Late Season Steals

Steals aren’t as tricky of a roto category as some would make it seem. Just like saves, if you want to be competitive in steals, all you have to do is choose to do so. Of course, you’re likely giving up a chance of homers and RBI, but it can be worth it. Make sure to check your league’s standings and determine which categories are within reach to help you climb the ladder. If you need steals the rest of the way, you’re in luck, because two speedsters are readily available.

Coco Crisp | Athletics | 28% Owned

Since returning from the DL, Crisp has been flying around the basepaths. Coming into Sunday’s action, he had stolen five bags in his last five games. He has 21 steals in under 225 plate appearances, and has only been caught twice. His career high for steals was back in 2007, when he nabbed 28 bases in 34 tries. If I were a betting man, I’d throw some gummy bears on Crisp setting a new career high during his shortened 2010 campaign. While his line-drive rate has been a problem, his BABIP is right in line with what we’d expect. A .285 average and a bundle of steals the rest of the way? Sign me up.

Eric Young Jr. | Rockies | 3% Owned

One of the best burglers in the minors is finally getting another chance to prove his major league worth. From 2006-2009, Young never stole less than 45 bases in a year, even reaching as high as 87 steals in A-ball during ‘06. During all of those season, he never batted lower than .290, either. Like Crisp, Young’s BABIP is where close to where xBABIP expects it to be. But unlike Crisp, Young’s batting average won’t help your team. Young’s second base eligibility makes him a nice replacement option for Dustin Pedroia owners, and he should probably be picked up in every keeper league deeper than a standard league.