Customer Reviews
Fabulous Read!! - By: Mr. K. Mcgreskin, 03 Jun 2008 
I think all the other reviews say enough so I'll try to keep this short & simple. Even speaking from the perspective of a baseball illiterate limey, I must say that I found this book very very interesting indeed.... & most enjoyable. This was the first book of Michael Lewis' that I read & I have subsequently went on to read a number (not all) of his other works..... all of which have been equally as good. If you are interestedin sports and/or the area athlete/player recruitment then this book will more than pique your interest..... some of the best money I have ever invested!!!
Major League Analysis - By: P. J. Morledge, 04 Apr 2008 Moneyball, by Michael Lewis, takes as its central focus the exploits of the Oakland A's & their svengali general manager Billy Beane. Ignoring conventional baseball wisdom, he & Paul DePodesta have developed a whole new strategy, using the groundbreaking work of the likes of Bill James, for competingin the big leagues on a fraction of the budget of teams like the New York Yankees.
In essence this very readable book can be divided into two distinct styles, the personal & the scientific. When Lewis addresses the history & use of baseball theory, that is to say statistical analysisin the judging of players & games, he creates a sense of an almost academic approach to a national passtime. While this could be utterly confusing to a non baseball fan, to anyone with an interestin the game his discussions come as something of a revelation & can only serve as a starting point to further reading.
But where this book really comes into its own isin the personal stories & psychology of Billy Beane & his team. While it is made abundantly clear that Beane is no ordinary GM, the insight this book provides into the workings of a front office & its relationship with both the playing staff & management is utterly compelling.
Allin all, for a baseball fan this is an absolute must read & for everyone else, you are guaranteed to find something of interest.
... you'd really want to love baseball - By: Three Chord Trick, 14 Nov 2007 
While the book has interesting insights into pro sport, it's very American. I found it a struggle.
Not just for baseball fans - By: Peter, 30 Aug 2007 The book is centred around the Oakland A's baseball team, but as someone who had only ever seen one baseball gamein his life, it was still a fascinating book. The narrative is about how the team can consistently outperform other teams which have more funds to pay for players etc.. Michael Lewis does not labour the analogy of their approach to other fields, & its left to the reader to think how the same ideas may be applied elsewhere. Even if you have never seen a baseball game you would be able to enjoy this book.
Superb book (better if you understand baseball however) - By: Mr. M. R. Wassell, 13 May 2007 This was a great read; fascinating & thought provoking about professional baseball. It's great to see how a team has overcome a lack of financial clout to be able to still compete & to use educated statisticians rather than ex-players who go on hunches & their experience (that they believe to be a global one).
If you don't understand the game however, some of it may pass you by!
Very recommended.
