Mind Game
From SoSH
Author: Steve Goldman
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company
Date Published: 2005
Summary: Mind Game was written by Baseball Prospectus writers immediately following the 2004 season, and it served as a congratulatory diatribe on the Red Sox front office's philosophy of statistics-based decision making. The book focused on Theo Epstein's tenure as Red Sox general manager, analyzing the personnel decisions that led to the makeup of the 2004 Red Sox team. Theo is portrayed throughout the book as a kind of superhero: the writers glossed over some of his less impressive moves, while celebrating the more successful transactions, giving a sort of sugar-coated version of the events of the 2004 season. At the same time, however, it does provide a basic summary of the Red Sox front office's objectives. The pro-Red Sox slant also allows the reader to relive the excitement and glory of the 2004 season.
This book is a great introduction for anyone who wants a basic overview of important baseball statistics, and it is a fast, enjoyable read for any knowledgeable Red Sox fan as well. Don't expect any mind-blowing revelations or analysis -- the average SOSHer already has a better grasp of statistics than anything learned in this book -- but it is a nice recap of basic statistical analysis.
In short, this is a quick and enjoyable way to relive the beginning of Theo Epstein's tenure as Red Sox GM.
