Reporters have asked Athletics manager Bob Melvin about Ramón Laureano a lot lately.
“He’s Mr. Energy,” Melvin said Tuesday after the A's 7-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. “You’re never really sure what he’s going to do next.”
Laureano leads MLB with eight stolen bases this season, picking up his latest in the top of the ninth inning Tuesday. He has more stolen bases than all but three teams.
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The Texas Rangers have stolen 10 bags, while the A's and Colorado Rockies each have nine. Laureano, as of this writing, is tied with the Miami Marlins.
The entire team (!!!).
“But there are guys that steal bases and there are guys that steal bases when you know they’re going to try and steal, and he did in that situation,” Melvin said.
The entire A's dugout expected Laureano to steal second after he singled in the top of the ninth. He did it anyway, giving Oakland a much-needed insurance run when Matt Chapman tripled to left later in the inning.
“You know, that’s another level type thing for him,” Melvin said of Laureano. “He’s been working hard with our base-running coaches about picking up stuff and getting good jumps.”
In addition to the speed, Laureano currently is slashing .306/.375/.500 with 11 hits and four RBI, striking out just eight times in 40 plate appearances.
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Oakland Athletics
Melvin said he believes Laureano will be an All-Star selection soon, but the center fielder isn’t paying too much attention to those discussions. If he keeps this up, he's going to hear them a lot more.
“Obviously, his confidence is off the charts right now so it seems like he does something every day to contribute to a win,” Melvin said. “He’s pretty electric.”