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Thu, Aug 28th 2008, 11:50
Hanley picking his spots for steals
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
ATLANTA — Speed remains a big part of Hanley Ramirez’s game. The versatile Marlins shortstop is always a threat to beat out an infield hit, or turn a single into a double or a two-base hit into a triple.
What the Marlins are not seeing as much from Ramirez this season, however, are stolen bases.
Heading into Wednesday night, the 24-year-old had 29 steals, while he’s been caught 12 times.
After racking up 51 in each of his first two seasons in Florida, Ramirez is on pace to finish with about 35.
Are the days of him swiping 50 a year over?
“It’s getting close to being over,” Ramirez said. “Not completely over, but I won’t have as many.”
Willy Taveras of the Rockies paces the Major Leagues with 61, and Jose Reyes of the Mets has 43. In the past few seasons, you’d typically find Ramirez ranked near the top of the league leaders.
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