Motorball

Statistics are for people I beat up in high school.

Yet the buzzkilling bean counters not only managed to inspire a book, but also a full length feature film called Moneyball.  While I have yet to see the film (no spoilers…I want the ending to be a surprise) I’ve been following some of the buzz.  I find the casting especially interesting.

Billy Beane is played by Brad Pitt

Peter Brand who is really Paul DePodesta is played by Jonah Hill

Art Howe is played by Philip Seymour Hoffman

Ron Washington is played by Samuel L. Jackson

Interestingly enough author Dan Brown was hanging around our clubhouse all last year taking notes.  He’s working on a new DaVinci Code type secrets and conspiracies thriller based on the Detroit Tigers. I’m not sure of all the details, but one day I threatened to rip the leather elbow patches off Dan’s coat and this is what I got out of him:

Basically Motorball unearths a super secret organization that runs all of Detroit.  They have been pulling all the strings in the background for years and will soon unmask themselves and take control of the city.  This secret clandestine organization called “The Union” has been hiding in plain sight for years. They will soon seize control of Comerica Park’s centerfield fountain thus crushing the big three forever and ruling Detroit with an iron fist.  Only one man stands in their way – utility Symbologist Donnie Kelly.  The only problem is that Kelly about as good at figuring out codes as he is hitting a baseball.  Only with an eclectic team of specialists can he hope to expose “The Union” and save the city.

Pretty exciting huh? In fact there is even talk about the book being turned into a movie. According to sources here is who is being cast:

The protagonist Donnie Kelly is rumored to be played by Fantastic Four star Chris Evans

The carrier of the secret ring, Will Rhymes, is played by Elijah Wood

The mastermind of the resistance Jim Leyland is played by Micheal Caine

Reenforcement Wilson Betemit is played by, who else, Denzel Washington

Demolitions specialist Delmon Young is played by Stanley from the Office

Tough guy Alex Avlia is said to be played by Antonio Banderas

Cold blooded assassin Miguel Cabrera is to be played by Laurence Fishbourne

Sniper Justin Verlander is played by LOST’s Matthew Fox

Last but not least, the asskicking comedic stud Phil Coke is played by Jack Black

How does it all end? It’s hollywood, it’s always a happy ending!