How frustrating to be writing a post today that almost certainly will not reflect actual reality and action. But I write it anyway because I believe it to be true. “Moneyball” was not about on base percentage or dumpster diving for hidden treasures. It was about seizing opportunities to win the “unfair game” that is a shoestring payroll.
So the A’s can’t splurge on $30M starting pitchers. They can’t place scouts in every city of every country. They can’t take the risk of an expensive mistake. They can’t absorb terrible contracts in order to poach young talent.
What they can do, however, is to “carpe diem” when the right diem is there for the carpe-ing.