[Syd Thrift]

I guess if you just try to steal on every single pitch until a batter has 2 strikes on them? One downside to the game in this respect is that the pitch count doesn't really matter unless strategies turn the count to 4 balls or 3 strikes (the latter, for instance, if you try to bunt with 2 strikes, which the game will do with pitchers, but also, say, if you're taking on 3-2 or sending a runner to steal on 1-2). A big, big part of this is that while we do have data on out chances by count, we do not at all have data on, say, 1-2 counts where the 2 strikes came when the hitter was instructed to take for the runner at first to steal if he got a jump. Certainly, having to protect the plate with 2 strikes should hurt your average to some degree, but how much?

I think if you're going to personally choose to handle baserunning strategies like steals, you really should implement house rules like "only on a favorable count" coupled with something like "only give the green light once per PA and if you really want to steal after the runner doesn't get a jump you have to force-steal". I mean, or don't: you can play the game you want. I feel like hitting the green light on every single pitch is cheesing the game AI, however, and I have limited sympathy for people who complain that it allows them to steal too often.