When it comes to the Mariners’ increased emphasis this season on base running, flash and substance are neither synonymous nor mutually exclusive.
Start with the flash.
The Mariners bolstered their base-stealing capability last winter through trades that added outfielder Jarrod Dyson and shortstop Jean Segura. Those two averaged a combined 62 stolen bases over the last four years.
They join outfielder Leonys Martin, who led the Mariners last year with 24 steals and who has averaged 26 thefts over the last four years.
So it no surprise to hear Dyson boast: "We’re looking forward to doing a lot of damage.