Q & A with Bill James

by JB 23 on Mar 8, 2008 12:30 PM CST Comment 4 comments

I have a feeling I am not alone as a lifelong baseball fan that started looking at baseball much differently several years ago when I read Moneyball. I started to really have more interest in the statistical aspects of the game and subsequently dove into Bill James books, Rob Neyer and Keith Law articles etc.

By no means am I a sabermatrician, but I respect the craft and feel that it has enhanced my baseball IQ and view of the game.

Thought this Q&A with Bill James in Time Magazine would be of interest, please discuss. Its a nice peak into the thought process of a front office that has won two World Series in the last 4 years as well.

Like to know how our resident sabermatrician(s) cwyers and the like feel about James as well.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Well, I don't know James too well

although I have read some of his stuff and found it interesting. So, I'm not the best to give you "my take" on him.

I would be interested in hearing discussion on James' suggestion in the article you cited about making a rule against pitching changes in the latter innings.

I kind of like the idea. But it is interesting to make a rule against something that is an attempt to be strategic and helpful in winning games, just because it slows the game down.

Does anyone else have interesting suggestions to what change they would make if they could make one change in baseball?

Soriano must leadoff... to provide adequate protection for Big Z!

by DGU on Mar 9, 2008 11:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

In terms of speeding the game up..

... enforce the 20-second rule for pitching. And, also, make the batter stay in the batter's box. None of this stepping out, adjusting every piece of clothing, etc. (Nomar! You listening?)

Watch a tape of a game from 30 years ago. You'll be stunned at the pace, how much faster it is.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 10, 2008 4:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nomar

That glove adjustment thing he did drove me crazy when he was a Cub and I was watching him regularly. It's silly, but I'm sure I was less a fan of Nomar's a month into his Cub tenure for no reason other than that glove adjustment.

Anyway, I totally agree about enforcing the time limits.

Soriano must leadoff... to provide adequate protection for Big Z!

by DGU on Mar 10, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Make the players

take off the damn body armor, which is just an artificial way to take away the inside corner from a pitcher. Get rid of the huge plastic elbow guards.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 10, 2008 6:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs