30 Sounds So Much Better Than 29

[DOUGHBOYS]

In years past, I have noticed an interesting statistic about players. It concerns stolen bases.
Stolen bases and Saves are different than the other eight roto categories. Once reaching first base, he and he alone, makes the decision in whether to contribute to a roto category. A Closer can add to a category with three outs.
All other category outcomes on dependent on pitcher/hitter matchups (ERA, K, WHIP), hitter/pitcher matchups(HR, R, RBI, AVG), , or game circumstances (W).

The Save being thrust upon a pitcher by his Manager, the stolen base is the sole category in which a player truly makes up his own mind (Yes, I know there are Manager dictated steals, hit and runs, etc) to add to a roto category.
The phenomenon I noticed appears at the end of the year.
It has to do with the total number of stolen bases and the even number. Specifically, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60.
Whether it is the players themselves or their agents, there is no player who wants to end their season with 19, 29, 39, 49, or 59 stolen bases.

This year was no exception.
One player had 40 stolen bases (Eduardo Nunez)
Five players had 30 stolen bases (Trout, Altuve, Gordon, Janikowski, Dyson)
One player had 20 stolen bases (Ellsbury)

No player had 39 stolen bases
No player had 29 stolen bases.
Two players had 19 stolen bases (Harrison, Lindor) and Harrison had an injury that prevented him from more.
A 7-2 ratio. Here are the past few years 0-9 ratios...

2015- 4-2
2014- 13-3
2013- 9-1
2012- 15-7
2011- 14-10
2010- 5-5

I believe this shows two things about the modern player.
1) That he is just as averse to '9's' as most folks. For some reason, we all strive for the zero.
2) He is very much aware of his statistics. How could he not be? He has family, media, teammates, friends. and most of all, his agent in his ears all the time. A player is more aware than ever about statistics.
They just have a hard time admitting it. MLB trains them to answer in 'team speak' when being interviewed.
And the one statistic in his control, is the stolen base.