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September 21, 2007
CC Times provides insight into A's, Quakes front office
We've seen a number of articles in both the national and international press about the potential for A's GM Billy Beane's involvement with the Quakes. Today, Joe Stiglich of the Contra Costa Times gives us the most detailed view yet of how Beane might be involved on the soccer side. (The story runs in the Mercury News, too.)
And now that the A's ownership group, which includes Beane, has sunk its teeth into Major League Soccer - it bought the rights to revive the San Jose Earthquakes franchise - he has a chance to put his passion to practical use.Beane said his current involvement with the Earthquakes is on the "macro level." (He's helping conduct interviews to hire the team's director of soccer.) The big question, as it pertains to Beane's commitment to the A's, is how much his involvement with the Earthquakes might expand down the road.
"That's hard to answer," Beane said this week. "Right now, understand the Quakes are a part of our ownership umbrella, which I'm involved with. It stands to reason I have a vested interest in the success of the franchise.
"I'm interested in the business, but to say I have the knowledge to put together a team is (not true). I'm a neophyte. That being said, I love the sport."
The story even provides a bit more insight into the potential relationship with a team in the English Premiership:
Beane thinks there's much to be learned from soccer that can apply to baseball, and vice versa.He has struck up friendships with executives from the Tottenham Hotspur club of the England-based Premier League. Tottenham's sporting director, Damien Comolli, and marketing director, Paul Barber, visited the A's last week to exchange ideas.
Beane has made similar trips to Tottenham's headquarters in London and has another planned in November.
Interesting stuff, eh? And isn't it great knowing that these guys are working on behalf of the Quakes and the fans?
We also have to compliment writer Joe Stiglich for mentioning the continued involvement of A's president Mike Crowley with the Earthquakes. Crowley has been sort of an unsung hero in this effort so far, working behind the scenes and leaving the spotlight to others. Come to think of it, that would make another fine story for a local paper to cover. Hey, Mercury News, how about a profile piece on Crowley? Here's your chance to scoop the rest of the sports press!
Posted by Jay at September 21, 2007 07:27 AM