I got a kick out of the argument the boys were having regarding the runners' job on a steal--does he go full bore to second or does he take several steps and look at home to see what's happening.

Harry said you look back in case of ball four...and Lou said the same thing in his press conference. Both are wrong, but not for the reasons Harry argued. Harry kept saying "what if that pitch is ball four, then you can slow down and go to second." First off, as a little leaguer you are taught to go hard until the umpire calls the play dead and sends you back or awards you the base. Taking a look slows you down if you need to get there...which sets up the most important part.

The count was 3-2, which means that pitch could have been a STRIKE as well. If the runner broke, a called third strike was made and a throw to second got him out, everyone would be all over him for taking a look at the catcher which would slow him down. Nothing like a strike em out, throw em out double play. You have to go hard, no exceptions.

Which leads me to Bruce. When asked about the situation, Bruce stated that you take off and go to second. Then, before signing off, he states that the great basestealers always took a look. Well, which is it? Pick a side Bruce and stay with it. Sounded to me like he took both sides. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't recall seeing Ricky Henderson take a look when he went to steal a base.