The book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, by Michael Lewis came out in 2003 about the Oakland Athletics and GM Billy Bean trying to win with a smaller budget. The primary focus at the time was pitching and on-base-percentage. And we saw this on the field with pitchers such as Barry Zito, Mark Mulder, and Tim Hudson. And currently with hitters like Jack Cust. However, it now seems as though the price of pitching has shot up with pitchers like John Lackey, and A.J. Burnett (Maybe #2 pitchers at best) getting $85 million. Also, the medium average, big power, poor defensive players like Adam Dunn, and Jason Bay seem to still be taking advantage of a down economy. Even though they didn’t get at much as they would they are still making more than there colleagues. Some would blame this on a small free agent class, I would argue that the price of BB’s is extremely high. The Angels paid $6.5 million for a guy that can’t stay healthy and can’t play in the field in Hideki Matsui.

It seems as though a new “Moneyball” is here and you can bet that the Oakland A’s are very aware. Many commentators have already crowned the Seattle Mariners as the champion of the West due to their off-season moves, but they are paying a large sum for just a few players. Most of their payroll goes toward King Felix, Cliff Lee, Chone Figgins, Milton Bradley, and Ken Griffey Jr. I bet you can’t you name the rest of their lineup and pitching staff. Meanwhile the Oakland A’s have paid very little for a great defensive outfielder and lead-off man in Coco Crisp (1 year $5.25 mil), and a potential Ace in Justin Duchscherer (1 year $2 mill with incentives). (Both are injury prone) Why do you think the A’s are so interested in Adrian Beltre?

If I had to sum it up I would say the new “Moneyball” would include high upside injury prone veterans, but mostly consist of defensive players with a little speed and pop. The Red Sox and Yankees typically use these value players to fill out their roster. (i.e. Mike Cameron - Boston Red Sox - 2 years $15.5 million) Both organizations have been known to take advantage of the high OPS, previous “Moneyball” players in the past. (i.e. Nick Swisher)

Now it seems as though everyone is getting less money days if they even have a job. These value players I am referring to are inexpensive as compared to the current market. Look for the Oakland A’s to surprise doubters once again. The Angels will have a tough road ahead of them in 2010.

Here are some “New Moneyball” value players that are still out there:

Ben Sheets
John Smoltz
Jose Contreras
Erik Bedard
Pedro Martinez
Chien-Ming Wang

Orlando Cabrera
Adrian Beltre
Rick Ankiel
Scott Podsednik