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Billion-Dollar Billy Beane

fivethirtyeight.com

31–37 of 37 posts

Re: Billion-Dollar Billy Beane

#31

Billy Beane's A's may be winning games, but during the period in question (2002-2014), the Red Sox have won 3 World Series Championships, and the A's haven't been to one in 25 years... it's the World Series wins that count, eventually. Everything else is irrelevant.

I'd like to be your bookmaker. Do you enjoy betting on football games?

Re: Billion-Dollar Billy Beane

#32
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not according to the Red Sox. They still made him an offer despite their wins and despite Billy Beane's absence from the World Series.

The Sox had not won a World Series since 1918(!), and hadn't appeared in one since 1986. The offer was made in 2002. They made him an offer, thinking that he would lead them to a Win after an 84-year drought. Despite his refusal, they were still able to win 3 championships. Maybe this shows that while Beane can get you wins, his method may not work in building a Championship-winning team?

Please, I'd like to be your bookmaker. Football season starts in a few weeks!

Re: Billion-Dollar Billy Beane

#33
post #5

Billy Beane's A's may be winning games, but during the period in question (2002-2014), the Red Sox have won 3 World Series Championships, and the A's haven't been to one in 25 years... it's the World Series wins that count, eventually. Everything else is irrelevant.

In that case, what you should take from the article is that the St. Louis Cardinals are by far team to bet on.

Unless we're playing the BoSox... fortunately they didn't choose to take part much in the 20th century.

Re: Billion-Dollar Billy Beane

#34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The Sox had not won a World Series since 1918(!), and hadn't appeared in one since 1986. The offer was made in 2002. They made him an offer, thinking that he would lead them to a Win after an 84-year drought. Despite his refusal, they were still able to win 3 championships. Maybe this shows that while Beane can get you wins, his method may not work in building a Championship-winning team?

Please, I'd like to be your bookmaker. Football season starts in a few weeks!

Since you like football, let me bring up Marty Schottenheimer. Most regular season wins since 1966, but no Superbowl appearances. Goes to show, you can do well in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different beast.

Re: Billion-Dollar Billy Beane

#35

Billy Beane's A's may be winning games, but during the period in question (2002-2014), the Red Sox have won 3 World Series Championships, and the A's haven't been to one in 25 years... it's the World Series wins that count, eventually. Everything else is irrelevant.

I'd like to be your bookmaker. Do you enjoy betting on football games?

Of course not. I am a Buffalo Bills fan. After the early 90s, my hopes have been dashed repeatedly, to no end. The coming season will be no different.

Re: Billion-Dollar Billy Beane

#36

Billy Beane's A's may be winning games, but during the period in question (2002-2014), the Red Sox have won 3 World Series Championships, and the A's haven't been to one in 25 years... it's the World Series wins that count, eventually. Everything else is irrelevant.

During that time didn't they hire Bill James, who originated the system upon which Billy Beane based his management?
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