06-16-2010, 10:41 PM
Because Theo Epstein has repeatedly<i> said</i> he's followed Bill James ideas and plans?
Because it was Theo's idea to hire James in the first place?
Because Red Sox owner John Henry has repeatedly cited James's books and ideas as the bedrock philosophy that the entire organization is run by?
Because "Moneyball" itself was as much a book about Bill James as it was about Billy Beane? And that the Red Sox offered Theo's GM position originally to Beane ($12 M contract), which Beane turned down, and so Henry looked for a Beane-type, Bill James-lovin' replacement, and settled on Theo?
It's true that none of these facts <i>prove</i> anything. In fact, Theo might have hired James, and then as soon as James suggested something, Theo might have bellowed "Fuck off, pussy! I'm in charge here now, and I'm pulling a fuckin' 180!"
It's possible.
(btw, I just reread this, and I sound like an insufferable dickhead. Sorry, Dirk.)
Because it was Theo's idea to hire James in the first place?
Because Red Sox owner John Henry has repeatedly cited James's books and ideas as the bedrock philosophy that the entire organization is run by?
Because "Moneyball" itself was as much a book about Bill James as it was about Billy Beane? And that the Red Sox offered Theo's GM position originally to Beane ($12 M contract), which Beane turned down, and so Henry looked for a Beane-type, Bill James-lovin' replacement, and settled on Theo?
It's true that none of these facts <i>prove</i> anything. In fact, Theo might have hired James, and then as soon as James suggested something, Theo might have bellowed "Fuck off, pussy! I'm in charge here now, and I'm pulling a fuckin' 180!"
It's possible.
(btw, I just reread this, and I sound like an insufferable dickhead. Sorry, Dirk.)
There's nothing better than to realize that the good things about youth don't end with youth itself. It's a matter of realizing that life can be renewed every day you get out of bed without baggage. It's tough to get there, but it's better than the dark thoughts. -Lance