Buzz Bissinger - 3 Nights in August

Statistical Geeks vs. Old School, Moneyball vs Tradition, Scouts vs Stats,

Have to admit that I've been a numbers guy when it comes to baseball. The magic of numbers makes the game seem touchable as if you can lift up the sheet and pretend you have some magical source to what makes the game tick. Somehow it gives you control over a game that ultimately is just a random sequence of events. For some reason by looking at the numbers I believe I have some insight over the average fan as if I can predict what the Rockies might do. So I run the numbers looking for that tidbit that will make me feel better and prove that the Rockies might actually be successful. So far I think it just depresses me but then I read Buzz Bissinger's book and realize that baseball is more than just numbers. I've been a fan of Tony LaRussa since he went to three straight world series in the late 80s. Living on the East Coast the A's were that fantasy West Coast AL team that seemed exciting. Anyway his micro-management seems to show that a little stats and alot of experience sprinkled with some hunches leads one manager down a pretty successful career. Anyway this book confirmed that stats isn't all that baseball is. A beautifully written book see some quotes below:

"Morris retires the side in order in the sixth, the final pitch a sweet 12-to-6 curve that Sosa misses by so much, even the Arch smiles."

"And it isn't simply that Lofton is a pain in the ass, at his age still able to get on base and advance chaos in his shuffling glide. He is Kline's eternal nemesis, the psychotic ex-girlfriend who sends you creepy notes through the mail to remind you she's still around."

Anyway players like Howard Johnson and Mike Kingery and Walt Weiss weren't statistical players. They don't stack up as memorable players but they had heart...they did the little things...they make the game more than just numbrers. The 2004 Red Sox World Champs (bunch of idiots...) is a perfect example. Sure they had good pitching and hitting but the intangibles the things stats don't show made them win. It is what makes the game interesting and the reason I will still go to watch the Rockies.