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Oakland A’s: Ramon Laureano making impact on basepaths

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Ramon Laureano #22 of the Oakland Athletics steals second base ahead of the throw to Corey Seager #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning at RingCentral Coliseum on April 07, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Ramon Laureano #22 of the Oakland Athletics steals second base ahead of the throw to Corey Seager #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning at RingCentral Coliseum on April 07, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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During the beginning part of spring training, there had been reports that both Ramon Laureano and Matt Chapman were picking the brain of newly acquired shortstop Elvis Andrus in regards to baserunning. As Andrus had over 300 steals entering the season, it made sense that they would want to learn anything they could from him.

For Laureano, the hope was that those tips would make him a more formidable for on the basepaths. While he had found success when stealing bases, notching 22 steals in 26 attempts, he was not nearly the threat that someone with his speed should be.

Ramon Laureano trying to run the Oakland A’s to success

Those lessons have certainly worked for Laureano this season. Heading into wednesday’s action, he had been successful in eight of his nine attempts as he has used his legs in an attempt to get the A’s offense in gear. Those eight steals lead the majors as Laureano has done his best to morph into the next Rickey Henderson.

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There was never a question about Laureano’s potential on the basepaths. He was a possible five tool player, someone who could potentially have multiple seasons with over 20 homers and stolen bases. He reached that home run mark in 2019, belting 24 long balls, but the stolen base totals have yet to catch up.

It has not been a question of speed. Laureano has been successful on the bases when he had attempted to steal previously. Likewise, his speed has been of great use in the outfield, where he is seemingly a Gold Glove winner in waiting. If anything, it has just been a matter of being more aggressive.

He has been exactly that thus far in 2021. His aggressiveness on the bases led directly to a run on Monday, as in the top of the fifth, he stole third and scored on the throwing error. Considering the A’s issues on offense to begin the season, Laureano’s newfound stature as a consistent stolen base threat could be just what the A’s need to get their lineup going once again.

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Ramon Laureano has emerged as a weapon on the basepaths this year. As the Oakland A’s look to emerge from their slow start, they need all the help they can get.