Theft on the rise: How the Dodgers became baseball's improbable men of steal
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers' preferred method of offense is to bludgeon opponents with a loaded lineup of power hitters proficient at working counts, hunting mistakes and giving themselves self-congratulatory taps on their helmets as they circle the bases.
Pointing out their proficiency at stealing bases is a bit like reaching under a stack of C-notes to rummage through the change drawer.
Stealing bases is so pre-analytics, so anti-Moneyball, so Maury Wills. Risking an out on the basepaths is nearly as passé as a sacrifice bunt. Stay put or be the target of a running joke.
Why then are the Dodgers exemplary men of steal?
Entering play Monday, the Dodgers had 78 stolen bases while being caught just 14 times. They were on pace to steal 105, easily their highest total since 2014 when Dee Strange-Gordon skewed the category by pilfering 64. Their success rate this season (84.8%) is exceeded only by the Chicago White Sox, who are 41 for 48 (85.4%).
The increased thefts also should keep
