Nobody likes base stealing anymore. More specifically, the new baseball metrics clearly display the cost of an out usually far outweigh the cost of a base advanced. I understand that, as well as the general bad strategy of bunting. That said, if a team doesn't aggressively run the bases, that will cost them as well. Since we have a few days before another Cubs game, how do you think base stealing should be utilized?

One of the current trends is to time the pitcher's release to the plate. Obviously, steals should be tried when they have a greater chance of success. Two out, runner on first steal tries are okay, usually. Especially with a decent OBP guy up, particularly without much power. I have faith in our new FO to keep up with all the new matrices, and Sveum has been very effective moving Barney around defensively to gain an edge.

Most of the guys coming up sound capable of going first-to-third, which I value. As we get good, I hope our third base coach is good on his send/hold guesses. But how do you want us to steal bases by 2014? There's little benefit in giving away outs, but getting the defense out of position can be very helpful. So can increasing the number of fastballs the pitcher throws to the hitter.

Sorry, no poll this time. No option to vote Soler.