Rockies' speedster Willy Taveras, or, as SportsGrumblings editor Mark Haverty calls him, "Juan Pierre with talent."

The National League West

The season is upon us as we look at the last division in our series on Burning up the Bases. If there was a team to completely avoid on your draft day when contemplating the baseball players that bring all five categories to the table, it is easily the San Diego Padres. Beyond the mediocre speed of second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (projected 10 steals), there is not one player that you can name that will snag double-digit steals on the whole roster.

The Dependable

Eric Byrnes – Some would consider Byrnes’ 2007 statistics to be a “breakout;” however, he has increase every statistical category each year since entering the league since 2003 (his first full season.) There is no reason to believe that he will repeat his 50 stolen base total from 2007, especially when you consider the speed up and down the line-up; however, he is capable of at least 30 and may even approach 40.

Willy Taveras – I liken Taveras to a young Juan Pierre. Essentially, he only provides runs and stolen bases. He has increased his batting average over the last several seasons and should give you a .300-.320 batting average, making more palatable in the fantasy world than he did in 2006 when he struggled for most of the season, eventually raising his batting average to .279.

Rafael Furcal – Nothing can really account for his power outage in 2007, hitting only six home runs, but even with close to 60 less at bats, he still managed to swipe 25 bags last year. In the league since 2000, it seems like he should be on the decline. However, he is only 30-years-old and has a lot of baseball left in him. With the ability to get near double-digit home runs and the ability to get upwards of 95 runs and 28-30 stolen bases, he is a poor man’s Rickie Weeks without the power potential. He is an excellent option when the top four shortstops disappear from your draft board, especially in 5x5 leagues.

The Surprise

Rajai Davis – If Davis can solidify the starting job in centerfield; he is capable of 25 stolen bases at the very least. The problem is that he is competing with another speedy outfielder in Fred Lewis and minor league prospect Dan Ortmeier for the number four spot in the outfield. Again, if he wins it outright, he will spell all three outfield positions, making him a viable option in NL-Only leagues as well as deeper mixed leagues.

Justin Upton – The younger Upton is quickly making a name for himself in Arizona. This speedy right fielder has solidified the starting position in the depth charts and has a chance to post upwards of 18 stolen bases in his full season in the majors. In keeper leagues, he is a no-brainer, but if you draft him this year, buckle your seatbelt because he will have the hills and valleys of a prototypical rookie.

Eugenio Velez – Here is a name that you may not know now, but by mid-season, he should be a fairly hot commodity on your free agent list. Likely headed to the minors up until two days ago, Eugenio caught a break…or shall we call it a tear. 2B/SS Kevin Frandsen had all but secured his position as the utility infielder for the San Francisco Giants when he tore his Achilles heal in a minor league game. This thrust Velez to the top of the charts and all but assured him of making the 25-man roster. With this in mind, do not be surprised if Velez grabs 14-16 bags playing a utility role and getting the occasional call for a pinch runner.

The Decline

Randy Winn - There was a time when Winn, then a Seattle Mariner, could be counted on for 20+ stolen bases every season. Those days are behind the aging veteran. In all likelihood, he will steal somewhere in the vicinity of 12 bases. When it comes to mid-tier outfielders in 5 X 5 leagues, Winn still has relevance, especially when the young up-and-comers who project for more steals and are the “sexier” picks are gone of your draft board.

Omar Vizquel – Let’s face it, Omar is no spring chicken. The 40 stolen base seasons left his repertoire as far back as 99; the mid-20s stolen base seasons left him by 2003, and now we are left with a player who is still around because of his amazing fielding ability. His .246 batting average in 2007 opened the door for now injured minor league prospect Kevin Frandsen and now starting shortstop Brian Bocock. In reality, Omar is not taking even as a bench player and the only reason he is mentioned in this article is due to his decline in statistics and the lack of base stealers in the N.L. West Division.

Top 10 Projected Base Stealers
1. Eric Byrnes, Left Field, Arizona Diamondbacks
2. Wily Taveras, Center Field, Colorado Rockies
3. Rafael Furcal, Shortstop, Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Chris B. Young, Center Field, Arizona Diamondbacks
5. Dave Roberts, Left Field, San Francisco Giants
6. Rajai Davis, Outfield, San Francisco Giants
7. Russell Martin, Catcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
8. Justin Upton, Right Field, Arizona Diamondbacks
9. Matt Kemp, Outfield, Los Angeles Dodgers
10. Eugenio Velez, Infielder, San Francisco Giants