Jose David Flores, the Phillies’ new first-base coach, folds a sheet of paper before each game and tucks it into the back pocket of his uniform pants. The coach has overseen a dramatic shift this season in how the Phillies approach base running. They are one of baseball’s most aggressive teams and are on pace to attempt 80 more steals than a season ago.
And it is on that sheet of paper where the Phillies can find their edge.
“More than likely, when you see guys taking off, it’s because we have a really good type of information given to the base stealers that it’s a good time to steal a base,” Flores said.