Braiden Ward Breaks Stealing Record
Braiden Ward of the Red Sox broke the spring training stolen base record [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo1jFQyESsI]. This comes as teams adjust to rule changes promoting offensive action [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo1jFQyESsI]. The Giants are bringing back Evan Neal [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5sowxUvN7s].
Braiden Ward, acquired by the Red Sox from the Rockies in November for Brennan Bernardino, stole his 17th base of the spring against the Twins, surpassing Eugenio Velez's 2008 record of 16. Ward celebrated by mimicking Rickey Henderson and grabbing the base. Ward revealed the celebration was initially a joke proposed by Marcelo Mayer and encouraged by Trevor Story and manager Alex Cora. Cora said of Ward, "He's a good base runner. He's not out there just running for the hell of it". The 27-year-old, a non-roster invitee, has impressed, hitting .419 with 4 RBIs in 16 Grapefruit League games. Despite his strong performance, it's uncertain if Ward will make the Opening Day roster due to the Red Sox's outfield depth.
