Billy Beane

Born on today's date, Billy Beane.

"This is the reason Madonna and I have never dated." - explaining that they are distant cousins

Philip Seymour Hoffman: 1967 - 2014

As Art Howe: "I disagree with you (Billy Beane) plain and simple. And moreover I'm playing my team in a way that I can explain in job interviews next winter." (Moneyball)

RIP

Moneyball

On this date in 2011, the movie Moneyball is released.

"If he's such a good hitter, why doesn't he hit good?" - Brad Pitt as Billy Beane

Scott Hatteberg

Born on today's date, Scott Hatteberg.

Scott Hatteberg: (Responding to being asked to play first base for the A's) I've only ever played catcher.

Billy Beane: It's not that hard, Scott. Tell him, Wash.

Ron Washington: It's incredibly hard.

(Moneyball)

Billy Beane

Born on today's date, Billy Beane.

"If he's such a good hitter, why doesn't he hit good?" - Brad Pitt as Billy Beane in Moneyball

Do you think Art Howe is going to watch the Oscars this year?

Scott Hatteberg

                                                                              
On this date in 2001, the A's sign free agent catcher, Scott Hatteberg to a one year contract.

Scott Hatteberg: (Responding to being asked to play first base for the A's) I've only ever played catcher.

Billy Beane: It's not that hard, Scott. Tell him, Wash.

Ron Washington: It's incredibly hard.

(Moneyball)

The A's sure didn't like Jason Giambi very much

Like not at all.

The A's released Jason Giambi today. The press release is pretty generic noting career accomplishments etc with the exception of this unusual paragraph:

"However, Giambo was placed on the 15-day DL July 20 with a strained right quad. At the time he went on the DL, he had the lowest batting average in the majors and fourth lowest slugging percentage in the American League (.364)."

Giambi MUST have said something or done something while he was in GM Billy Beane's office being told of his release. That or maybe he got caught stealing some "elephant standing on a baseball" momentos or something on the way out.

I can just see Beane calling his press release guy right after Giambi got done breaking stuff in his office.

"Hey, this is Beane. Is that Giambi press release out yet? No? Great! Here, add this paragraph to it. Thanks."

You know he did.