Posey, Giants cracking down on base thieves

July 31st, 2016

SAN FRANCISCO -- 's diligence and the pitching staff's attention to detail have combined to help the Giants catcher become more efficient at throwing out would-be basestealers.
Posey has stopped 20 of 41 thefts for a 49 percent caught-stealing figure, ranking him among the National League's best in that category. His percentages ranged between 30 and 37 in previous seasons.
Posey explained he has tried to wrap his hand around the very top of the baseball, not its side. This, Posey said, enables his throws to travel with better carry. He added, "You're going to get truer flight on the ball instead of maybe some tailing."
Posey said he has concentrated on employing this technique when he throws during the offseason.

Giants pitchers have eased Posey's task by holding runners on base more effectively. This wasn't always one of the team's hallmarks in recent seasons.
"It starts with the pitcher," manager Bruce Bochy said.
San Francisco had permitted 40 stolen bases entering Sunday, the NL's second-lowest total.