If nothing else, Michael Lewis’ “Moneyball” is the most name-dropped sports book written in the last couple of decades, if not ever. Lewis tells the story of Billy Beane and the Oakland Athletics, who use analytics and sabermetrics to find success with a limited payroll. Old-school types lampoon it. The statistically minded adore it. At this point, the tactics of “Moneyball” are no longer revolutionary. Also, Lewis tells the story in an excellent fashion, turning what could be a dry story into something fascinating.
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