[dfwgator]

If you do get singles, you’d better be able to steal second on a consistent basis.

[CharlesWayneCT]

There’s a lot less stealing bases anymore. Being on second isn’t worth the risk, since they are trying to hit home runs.

[grania]

A walk is as good as a single. It's a good strategy to foul off imperfect pictures, take balls on out of zone pitches, and accumulate four balls, waiting for a real good pitch to get a more impressive hit. Another factor is that the waiting strategy (and risking a strikeout) has the added bonus of lifting the pitch count.

If four fouls were an out, it would speed up the game and save pitcher's arms.