Confonting the Steal

With runners on base, everything changes.  (Cue the scary music.)

Breaking it Down


Ace through six are the only cards you will ever see on base.  Cards seven and up are not factors of any other card, so they will only make home runs, and will never stand on base.  See? You're feeling better already.

Of the six potential base running cards, the 3, 4, 5 and 6 will always be in scoring position after a three-bagger.  Oh yeah, there's nothing better than scoring position after a three-bagger, am I right Romeo?

Non-scoring Steals

Steal attempts by an Ace or two (on first or second base) are possible on almost any pitch. You almost cannot prevent a steal attempt in this situation.  You can only rely on dirty looks, a beer-induced lapse in concentration, or pure luck.

On the flip side, should you tolerate a non-scoring steal ... or even invite one?  If your defense is holding an Ace or a two, a steal attempt is just what the doctor ordered. You make the out (always worth the use of an Ace) and you cost your batter a strike.  Taking down a baserunner is always a great out.

Scoring Steals

Extreme care must be taken when pitching with a 3, 4, 5 or 6 in scoring position.  Dangerous pitch cards are 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and Queen.  One careless lay can have serious consequences, am I right Romeo?

"Never pitch a card that matches a baserunner."  Get a Sharpie pen and write that one on your arm.  Why? Because this allows the runner to steal, and you'll need yet another card of the same value to put him out.  And since there's only four of every card value, you probably don't have another one.

Pitch an Ace, two, 7, Jack or King.  And change the subject of conversation to the growing contrast between popular views on birth control and Catholic church doctrine.