Quotes by Billy Beane

“But weve always been obsessed in Oakland with not being the cute small-market story that came and went.”

“Paul has seen the ups and down of developing young players and trusting the three, four years theyve had in the minor leagues and discounting their first few months in the majors. Developing young players can be a lot of fun, but youve got to have the discipline to live with their mistakes and understand their trend line isnt always going to go straight up.”

“If there is any player who you couldnt be happier for signing a guaranteed multiyear contract, its Mark Ellis, particularly because of what he went through.”

“Hes happy to be here. And hes quick to smile.”

“I had a nice little conversation with him. He seems happy to be here, quick to smile.”

“Thatll be a real shot in the arm for us.”

“Both (Williams and Thomas) are highly competitive, highly successful people. Its temporary noise.”

“I know we didnt get to see the real Dan Meyer. He says he feels great now, and he could be a real shot in the arm for us.”

“Serendipity. Danny just does everything well. Over time, hes going to impress you.”

“Deals are always ongoing things. So now, in that respect, Brad is part of the deal. But Im not the reflective sort when it comes to that kind of thing.”

The idea that you can create a template that will work forever doesnt happen in any business. Theres some really, really bright people in this business. You cant do the same thing the same way and be successful for a long period of time.

We try to create a situation where were the casino. Its like how an actuary would set insurance rates. Predictability, predictability, predictability. Whats the path to least risk? Whats the greater chance of getting some return on this asset?

Ive always been intellectually restless, but it is the building part of it that most interests me. It is the constructing of the team that is my favorite part. Anyone who is familiar with the history of the As franchise, even dating back to Philadelphia, knows that every five or 10 years, you have to tear it apart and rebuild it.