'Moneyball'-the Movie

      I just learned a few weeks ago that a movie was being filmed and set for release this year based on the bestselling baseball book 'Moneyball'. I remember thinking 'Wow. No kidding. Really?' Then I found out that not only was such a movie being made, but was set to star big-name actor Brad Pitt as Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane. Of course the book has a spot on my bookshelf, and as a baseball fan I was suitably intrigued.

     For those who have not read the book, 'Moneyball', written by Michael Lewis, documents the story of Beane and his new team-building philosophy. Beane, GM of the A's since 1997, used statistical analysis to craft a team that was able to compete as a small-market team. Working within a budget, he and his front-office compadres favored bargain pitchers and players who could get on base and play well in the field. In particular, hitters who drew a lot of walks became coveted.  The success generated by this philosophy was nothing short of amazing, as a team that on paper had no business competing became a regular contender in the AL West. Oakland has not won the World Series in the last decade, but should they do so in the near future it will be the ultimate vindication for Beane.

     As a way of doing things, Moneyball has been a polarizing idea in baseball. Some swear that it's the best way for a small-market team to be able to compete, where old-time baseball wisdom might be ineffective. Others see it as a crock, just number-crunching nonsense that won't lead to anything. The fact that the A's currently reside in last place in the AL West dosen't help Beane's argument, but his overall track record has been successful enough to garner notice.

     Jonah Hill, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Robin Wright are other well-known names in the movie's cast, and the release date is set for September 23, right smack in the middle of the pennant chase. I will defintely see it, and I hope it does well. On paper this dosen't seem like it's going to be a blockbuster despite the presence of Pitt, but like Moneyball itself, it could prove to be an unexpected success.