Would like to know the basic running counts?

[champion17]

I would like to know the basic running counts on which runners usually tend to steal a base.

[Jake Patterson]

I would like to know the basic running counts on which runners usually tend to steal a base.

I think other variables need to be considered.

[onbaseball]

It really depends on the pitcher/catcher. After watching a pitcher (or team, as a number of coaches call pitches from the dugout) throughout a game or over several games, some will follow a pattern. For example, many pitchers are likely to throw a slider out of the strike zone when ahead on the count; this might be a good time to steal. In contrast, there are pitchers who pitch "backwards": throwing change-ups or other off-speed pitches when behind the count (such as 2-0).

There are also pitchers who use a slide step, and some will use the slide step only for certain pitches or certain counts. If you notice that a pitcher only uses a slide step when throwing a curve, and he has a tendency to bounce the deuce, you might want to take off the next time he uses the slide step.

Generally speaking, a runner would ideally steal on a breaking ball, as it comes in slower and usually will be more difficult for the catcher to handle. Then again, there are some pitchers who are wild with the fastball, and/or take more time delivering a fastball (thus it's possible it would be a more suitable pitch to run on).

[PullFactor]

It really depends on the pitcher/catcher. After watching a pitcher (or team, as a number of coaches call pitches from the dugout) throughout a game or over several games, some will follow a pattern. For example, many pitchers are likely to throw a slider out of the strike zone when ahead on the count; this might be a good time to steal. In contrast, there are pitchers who pitch "backwards": throwing change-ups or other off-speed pitches when behind the count (such as 2-0).

There are also pitchers who use a slide step, and some will use the slide step only for certain pitches or certain counts. If you notice that a pitcher only uses a slide step when throwing a curve, and he has a tendency to bounce the deuce, you might want to take off the next time he uses the slide step.

Generally speaking, a runner would ideally steal on a breaking ball, as it comes in slower and usually will be more difficult for the catcher to handle. Then again, there are some pitchers who are wild with the fastball, and/or take more time delivering a fastball (thus it's possible it would be a more suitable pitch to run on).
I think Mr. Janish summed it up better than most could. [/thread]