Ever seen Dallas Braden's pickoff move?

It's good.

Like REAL good.

I was only able to catch a few innings of the Tigers/A's game today as it was on at the place where the boys and I were having lunch.

Pudgy Tigers catcher, Gerald Laird who is absolutely no threat to steal was taking a VERY modest lead when Braden threw over there lightning quick and almost picked him off. Before I even knew what was happening, the ball was at first base. The ball beat Laird to the base and the only reason Laird was not picked off was the first basemen did not appear to tag him properly.

Now that I am home and able to do a little "research", I see Braden leads the league this year with 3 pickoffs. He also gave up no stolen bases in 2009 in 133 innings and only one stolen base in 72 innings (I bet Joe West blew the call on that one) in 2008.

?!?!?

How do you get this good?

If I am a runner, I am not taking chances and I am just standing on the bag when he is on the mound. Forget stealing. The batter is going to have to hit me over.

Lead-offs are optional, you know.