Comments on: Bill James: Cartoon Character

By: JKB

JKB — Sat, 09 May 2009 00:36:26 +0000

I have to imagine that the Moneyball movie will be primarily focused on Billy Beane’s transformation from a toolsy outfielder to somebody more firmly entrenched on “performance” scouting and market inefficiencies.

Beane’s story is a pretty fascinating one, but is obviously not the only thing discussed in Moneyball… but if there is a movie to be made, I can’t imagine the focus being placed elsewhere.

Does anybody else find it hilarious that Joe Morgan the announcer might not truly understand the value in Joe Morgan the player? Morgan was a stat geek’s dream… I know I can’t be the first one to point out the irony…

By: Charles H

Charles H — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:39:23 +0000

I can’t see that Bill James as a cartoon character will do anything but detract from the film. Do we really need a funny voice? Scooter perhaps? Peter Puck? They were great right? I have to think that Soderbergh figures that baseball fans will very likely want to see the film, and needs a “gimmick” to get the (sorry) majority of people who couldn’t care less about baseball to get out to see it. Not too sure a gimmick is going to do that. Bill James, can’t just be Bill James, in some sort of cut away? And giving him a funny voice isn’t just taking a crack at the person who kind of is the godfather of sabremetrics? As someone said previously, that’s not going to be my favourite part of the movie.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:44:20 +0000

When I first heard there would be a Moneyball movie, I wondered how they were going to manage to adapt the book into something that would appeal to a wide audience. Then I heard about the Bill James as cartoon character and my skepticism deepened. A lot.

What we might get is something that alienates the people who loved the book but doesn’t resonate with the people who couldn’t care less about the baseball thinking it involves. Either way, I can’t imagine many people who hate baseball (or even those who have only a passing interest in the game) deciding they’d want to see it. It really is a niche market.

We can be sure of one thing, though: Joe Morgan will absolutely refuse to see “that movie that Billy Beane directed.”

By: EABinSTL

EABinSTL — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:15:52 +0000

‘Special guess appearance’ is an inspired pun.

By: Greg Tamblyn

Greg Tamblyn — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:53:24 +0000

My first reaction to this was…

Bill James: Mr. Peabody
Billy Beane: Sherman

Glad to know I’m not the only one.

Great minds think alike.

By: Graphite

Graphite — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:43:56 +0000

Bill C @ #49.

I haven’t seen Soderbergh’s 11; just 12 & 13. I saw the first 11 when it was originally released â€“ couldn’t see the point in taking in a remake.

But even if the new 11 is a masterpiece, the payout from 12 & 13 should be substantial if the suit ever gets to court. Actually, I’d settle for Stewie from Family Guy punching Soderbergh in the nose, a la the treatment meted out to Will Ferrell.

By: Jerry-NJ

Jerry-NJ — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:34:37 +0000

All of the people who are telling Joe that his Casablanca movie “fact” is wrong are COMPLETELY missing the point. It doesn’t matter if that “fact” is accurate, he’s saying that he has certain “facts” in his head. Sheesh, must you try to “correct” everything in every post?

By: Bill C

Bill C — Fri, 08 May 2009 04:44:05 +0000

â€œOceanâ€™s 11 was a fantastic movie.â€

“If you mean the original version, then I wholeheartedly support this statement.”

Not to get into a moive debate here, but the original version with the Rat Pack was highly mediocre. They were just going through the motions. The remake was a genuinely entertaining caper movie.

By: Buchholz Surfer

Buchholz Surfer — Fri, 08 May 2009 02:58:40 +0000

I have one word for anyone who thinks Soderberg can’t be serious with these bizarre ideas for a film: Schizopolis.

Brad Pitt as Billy Beane talking to a cartoon Bill James doesn’t even get in the same area code of weirdness as Schizopolis.

I liked that movie, I think I was one of about 200 people who’s seen it and one of about 10 who liked it. But taking weird chances is the only way to make great art. They don’t always work, but you’ve got to try some.

By: Jeremy Auman

Jeremy Auman — Fri, 08 May 2009 01:23:30 +0000

There was a great Bill Cosby bit about his Dad calling him Jesus Christ and his brother g..damnit, one day he yells at Bill GDamnit get in the house to which Bill replies “No Dad I’m Jesus Christ”