Throughout the past couple of weeks, we have focused on the National League West and Central, this week we look at the National League East base stealers. Three of the top four leaders in stolen bases this season reside in the National League East.  Most of the steal power in the NL’s Eastern division is top-heavy – in other words, there are few sleepers to talk about in the NL East worth acquiring for your roster.

There is no reason to go into much detail on players that are not available in just about every format, like Jose Reyes, but, really, no stolen base column on the NL East would be complete without a passing mention of him. By far and away, Reyes is the best base stealer in baseball. With 38 stolen bases now, he is well on his way to stealing 100 bases, making Reyes the first player to break the century mark since Vince Coleman did it for the Cardinals in 1987. It is just too bad that he is too good – way, way too good – to be discussed in our stolen base sleepers.

Willie Harris, Outfield, Atlanta Braves

Harris is the top base stealer in the NL East amongst players that are not universally owned in every league. One of the many struggling cogs in the slumping Braves’ lineup, Harris will steal when he does get on, and he has nine stolen bases so far this season, putting him on pace for around 25 for the season, and he has stolen as many as 54 bases in a season in the minors. His previous major league high is 19, which he did in 129 games with the White Sox back in 2004.

He does not do a lot, but he can steal some bases. With nine so far in the season, he will amass around 25 steals this year. He is in that Braves lineup which has struggled lately, but as long as he gets on base, he will run. He had 54 steals in a season in the minor leagues. His MLB career high is 19 in 2004 for the White Sox in 129 games.

Alfredo Amezaga, Outfield, Florida Marlins

With Marlins’ manager Fredi Gonzalez moving Hanley Ramirez to the third spot in order to better utilize Ramirez’ power, Amezaga has been quite solid for the Marlins hitting leadoff. In 137 at-bats in the top spot in the lineup, Amezaga has a .292 batting average with seven stolen bases and 19 runs scored. Given 500 at-bats, Amezaga has potential to steal 35-40 bases. He will not do that this year of course, but could easily provide a solid running threat for your team, and he very likely available in your league. I would scoop him up right away.

Felipe Lopez, Second Base, Washington Nationals

If I were writing this column at the beginning of the season, there is no way we would mention Lopez because he would be unattainable via free agency in any fantasy league out there. Luckily for us, and unluckily for Lopez, he has had a horrendous season thus far. Batting under .240 with just 28 runs scored and seven steals, Lopez is far off his 2006 pace when he batted .275 with 44 steals and 98 runs scored for the Reds and Nationals. It is hard to explain the dramatic drop off in production. One would suspect it is the Nationals supposed putrid offense, but even that has not been as bad of late, even if the overall season numbers say otherwise. If Lopez is available in your league, he is worth grabbing and stashing away on your bench as he is bound to turn things around – he really cannot be this bad, can he?

Carlos Gomez, Outfield, NY Mets

Gomez has only played in 31 games this year, which is why his seven stolen bases are very impressive. When the Mets optioned pitcher Mike Pelfrey to their Triple-A affiliate, they brought up Gomez, and he’s been starting ever since. Just 21, his first month in the majors was a struggle, with only two stolen bases and a .172 batting average. However, in the month of June, Gomez has been great – 5 steals, 15 runs, and a .300 average. Those in keeper leagues should take a chance on Gomez. He is in that Mets lineup which, until recently, had been hot.

Nook Logan, Outfield, Nationals

If Logan could hit, he would be a great sleeper candidate to swipe some bases. Problem is, he cannot hit. He never had a full season in the minors where he batted over .300. Despite the fact he is not a strong batter, he stole 231 bases in his six minor league seasons in 586 games. If he can ever get comfortable in the majors and hit leadoff in a strong lineup, he would be one of the top base stealers in the game. The problem with that is well, he plays for the Nationals.

Next week, the American League, starting out west.

Have a question or comment for Derek? Email him at derekduncan@sportsgrumblings.com