I’d have to say that a team could win with speed, but you’d have to combine that with a few other things. First the ballparks make it tougher. They are quite a bit smaller than those in the 80’s.

Second, I like speed, but you have to get on base to do it. Coleman could carry a team when he got an on base percentage above .340 (1987, 1990), even with a poor slugging percentage. When he had a .301 OBP and .280 slugging percentage (1986), his 100+ stolen bases weren’t enough to offset his liabilities in my opinion.

Ozzie Smith was the perfect example of how small ball can work. He stole bases, he got on base (.392 in 1987) and had a transcendant glove. If you get that type of player, you can win with small ball.

Just think what those 1980’s Cardinals would have done with Albert Pujols in their lineup. THAT would have been a juggernaut.