We all know the story: Despite losing Giambi, Damon, and Isringhausen in the 2001 off season, the team won 103 games in 2002. The A’s dominated the AL West with one of the lowest payrolls in all of baseball.
The club has made eight playoff appearances in 17 years, thanks to “Moneyball” – the philosophy of acquiring players capable of the most production per dollar.
Although being developed 20 years ago, the practice is still at the heart of the A’s front office. Instituted by former-GM Billy Beane, “Moneyball” allows the A’s to go toe-to-toe with richer clubs.