It has only recently occurred to me that the club may be using a similar series of calculations to the ones used by the Sharks and the Oakland A's, termed as the Money Ball theory. This theory/system was used by the Oakland A's to build a team of players from journey men, 1 or 2 stars, ill-disciplined players, youngsters and solid players that became successful. With the retirement of Hindy and Burt it seems a feasible tactic. Only Hayne and Sandow would be commanding huge pay packets and looking at who we've bought recently we're not exactly spending massive amounts of money
I'll break some of our team down and show where those players fit into the above categories:
Hayne and Sandow are the 2 stars that the team is based around.
Players such as Mullaney, Blair, Morgan, Loko, Lussick, Paulo and Harrison are the younger guys who, if coached correctly, can be a terrific asset to the team.
Keating, Moimoi, Mannah, Luke Kelly and Ben Smith are the solid players who can do the hard stuff.
Maitua and the recently signed Ma'afu are the ill-disciplined players. Maitua has shown considerable improvement, hopefully we will see the same in Ma'afu.
Willie Tonga and Nathan Smith are the two journey men. Tonga, who debuted with Parra nearly 10 years ago, has had a career affected by injury but at his best is one of the most damaging centres in the game. Nathan Smith, whilst younger, couldn't get a start at Penrith and has shown what he's made of at Parra.
Ricky Stuart comes across as a student of the game. A man who is constantly thinking. I wouldn't put it past him to try and build a team around 2 main players, rather than try and build some dream team. With players such as Radradra and M. Barba waiting in the wings for their shot, it looks as if Stuart and the team will be shooting for a play off berth next season with a team that plays for the guy next to them and where no one's out for individual glory.
Replies
I remember this signing but I was tired when writing so it slipped my mind.
What's your problem with the blog Mack?
When the GM of the Oakland A's got his Money Ball system working, he led a team of players no where the strength of the Yankees and Twins into 4 consecutive playoff series. His system worked and it is being replicated in nearly every other sporting code.
You forgot about the player who's always there, but you can't figure out what the f*** for - Lasalo.
This is a more off-season type of blog. This refers to our recruitment and the way our roster is beginning to take shape.
Reading the names in your blog doesn't leave me feeling encouraged or confident. To be honest, our squad really isn't that impressive.
How many of those players would you choose to be in the side if you had a blank canvas and were working from scratch?
I hope Ricky Stuart can work miracles.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next