Why isnt speed considered part of defense?
It is! Its also considered part of offense. Its the only tool that plays a factor both offensively and defensively. On defense, speed impacts the range of a player. Speed is distinct from the range aspect of fielding because a player may not have great speed yet know how to position himself properly. A player with great speed doesnt necessarily read flyballs correctly and may make several misplays in the field. Offensively, it can be used as a weapon on the basepaths. Or be a hindrance. And dont necessarily assume a player with speed is an automatic to be successful in stealing bases. Several speedy players in the minors may get caught stealing as often as they are safe. Reading a pitcher, taking a good lead and getting a good jump are each factors to produce a quality base stealer. Though there have been several players who have better foot speed than Carlos Beltran, nobody in the history of the game has been more successful in stealing bases (over 89% success rate). Hes a very smart
