Why Texas Rangers outfielder Leody Taveras has a need for speed

For the fourth time in five major league seasons, Leody Taveras appears headed for sub-league average offensive performance, but there is one area where he has made significant improvement and it's imperative for his future. While Taveras was called out when his hand became disengaged from the base on a second-inning steal attempt Thursday, he's already set a career high for steals with 18 in 24 attempts. Perhaps most significantly, Taveras has run more aggressively with the game on the line and people expect him to run. In his career, Taveras is perfect in nine steal attempts in the ninth or later.