Speed is of course the great equalizer and a team that can excel on the basepaths is able to overcome flaws in other areas. For exhibit A I give you the 1978 Kansas City Royals. They finished 7th in the AL in OBP and 11th in home runs but were 3rd in runs scored due to finishing 1st in stolen bases, 1st in doubles, and 1st in triples. Led by Willie Wilson, eight players had stolen bases in the double figures. (They had did this before two years earlier, the '76 team also eight in double digits including an astounding seven with 20 or more.)
Players like Amos Otis, Willie Wilson, Freddie Patek patrolled the field (infield in Patek’s case) and also caused problems for opposing pitchers on the basepaths.***********Speed disrupts. The Royals (in 2011 at least) might have some speedsters to create some havoc of their own. That aspect of the (potential) opening day roster gives this group a chance to be very entertaining, even if they may not win a lot of games.
| Player | SB |
|---|---|
| Frank White | 13 |
| Freddie Patek | 38 |
| George Brett* | 23 |
| Willie Wilson# | 46 |
| Amos Otis | 32 |
| Al Cowens | 14 |
| Hal McRae | 17 |
| U L Washington# | 12 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Wilson had just 223 PA's and a .280 OBP but he stole 24 bases that season in games he didn't start. If Jarrod Dyson miraculously makes the team I'd like to see him used in a similar manner. Now I'm not suggesting if they run more they'll win their division, I don't think they can swipe 216 bases for one, and two the '78 team had four starting pitchers post a 113 ERA+ or higher. The 2011 team probably won't have one starting pitcher achieve an ERA+ that high (though I think Hochevar and Francis are capable).
All I'm saying is that like the '78 team their speed is an asset and they absolutely should consider fully utilizing it. Michael is right, despite a lack of power and a potentially low OBP the offense does have the chance be entertaining this year. They just gotta run.
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