How to catch a few extra steals

Stolen bases have become difficult to come by for fantasy owners in today's "bloop, bloop, blast" climate. It has gotten to the point that 5x5 owners are picking up average players in hopes of getting a few steals.

Figuring out when fringe players might steal a base or two in a game can make a big difference. Many factors go into basestealing, including a player's health and a pitcher's ability to hold runners. But the biggest factor is who's the catcher trying to throw out runners. Since the start of the 2004 season, Charles Johnson, once a Gold Glove catcher, has been the easiest to run against (minimum 80 games caught).

Player, Team                   SB    CS    CS Pct.

TOUGHEST

Brian Schneider, Nationals     44    37     45.7
Henry Blanco, Cubs             31    26     45.6
Jose Molina, Angels            29    24     45.3
David Ross, Pirates            29    15     34.1
Ivan Rodriuez, Tigers          49    25     33.8

FASIEST

Charles Johnson, Devil Rays    72    12     14.3
Chad Moeller, Brewers          63    14     18.2
Mike Lieberthal, Phillies      85    20     19.0
Johnny Estrada, Braves         85    20     19.0
Jason Phillips, Dodgers        59    14     19.2

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