Power one can expect from Johnny Gomes, sure, but speed too?

Old Hat

These are the prototypical names that you associate with the statistic of the stolen base.

Michael Bourn is still burning up the base paths, swiping four bags in the last seven days. He also continues to struggle at the plate, batting a meager .185 in 27 at-bats (five hits). There are several players, however, that are really stepping up their game (pardon the pun) including Carl Crawford and Ichiro Suzuki who also stole four bases this past week.

Jacoby Ellsbury, with limited playing time, still managed to steal three bags and continue his perfect streak in his major league career. Carlos Gomez is another young talent that has impressed this writer with his base-stealing ability with his three stolen bases this week.

As has been expected of him since his minor league days, Ian Kinsler has had an impact both at the plate (.467 batting average) and on the base paths (three stolen bases) this past week. Kinsler not only has the ability to be a top-tier second baseman, but also has the ability to visit the disabled list like no other. Since 2006, when first called up to the majors, he has spent at least one 15-day stint on the disabled list each and every year.

New Shoes

There are several players that either are not known for their base-stealing skills or are simply new to the big leagues and are having an impact on the base paths. Here are the names that you may not be aware of that are starting to have an impact. These names are likely to be found on your free agent wire and could have an impact on your team.

Angel Pagan, Outfield, New York Mets: Relegated to a reserve role with the return of Moises Alou, Pagan has been very effective in his limited playing time. With only nine at-bats, he has managed to steal two bases this past week. As a fourth outfielder/pinch-runner/utility player, Pagan is still having an impact with his feet.

Ryan Sweeney, Outfield, Oakland Athletics: Splitting time with Chris Denorfia in center field, Ryan Sweeney is making some moves on the base paths. Last week Sweeney swiped two bags in only nine at-bats. Here is a young guy who is learning the ropes in the big leagues. He is not a power hitter, more of a slap-to-the-gaps type of swinger; however, with 17 strikeouts in 84 at bats and a .261 batting average, there is still a learning curve that Sweeney needs to overcome.

Jayson Werth, Outfield, Philadelphia Phillies: I realize that he has six years experience, but never as a full-time player. Werth stole two more bases last week, upping his total to six on the season. With six home runs, 18 runs, and 14 runs batted in, Jayson Werth is quietly adding value to his name among the deeper of NL Only fantasy leagues.

Old Dogs Performing New Tricks

Not all of these players are “old” in reference to age; however, each of the players mentioned are known for what they bring to the table, statistically speaking, yet have find another way to make themselves more fantasy-viable.

Tadahito Iguchi has stolen an impressive three stolen bases this past week, hitting .360 with an on-base percentage over .400. When seeking a solid replacement for the “Rickie Weeks” of the world (hitting well below the Mendoza Line) or trying to find a fix for the “Orlando Hudsons” of the league (injury-plagued), you may want to consider the streaky-yet-productive Iguchi.

When you consider Jonny Gomes (DH/OF) of the Tampa Bay Rays, I am certain that “fleet-of-foot” is not the first thing that comes to mind. With that being said, Gomes, although hitting a meager .222 this past week, still managed to steal two bases and help the Tampa Bay Rays continue to streak to the forefront of the American League East.

Another player that does not bringing flashes of speed to mind is Ty Wigginton. Wigginton, like Gomes, is known more for his high-power, high strikeout potential and not his ability to steal a base. Like Gomes, Wigginton managed to steal two bases this past week and one-bettered Gomes in the batting average, hitting an even .200.

Moises Alou makes the second injury-plagued NY Met to make the Burning Up the Bases article. Alou, coming off the disabled list, has hit an impressive .444, with two doubles, and even stole a bag, showing Mets fans that he still has it (at least for the next week or two). Although he was able to show some spring in his step, this is to be short lived and will not compare to Luis Castillo (2B) who has shown a consistency in his ability to steal a base over the past several seasons.

King of Swing

I would be dismayed not to mention the unbelievable play of one Lance Berkman. Berkman added another two stolen bases to his previous four. With six stolen bases on the season, it is easily one of the most shocking statistics to come out of Houston. When you go through a calendar week batting .692, hit three home runs, five doubles, AND steal two bags, you need to have your own section of a stolen base article.

Honorable Mentions go to Hunter Pence, Juan Pierre, Hanley Ramirez, B.J. Upton, and Shane Victorino for stealing three bases this past week, making them viable in most 5 X 5 and rotisserie leagues.