Back before he was making us think of loyalty in the locker room and steroids, Jose Canseco made us think up the 40/40 club. The club didn't exist prior to 1988, there have only been three members inducted since, and Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle scoffed at the "new" club saying, "Hell, If I'd known 40-40 was going to be a big deal, I'd have done it every year!"
Today I want to talk about the junior varsity version of the 40/40 club. I want to examine a few hitters who could make it to the 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases plateau in 2009.
The major league season is about 43% complete now (give or take a few games for some teams), which means any hopeful 30/30 member needs to be somewhere near 13 home runs and stolen bases to be considered on pace.
Last season, only Hanley Ramirez and Grady Sizemore entered the 30/30 club. In 2009 we could see a lot more inductees.
Curtis Granderson, Tigers - Currently sitting at 17 home runs and 12 stolen bases, he's looking good for the 30/30 club. It's going to be close on stolen bases, but he's been ramping up his numbers each month. If he keeps that up, he'll make it.
Torii Hunter, Angels - Hunter has only hit 30 or more home runs once in his 13-year career, and he's never stolen more than 23 bases. In 2009 he's already sitting at 16 home runs and 12 stolen bases. At this pace he'll break out at age 34 and reach 30/30 status.
Ian Kinsler, Rangers - With 18 home runs and 14 stolen bases, Kinsler is on pace to reach 42 homers and 33 stolen bases. The obstacle he'll have to overcome (and it's one he's had trouble with in the past) is healthy. Kinsler needs to stay injury free in 2009 to make the 30/30 club a reality.
Nelson Cruz, Rangers - Cruz is making the most of his first full season of Major League Baseball. His 18 home runs put him well on pace to reach 30-plus. He's a little shy of 30 stolen base pace with his 11 swipes. But, there's still a chance.
Nate McLouth, Braves - Since coming to the Braves from Pittsburgh, McLouth's home run pace has slowed. He's sitting at 12 right now, so there's work still to be done. His ten stolen bases also means he'll need to start burning on the base paths a bit more to reach 30/30.
Jayson Werth, Phillies - Werth had a fantastic month of May where he hit six home runs and stole seven bases. In June he's keeping the home run pace up, but only has one stolen base. If he's going to reach 30/30 from his current 12/10, he needs to get busy.
Brandon Phillips, Reds - Phillips can't seem to get both his stolen bases and his home runs to come at the same time. In May he hit seven dingers but didn't steal a base. In June he has already stolen six bases, but he's only hit two home runs. At 11 home runs and 10 stolen bases currently, Phillips' chances are only minimal to make it into the 30/30 club.
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