The Mets’ acquisition of Eric Young Jr. accentuated how more and more organizations are thinking about adding speed when rosters expand in September – and maybe keeping it as a weapon in October.
The Dodgers, for example, have three fast players they have tutored in the art of reading pickoff moves and getting good bursts. Edwin Drexler, Robbie Garvey and Kyle Hudson were put on different minor league teams essentially as dedicated pinch-runners to see whether one can emerge as a September option.
Perhaps it was spurred by what Terrance Gore’s lightning did for the Royals late last season and into the playoffs or what a late-season factor Quinton Berry was for the 2012 Tigers, 2013 Red Sox and 2014 Orioles.