How and Why Billy Beane Blew It

I see from their pink bars, my personal pack of childish little trolls--Wavygravy, SteveF, and Bobby LaTorre--have trolled and tried to hijack one of my threads again. I would truly consider them pitiful, but the little munchkins remind me of the Lollipop Guild from my daughter's favorite movie.

So, in tribute to these trolls, I will post their Munchkinland dopplegangers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhjRUKCKIG4

Hint: W=Rojo, R=Vert, S=Bleu

So, If anybody has any actual substantial comments on or polite criticisms of my post, I'll gladly respond. Otherwise, I'll let the munchkins frolic with each other...

Since so many in baseball have caught up with Billy in terms of finding those hidden OBP gems, his path to the playoffs is considerably more difficult than ten years ago. The next wave seems to be built upon development of a solid minor league system that continually replenishes itself, allowing a team to promote from within and occasionally trade a "can't miss" prospect for a year or two of a solid player that can get them to the playoffs. This includes a solid presence in Latin America. Tampa Bay has had that going. The Royals seem to as well, though we will see if they live up to the replenishment part. If we learned something from the Royals last year, it was that solid defense and hitters that make contact can be of as much value as OBP.

On an unrelated note, I just finished reading Jon Pessah's "The Game" about the inner-workings of baseball's labor issues and internal squabbles among team owners and the commissioner. Great book if that type of stuff interests you.

Wait, I'm really on ignore this time? #Lovewins!

Since so many in baseball have caught up with Billy in terms of finding those hidden OBP gems, his path to the playoffs is considerably more difficult than ten years ago. The next wave seems to be built upon development of a solid minor league system that continually replenishes itself, allowing a team to promote from within and occasionally trade a "can't miss" prospect for a year or two of a solid player that can get them to the playoffs. This includes a solid presence in Latin America. Tampa Bay has had that going. The Royals seem to as well, though we will see if they live up to the replenishment part. If we learned something from the Royals last year, it was that solid defense and hitters that make contact can be of as much value as OBP.

On an unrelated note, I just finished reading Jon Pessah's "The Game" about the inner-workings of baseball's labor issues and internal squabbles among team owners and the commissioner. Great book if that type of stuff interests you.

Yes, the new wave of advanced statistics and development-oriented GMs like Epstein, Hoyer, Friedman, Cherington, Luhnow, and--to a somewhat lesser degree--Daniels have all implemented the Beane model very well, and he doesn't catch as many GM's "looking' as he used to do. It is interesting to see a somewhat more traditionally-trained GM like Moore not only bone up on the new methods but--as you pointed out--tweak the model as well.

Thanks, too, for the book recommendation. I will check it out.

Since so many in baseball have caught up with Billy in terms of finding those hidden OBP gems, his path to the playoffs is considerably more difficult than ten years ago. The next wave seems to be built upon development of a solid minor league system that continually replenishes itself, allowing a team to promote from within and occasionally trade a "can't miss" prospect for a year or two of a solid player that can get them to the playoffs. This includes a solid presence in Latin America. Tampa Bay has had that going. The Royals seem to as well, though we will see if they live up to the replenishment part. If we learned something from the Royals last year, it was that solid defense and hitters that make contact can be of as much value as OBP.

On an unrelated note, I just finished reading Jon Pessah's "The Game" about the inner-workings of baseball's labor issues and internal squabbles among team owners and the commissioner. Great book if that type of stuff interests you.

Don't you have a baseball game to usher?????

Sorry, based on the tenacity of the KC fans, I should rephrase that to an "AL Allstar Barnstorming Tour"

Since so many in baseball have caught up with Billy in terms of finding those hidden OBP gems, his path to the playoffs is considerably more difficult than ten years ago. The next wave seems to be built upon development of a solid minor league system that continually replenishes itself, allowing a team to promote from within and occasionally trade a "can't miss" prospect for a year or two of a solid player that can get them to the playoffs. This includes a solid presence in Latin America. Tampa Bay has had that going. The Royals seem to as well, though we will see if they live up to the replenishment part. If we learned something from the Royals last year, it was that solid defense and hitters that make contact can be of as much value as OBP.

On an unrelated note, I just finished reading Jon Pessah's "The Game" about the inner-workings of baseball's labor issues and internal squabbles among team owners and the commissioner. Great book if that type of stuff interests you.

Don't you have a baseball game to usher?????

Sorry, based on the tenacity of the KC fans, I should rephrase that to an "AL Allstar Barnstorming Tour"

I'm hoping Dayton or Mr. Glass see this and recognize my managerial potential.

I'm hoping Dayton or Mr. Glass see this and recognize my managerial potential.

Good thing the manager ratings aren't available anymore to sabotage that dream (hee hee hee , just kidding P-Woot, I know, this coming from the last place team in your "Paul's Franchise League 1963")

I don't follow the As or baseball as closely as you Jason but I do like reading what you write some of the time. If what you say about Beane and Donaldson is true that is a major flaw. Also baseball rewards patience. I think Beane is a good GM but as you point out he has his flaws. Only one team can win it each year and until baseball implements a salary cap there will be teams with legitimate shots and teams like the Cleveland Indians who do not spend. This is a problem for the game.

Strether, I like reading you most of the time however, you are often so critical and argumentative that when Steve F. wrote,

Totally disagree. You have shown no proof. Now, if you can show any proof of your claims, please do so. Otherwise, I'll just have to assume you are wrong.

it was appropriate and funny. You should learn to be able to laugh at yourself occasionally Strether. And instead of only focusing on where I am critical of you, notice that I am also paying you a compliment.

Note: More sharks are joining the Yankees and Mets in the developing possible frenzy for A's talent. Numerous teams, particularly the Astro's, have been actively scouting Scott Kazmir, which means the A's are likely considering dealing their #2 starter...as well as Zobrist and Tyler Clippard. The A's aren't stocked with solid starters at the high levels, or with solid starters period. So, trading Kazmir would be a white flag, as it is unlikely they would receive a major league starter of his quality in return. Although, it would be intriguing--and exciting for A's fans--if they bring up Barry Zito, who is doing OK in AAA.

http://www.hngn.com/articles/101440/201 ... letics.htm