CENTER FIELD :: Stop, Thief!

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Stop, Thief!

Jacoby Ellsbury is about to get arrested for committing horrible, unspeakable crimes of theft against pitchers and catchers across the country.

Over the weekend, in the Sox-Reds series in Cincinnati, Jacoby broke the 100 year-old record for stolen bases by a Red Sox rookie. In a season. It took Amby McConnell (love that name) 140 games to steal 31 bases in 1908... it took Jacoby Ellsbury just 63 games to steal 32 bases (and then 33 bases) in 2008. Take that, Amby!

More Jacoby fleet-flooted stat tidbits: Jacoby has stolen 14 bases over his last 14 starts, he has only been caught stealing 3 times (so, 33 in 36 attempts), and he is 7 for 7 when he attempts to steal third. Oh, yeah - and he's also leading the league in stolen bases.

When asked about breaking the Red Sox rookie record, Jacoby said:

It's pretty neat, a 100-year-old record with the Red Sox, the tradition, to break a record like that is pretty special.

I think I've figured out that "neat" and "special" are to Jacoby Ellsbury, as "execute pitches" and "throw fucking strikes" are to Josh Beckett.

Next up in Jacoby's sights: the American League record for stolen bases by a rookie -- currently set by Kenny Lofton in 1992 at 66 SBs. Past that, the major league record is 110 stolen bases, set by Vince Coleman for the Cardinals in 1985.

"If the opportunity is there I'll go. I don't want to force anything. If it's a good situation for me to go in, I'll take advantage of it. I could steal more bases but I'm not going to go just to go. I want to pick quality stolen-base attempts. I hope I get 60, but I want to let the game dictate what happens."

What would a post like this be without video? Here's video from Saturday of Jacoby taking third base, and then scoring home on a throwing error. Bonus awesomeness: the FOX camera catches Jason Varitek hugging on Dustin Pedroia in the dugout.

video courtesy of FOX

Comments (9)

[ joyosity ] says:
on June 16, 2008 1:38 PM

Heehee, that last shot of Tek hugging Pedey from behind just sends me into giggles. And I love how it totally doesn't phase Pedey to be snuggled by the Captain.

Don't forget the Red Sox single season stolen base record of 54. I love this kid!

[ Lins ] says:
on June 16, 2008 2:17 PM

haha I remember that. I love catching moments like those. So cute. hahah I also loved seeing JD Drew in the dugout after his HR being so cute and lovable. aww jd and your .321 avg

[ Kate ] says:
on June 16, 2008 2:28 PM

that's probably my second favorite moment from the game. The highlight for me was in the 10th when Baker decided it would be a good time to take out Griffey Jr and pinch run for him with Bronson. Youk's jump a mile, look like you just saw a 3 head monster walking his way and the incredulous 'WTF are you doing' he yelled. Thank heaven for DVRs.

[ Twinkie ] says:
on June 16, 2008 4:13 PM

I missed the start of the game on Fox, so I had missed the Tek/Pedey moment. Awesome.

And I seriously think my brain died for a little bit when Bronson was pinch running.

[ Liza ] says:
on June 16, 2008 4:54 PM

It's quite redundant by this point, but WOW is Jacoby fast.

[ Karen ] says:
on June 16, 2008 6:30 PM

That is way too funny. Anybody other than me just a little bit jealous of Peddy?

[ beth ] says:
on June 16, 2008 9:37 PM

i almost--ALMOST--can't stand up to the awesome force of the pedroia-love of late.

[ April ] says:
on June 16, 2008 11:19 PM

There was also another shot of Jason giving Pedroia a hug after he hit a homerun this weekend. I forget which game it was though... Nevertheless, love these little moments between the guys.

[ Lyndsay ] says:
on June 17, 2008 4:19 PM

it's all part of Tek's role as the babysitter. sometimes, he's just all about the hugs and the positive reinforcement. Tek says I can do anything I put my mind to!

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