Rays' Simpson feels like 'nobody can stop me' from stealing bases

The speed of Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson has been a topic of conversation since the 24-year-old was called up to the majors earlier this month, and the stolen-base threat believes the discussions are warranted.

"I love stealing bases," Simpson told USA Today's Bob Nightengale. "It gets me real hyped because I know that when I get on, all eyes are on me. Everybody in the stadium, the pitcher, the catcher, the pitching coach, their manager, all of the fans in the stands, my manager, my teammates, they all know that I'm going to steal.

"It's man versus man, me versus you, and I feel that nobody can stop me."

Simpson stole 104 bases in the minors last season and has already swiped two bags in the first seven games of his major-league career. He also used his speed and athleticism Saturday to rob Manny Machado of a home run during Tampa Bay's 4-1 win over San Diego.

(Source: MLB.com)

While Simpson's speed is alluring, so is his bat. The Atlanta native is hitting .346 over his first 28 plate appearances, which shouldn't be surprising considering his career minor-league average was .324 thanks to terrific bat-to-ball skills.

Simpson believes his approach to hitting will be what separates him from past speedsters such as Billy Hamilton and Terrance Gore, and it will allow him to be a game-changing talent for the Rays.

"Whenever I step to the plate, I want to try to wreck havoc," Simpson said.

"They're going to have to worry about putting me on base. They're going to have to worry about me on base, and it's going to be a problem pitching to other people in the lineup. I want to be that guy who is feared by pitchers and fielders as well."

The Rays have caught fire since promoting Simpson, posting a 5-2 record. They're also riding a four-game winning streak after beating the Padres on Saturday.