Brett Gardner and Other MLB Speedsters Who Are Bringing Sexy Back to Baseball
August 18, 2011 · Ely Sussman · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
We’ve entered a new era of baseball history over the last few seasons. General managers, advertisers, fans and everybody in between are no longer mesmerized by home runs like they were during the “Steroid Era.” People are tired of one-dimensional sluggers like Adam Dunn, David Ortiz, Mark Reynolds, etc., who embarrass themselves in the field or whenever their swing doesn’t connect for a home run.
They’ve realized while such players certainly have a niche on Major League rosters, they aren’t very valuable in what has become a pitcher’s league characterized by deep bullpens (see the Braves, Rangers or Yankees) and unhittable off-speed pitches.
Many of the veteran faces in the middle of MLB batting orders are being surpassed by their teammates hitting at the top or bottom: the fast guys.
In today’s game—with homers becoming increasingly rare—this other ability makes an impact in defensive scenarios, on the bases and the instant the ball gets put in play. In lieu of power, speed is now the sexy trait we’re looking for first in an individual.
Everybody wears it differently, and in my opinion, the quickest guys aren’t always the most attractive. Baseball’s “runway” is between the foul lines. I like runners who capture my attention with their distinctive sprints. Here are the best looking of the bunch—players who I find are a ton of fun to watch run.
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