Alex Rodriguez and Carlos Beltran have 637 stolen bases between them. Although speed is no longer a part of their game, they took the time on Wednesday to offer some advice to Brett Gardner – according to Ken Davidoff of the NY Post.
Gardner, who swiped just 20 bases last year despite his immense speed, listened to the two veterans for about 20 minutes explain the importance of getting a good jump and how to read a pitcher. “I’m working on being more consistent, trying to get better. Figure out ways to get better. The only way you’re going to do that is talking to guys like that, or working,” Gardner told the Post.
Gardner’s best stolen base totals came when he stole 47 and 49 respectively in 2011 and 2012. Since then, his highest is 24 in 2013. Often criticized for not being aggressive enough, Beltran believes Gardner can get back to being an elite base-stealer. “He’s a guy that can steal 35 or 40 bases if he had the right mindset.”
Beltran relayed to Gardner that he checks with the first base coach what the opposing pitcher’s time is to home plate. If it’s at 1.3 seconds or higher, Beltran knows he can attempt a steal. Anything less, and there’s no way he’ll be safe.
He also offered some advice that’s not so scientific: talk to the first baseman.“Establish a conversation with the first baseman. Try to make him feel relaxed,” Beltran said. “I want him to think, ‘Hey, everything is in control. He’s not going anywhere.’ All of a sudden, ‘See you later, Papi!’ ”
If Brett Gardner can find a way to duplicate his 40 stolen base seasons again, the Yankees could absolutely wreak havoc on the basepaths with fellow speedster Jacoby Ellsbury at the top of the lineup.
