re: Stealing... How effective?

Stealing bases, with the right players, in the right situation, does a world of good.

There is so many advantages to trying to take a base. It moves you 90 ft. closer, which allows a run to score off of a base hit. It takes away the double play ball. It puts pressure on the pitcher/catcher if they know there is a threat to steal. It forces the pitcher to change pitches he can throw, if there is a runner who may take a bag. It gives you the option of hit-and-run, which will open up holes in the infield, giving you a higher chance to get an infield base hit.

All of that out weighs the opportunity of getting an out. If you are taking extra bases at a high percentage, then by all means, take the chance.