To me, what really jumps out at you about his numbers last week was the fact he stole six bases. That represents more than a quarter of his career total, which presently sits at 23. It speaks to the fact the Dodgers are a more aggressive club this season. Matt told me in the clubhouse that he has the green light to steal unless a no-steal sign is on, which intrigued me to the point that I asked Torre in his pregame session who else had the green light. Turns out Kemp, Furcal, Martin, Pierre and Andruw Jones all have the green light, and the rest of the team at least some degree of freedom, as well.
“Paul O’Neill was never on his own, but he would steal 14 or 15 bases a year,” Torre said. “If they’re giving you something, then we tell all of them to take what the other team gives you.”
Going into tonight, the Dodgers have stolen 32 bases, tying them with the Angels for the second-most in the majors. That puts them well ahead of last year’s pace of 137, especially when you consider that 110 of those steals were by three players (Furcal, Pierre and Martin).