Philly.com · Aug 15, 2017
Phillies lag behind in stealing bases
First base coach Mickey Morandini and outfielder Nick Williams talk things over during a 5-0 loss to Houston back on July 25.SAN DIEGO — The stolen base is a lost art in baseball, and that is one reason why Mickey Morandini occasionally summons one of his players to first base hours before a game. The Phillies first base coach brings a baseball with him. He stands in front of the runner, holds the ball in the air, then drops it.
“I don’t like guys who try to time pitchers,” Morandini said. “That’s where most of our pickoffs come from. They get caught trying to time them. This drill forces them to react when my hand drops. They’re not allowed to move until my hand drops.”