2007 MLB Stolen Bases Allowed by a Pitcher
While I have to place some blame on the pitchers themselves for the SB numbers, a poor catcher can add to this ratio. In the top 20 list, three Blue Jays (80 for 88) & Padres (102 for 106) are represented, along with two players for the Angels, Cubs & Diamondbacks.
I haven’t yet come across a decent pitching run modifier that includes SB allowed as a variable, although one should exist, as giving up an extra base can clearly effect a pitchers bottom line, which is runs allowed . Most pitching modifiers (FIP “Fielding Independent Pitching” or DICE “Defensive Independent ERA for example) are based primarily upon extra base hits, walks, HBP, and strikeouts.
Some reasons may exist for these numbers. The names on this list are some of the best starters in the MLB, which may lend itself to opposing managers increasing their running bias in an effort to score an extra run. This, in addition to poor pickoff moves, a slow delivery time to the plate and the catcher behind the plate all appear to be factors for these high SB against numbers.
