Billy Beane

The MLB clubs that consistently make October runs don't just have stars on the diamond and master button-pressers in the dugout, they also have savvy general managers calling the shots in the front office.

From Brian Cashman in the Bronx to Billy Beane and Brian Sabean on opposite sides of the Bay, there are all sorts of top-flight execs around the league.

With the production of the film Moneyball back in 2011, Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane became a nationally known figure.

Since that outstanding movie's release, the A's have been even more successful and Beane has been even more daring.

The Oakland A’s have planned to contend in 2015 all along.

This has to stop.

Hearts are broken, and that is certainly understandable. But the screaming has to stop. Now.

Billy Beane is not a villain. He is not a moron. He is not attempting to piss off anyone who has ever cheered for the Oakland Athletics.

And most importantly, he is not trying to lose. To think that is his goal is not only ridiculous but also completely ignorant.

Who knew it would start raining bats in Seattle?

Robinson Cano last winter. Nelson Cruz this winter. Maybe the drought is finally over. The Seattle Mariners: Early AL West favorites entering 2015? You bet. Mark it down. Lattes all around.

And keep pouring: With a zesty mix of youth and experience, the Mariners now are built to win not just in 2015, but also for a handful of years beyond.

From the historic dominance of Clayton Kershaw to the epic collapses of the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves, it's been a memorable 2014 MLB regular season.

Simply put, there have been major winners and serious losers from all around the league. Jon Lester falls onto the right side of that equation thanks to a brilliant second half, which has set him up for a winter payday. 

Billy Beane is doing it again. He's putting together a roster of misfits that are doing nothing but win baseball games. And it's all being done with the fourth lowest payroll in the majors, and a bunch of guys the casual fan can't name.

Say what you will, but Billy Beane is not averse to making decisive moves.

The Oakland A's have a new sensation in Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima, a man who is completely smitten with his general manager, Billy Beane. 

Then again, he may just be a smitten kitten over the man who played Billy Beane in Moneyball, Brad Pitt.  

Last year, a player that emerged from obscurity in the Oakland Athletics farm system was third base prospect Stephen Parker.  

In 2010 he hit .296, with 21 home runs and 98 RBI, yet coming into 2011 he was still largely overshadowed by fellow prospects Grant Green and Michael Choice.  Despite his breakout 2010 campaign, he solidified his position as the team's third baseman of the future with his consistent and solid play last season.