rajai Davises in the MLB. When drafting a fantasy baseball team, it is crucial that you do not overlook the stolen base category because the talent here can thin out before you even have a chance to react. In 2010, there were 17 players who stole 30+ bases, which is about how many players hit 30+ home runs in 2010. However, whereas there were 69 players who hit 20+ home runs, there was a mere 30 20+ base stealers. So what is the moral? Unless you are able to snag a few base stealing specialists, it is imperative that you find all-around players who can contribute a decent amount of steals for you.

While you may not think so, these stolen bases do add up; if you are able to draft a 30-base stealer and you make sure the rest of your team averages about 10 stolen bases per year, that gives you approximately 150 stolen bases, excluding bench players.

On the other hand if you ignore stolen bases after drafting two speed demons who steal about 40 bases per year so that your average player steals five bases, that adds up to 135 stolen bases.

In the first scenario, by drafting players who can steal, but are not known for their speed, not only do you get more steals, but you do not have to draft a second speed specialist, allowing you to focus on other categories. 

So in this article, I'll provide you with a few options at each position of players who you may not think of as being base stealers. I'll try to avoid players like Albert Pujols who would be drafted too early to be relevant in this article. For the most part, these are players who you can grab late.

Catcher

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ST. LOUIS - AUGUST 21: Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals catches a fly ball against the San Francisco Giants at Busch Stadium on August 21, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals:

Molina is not an exceptional fantasy baseball player, but he can contribute an occasional home run or stolen base while maintaining a decent batting average. Molina stole eight bases in 2010 and nine in 2009. Eye-opening? No. But he'll help you out over the course of the season.

Russell Martin, New York Yankees:

Martin is pretty well known for his ability to steal bases, however he will be overlooked due to his poor production as of late and his limited playing time. However, consider this: Martin stole 21 bases in 2007. The only other catcher to steal 20+ bases this decade was Jason Kendall in 2000. If he gets even a limited role on the Yankees, expect double digit steals.

First Basemen

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PHOENIX - JULY 10: Infielder Gaby Sanchez #14 of the Florida Marlins in action during the Major League Baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on July 10, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Marlins 5-4. (Photo

Gaby Sanchez, Florida Marlins:

Sanchez did not attempt too many stolen bases in 2010, only managing five stolen bases (only five attempts however). Yet, he has the potential to reach 15+; in 2008 (AA), Sanchez stole 17 bases on 25 attempts. If the Marlins let Sanchez run, he could be a solid option, as he also hit 19 home runs with 72 RBIs in 2010, his first full year.

Garret Jones, Pittsburgh Pirates:

Jones stole 10 bases in 2010, while only playing 82 games. His 2010 campaign was very disappointing as he only managed seven stolen bases. Still, the potential is there and if you are in a deep league running out of spots at 1B, don't overlook Jones' speed. 

Second Basemen

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 12: Infielder Sean Rodriguez #1 of the Tampa Bay Rays turns a double play as Michael Young #10 of the Texas Rangers tries to break it up during Game 5 of the ALDS at Tropicana Field on October 12, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Flor

Kelly Johnson, Arizona Diamondbacks:

Johnson had a great hitting season in 2010, and on top of that he stole 13 bases. While people may doubt the legitimacy of his 26 home runs, his speed is certainly there. Keep Johnson in mind even in standard 10 team leagues.

Sean Rodriguez, Tampa Bay Rays:  

Rodriguez is my No. 2 sleeper entering 2011. He is a solid hitter with 20/20 potential. In 118 games in 2010, Rodriguez stole 13 bases, a strong showing for his first season playing more than 60 games. In 2006 and 2007, Rodriguez stole 15 bases in the minors, displaying that his speed has always been there. Now that he has a starting role, Rodriguez might turn heads. 

Third Basemen

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SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Chase Headley #7 of the San Diego Padres slides past the tag of catcher Ramon Hernandez #55 of Cincinnati Reds for the winning score during the Padres 4-3 win in their MLB game on September 25, 2010 at PETCO Park in San Dieg

Chase Headley, San Diego Padres: 

Headley is not a top player by any means, however he was huge threat in 2010 on the basepaths, stealing 17 bases which ranked second for third basemen, trailing on David Wright. Given the dearth of base stealers in the MLB, Headley's 20+ stolen bases potential has some value to it.

Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays;

Yes, he'll be off the board in the first round. However, he is currently being ranked about fifth, meaning in standard leagues there is a 50% chance for you to have the option of drafting Longoria. People generally focus on Longoria's power (82 HR since 2008, 302 RBIs since 2008), however did you know Longoria stole 15 bases last season, and since 2008 he is 31/36 on stolen base attempts? That is an 86.1% success rate, which beats Juan Pierre, Michael Bourn, and many other well-known base stealers. I realize that you would probably take Longoria at five even before reading this, however his speed in very much underrated.

Shortstops

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WASHINGTON - AUGUST 26: Ian Desmond #6 of the Washington Nationals singles in the game winning run in the thirteenth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park on August 26, 2010 in Washington, DC. The Nationals won the game 11-10. (Photo

Ian Desmond, Washington Nationals:

Desmond earned the starting spot in Washington in 2010 and he showed that he could play at the highest level. His .269 batting average and 10 home runs didn't blow anyone away, but his 17 stolen bases were very impressive. This was not the first sign of speed from Desmond, as he stole a combined 21 bases in 2009 in AA and AAA. In 2007, Desmond stole 27 bases in A+. Due to positional scarcity and a lack of base stealers, Desmond should be owned in most 2011 standard leagues. 

Rafael Furcal, Los Angeles Dodgers:

Furcal's decline in power has lost him a lot of looks from fantasy owners since 2007, however in 2010 Furcal made some improvements, hitting .300 with eight home runs. These are nice numbers, however Furcal really gets his value from his speed. He stole 22 bases in 2010, his first 20+ season dating back to 2007. His speed is undeniable, as he has stolen 293 bases in 11 seasons. If your league mates continue to overlook Furcal, don't miss your opportunity to snag a nice base stealer. 

Outfielders

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 11: Jason Heyward #22 of the Atlanta Braves slides in safely under a leaping Freddy Sanchez #21 of the San Francisco Giants in the second inning during Game Four of the NLDS of the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Turner Field on October 11, 2010 i

Hunter Pence, Houston Astros:

Pence is a very consistent fantasy player who is well known for his three straight season hitting 25 home runs, while hitting .269 or better all three years. However, Pence is also a great base stealer; in those three years, Pence has stolen 43 bases. Pence is a great guy to have on your roster; he helps you across the board, making your team better overall.

Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves:

Everyone knows Heyward for his monster hitting potential; he entered 2010 as the top hitting prospect in the game. What goes unnoticed for the most part about his game, however, is his speed. In 2010, playing 142 games, Heyward managed 11 stolen bases. It's unlikely he'll ever break 20, however he can guarantee you double digits in 2011.