09-21-2003, 04:59 AM
The Athletics basically rely on players with "warts". These are players that do certain things well but have a trait or shortcoming that makes them unattractive to most clubs that can afford more well rounded players. They're obsessed with OBP, hitters with patience, who can draw walks. They can't compete with the big market clubs that can pay a premium for star players in their prime so instead they take on guys like Scott Hatteberg who rarely strike out and get quality at bats.
The A's picked Scott up off the MLB scrap heap of discarded players. He's a perfect example of how the A's are able to be creative to stay competitive. Scott had to rehab himself after a nerve ruptured in his arm which forced him to undergo intensive therapy to teach his hand to hold a baseball again. Now he's regarded as an above-average first baseman converted from catcher.
The book is chock full of stories like this. Its a quick paced, interesting read if you're a baseball geek like myself.
The A's picked Scott up off the MLB scrap heap of discarded players. He's a perfect example of how the A's are able to be creative to stay competitive. Scott had to rehab himself after a nerve ruptured in his arm which forced him to undergo intensive therapy to teach his hand to hold a baseball again. Now he's regarded as an above-average first baseman converted from catcher.
The book is chock full of stories like this. Its a quick paced, interesting read if you're a baseball geek like myself.
![[Image: 723475742_8cb2b0be6c.jpg]](http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/723475742_8cb2b0be6c.jpg)