Rockies manager Bud Black: Speed helps 'balance' lineup

Recently, Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black talked to the media and discussed the topic of base stealing.

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black recently talked to the media about some things and one of the things he said was that he wants to see speed as a part of the Rockies offensive game plan, but didn’t put too much stress on the idea of stealing bases.

He said the ideal lineup would combine every offensive tool.

"“For me, a balanced lineup of speed and power and average is what you want.”"

The lineup shouldn’t be one-dimensional, Black said, but should encompass all these facets.

Black acknowledged there has been an effort in recent years on the defensive side to slow the run-game down, and he said he thinks this has had an effect on base-stealing.

Black noted how, in order to prevent stolen bases, pitchers have altered their mechanics, stressing time to the plate and holding runners on.

Black on speed

Despite this, Black said he thinks speed can still have an impact on the game, though that impact is not limited just to stealing bases.

"“Even the threat of a stolen base is an offensive play,” Black said."

A player with speed can put pressure on the opposing team’s pitcher, catcher and defense, Black said, simply with his presence on the field.

"“Speed is still a part of this game,” Black said."

He acknowledged that he has seen the conversation around base stealing change during his time in the game, particularly as it pertains to pitchers’ mechanics.

"“I just know from my experience, ya know, all the talk of what we’re talking about now wasn’t talked about a generation ago.”"

The topic of stealing bases is growing more relevant every day this spring training as the Rockies consider lineup changes and prospect Raimel Tapia gets an opportunity to win an everyday role.

Tapia has been recognized as one of baseball’s fastest players and his speed would undoubtedly cause havoc on the base paths.

Next: Was the Rockies offseason a case of addition by subtraction?

If Tapia continues his spring success and earns a spot in the starting lineup, he could help provide the balance Black is looking for.

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Rockies manager Bud Black: Speed helps ‘balance’ lineup

By Luke Mullins | Mar 5, 2018

Recently, Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black talked to the media and discussed the topic of base stealing.

Black on speed