Baseball fantasy world: These guys could be a real steal

Fantasy owners without an elite base stealer often are too quick to write off this category. Staff writer Tim Hubbard looks at a few cheap acquisitions that can help a team pick up points in this specialized area.

Jarrod Dyson

OF | Kansas City

Dyson’s ability to steal bases is no mystery. He stole 30 for the Royals in 2012. However, his month-long absence because of a high-ankle sprain may have led some owners to drop him, making him ripe for the picking now that he’s back. He has nine stolen bases in only 22 games.

Elliot Johnson

2B | Kansas City

Having swiped nearly 200 bases in the minors, Johnson knows what he’s doing once he reaches first base. Getting there, however, has always been the issue for the .226 career hitter. Johnson’s stock did get a boost when the Royals optioned Chris Getz to the minors last week, opening up extended playing time for the 29-year-old, who is perfect in 11 steal attempts this year.

Leonys Martin

OF | Texas

Martin, successful in only 59% of his stolen-base attempts during his two minor league seasons, has had a better go of it in the majors, stealing 13 in 15 attempts this year. After platooning with Craig Gentry, the young Cuban has been given the bulk of the playing time in recent weeks, adding to his allure.

DJ LeMahieu

2B | Colorado

After stealing one base in 81 games for the Rockies in 2012, LeMahieu has picked up the pace this season, swiping nine bases in 10 attempts since being promoted in mid-May. LeMahieu is hitting .287 and his job appears safe until the injured Troy Tulowitzki returns. At that point, the Rockies will have to choose between LeMahieu and opening-day starter Josh Rutledge, who’s helping fill the void at shortstop.