Co-starring Bill James! (sort of) - SweetSpot by Rob Neyer - ESPN

Apparently Bill James will be animated for the Moneyball movie.

Not excited, but actually drawn.

Seems like a bit of a weird twist.

almost 3 years ago Dan Turkenkopf 2 comments 0 recs |

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I don't understand any of this.

I don’t make movies and I don’t have a ton of information, so I can’t really jump the gun, but this just sounds bizarre.

Furthermore, I’m excited for the movie, but the stats should be a pretty small part of it. Frankly, that stuff is boring. It’s boring to me as a movie, and I’m a freakin’ stat-head. I can’t imagine that would appeal to a wider audience. There’s more than enough in Moneyball to make a good baseball movie with just a passing reference to the statty side. But if James is in it, it would seem they’re going to be a major part.

And he’s a cartoon?! Like, seriously? Why?

Joe Po says he likes it, though.

And That Happened: Sports with a Hint of Sarcasm

by philkid3 on May 9, 2009 2:55 AM EDT reply actions

Also, Joe offers this greatness:

"Oh no, Professor Francoeur has taken on-base percentage off the scoreboard!"
"Now we’re stuck with just batting average!"
"Leave slugging percentage up there, man!"
"I have no idea what the true value of Kenji Johjima is now!"

Then, Big Bill James walks over. And he says to the last fan: "Uh, Johjima’s plate discipline isn’t too good. He has only walked once this year. He only walked 19 times in 409 plate appearances last year."

Professor Francoeur: So, at least we meet, Mr. Bill James.
Bill: Yes, it’s nice to meet you.
Professor Francoeur: Likewise. But now, I will take your statistic, on-base percentage, off the scoreboard forever! Ah ha ha ha!
Bill: It’s not my statistic. It has been around for more than a hundred years. Branch Rickey was a big proponent of on-base percentage, for instance.
Professor Francoeur: Yes, well, if you had not written that book Moneyball …
Bill: I didn’t write Moneyball.
Joe Morgan (special guess appearance): He’s right. It was Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane!
Professor Francoeur: Um, well, fine! So, if Billy Beane had not written that book Moneyball …
Bill: It wasn’t Billy Beane either. It was Michael Lewis.
Professor Francoeur: Michael Lewis? The guy who wrote The Blind Side and Liar’s Poker?
Bill: I guess so, yeah.
Professor Francoeur: Well, um, OK, I’m confused now. Joe, as long as you’re here, can you talk about how you were able to walk as much as you did?
Joe Morgan: It’s about heart, Jeff.