ROTISSERIE: New MLB rules prompt a new look at spring training steals

It’s been a long time since this writer checked in on the “Spring Training Stat that (Still) Matters”, but the new-for-2023 MLB rule set designed to speed up the game also appears to be speeding up the traffic volume on the basepaths. Larger bases, defensive positioning, pitch clocks and limited throws to first base are all expected to bring more movement on the basepaths, and spring training results (through March 26) are certainly validating that expectation.

Spring Training Trends

In past articles, we looked at trends over the most recent three seasons, and the correlations between spring training and the regular season. It is clear that: a) virtually all teams are running more during 2023 spring training than they have over the past...

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