masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles rank next to last in the American League with 67 stolen bases as a team.

But with the September call-ups of Matt Angle and Kyle Hudson the club has more team speed and is now running more.

The Orioles had just eight stolen bases in 29 games in August. They have 15 in 13 games this month. The number of 15 ties the O’s total for all of May, which was their most steals this year in any month.

Manager Buck Showalter today had some praise for Angle and Hudson. Not just that they can…The Orioles rank next to last in the American League with 67 stolen bases as a team.

But with the September call-ups of Matt Angle and Kyle Hudson the club has more team speed and is now running more.

The Orioles had just eight stolen bases in 29 games in August. They have 15 in 13 games this month. The number of 15 ties the O’s total for all of May, which was their most steals this year in any month.

Manager Buck Showalter today had some praise for Angle and Hudson. Not just that they can steal bases, but they each know their own style of play and how to use their skills on the bases.

“You know what Matt and Kyle both have done here that I have been real proud of – they’ve been fearless,” Showalter said. “I told Kyle in Toronto, the inning before he pinch-ran, talking about (Frank) Francisco and with Franky I have an idea when he may be slow to the plate depending on who the hitter is.

“He doesn’t wait around. He goes for it (stealing second then). The game’s over if he gets thrown out.

“Same with Matt. Bring what you bring. Don’t feel like, if you get thrown out, sometimes it’s not a good play. But you don’t want to take that away from them.”

Hudson had 41 steals in the minors this year to rank behind only Double-A Bowie’s Greg Miclat in the entire farm system. Angle stole 27 of 30 at Triple-A.

With the Orioles Angle is 6-for-7 and Hudson is 2-for-2.

“I’ve been impressed with Kyle and Matt in that they haven’t been afraid to bring what they bring. That kind of seperates them from some other guys and (is one reason) why they are on the roster to start with.

“There are a lot of young players in the game now that can really run. Maybe it’s an indication some of where the game might be headed. Speed doesn’t go into a slump,” Showalter added.