Billy Beane's shit does work in the regular season ... what did he see in DeJesus

One question to ask about Oakland trading for David DeJesus is why the Royals would make such a cockamamie deal. Sam Mellinger's surprisingly weak response in the Star aside, not much in the way of explanation has surfaced.

Perhaps a better way to look at the trade is to ask why Billy Beane would trade for DeJesus. Beane does not make random choices. He doesn't go with his gut. He doesn't waste money. In fact, he's all about using math to find bargains and finding bargain to win. Beane admits his "shit doesn't work in the playoffs" but it sure has worked across many 162 game seasons. And, his shit seems to work in a small market with a limited payroll, like our little River City.

So, why is DeJesus a bargain for Beane and a bust for the Royals' brain trust?

This question, of course, assumes Beane wants DeJesus as a player, not as trade bait. Getting DeJesus as a pawn to trade up later is a chess move Beane might be making but it would be a risky move and Beane is anything but a gambler.

So, here's a challenge for the Sabermagicians. Tell the readers why David DeJesus' numbers are attractive to Billly Beane. Then we'll try to figure out why they are unattractive to the Royals' brain trust.

Plate discipline? Fielding ability? Arm strength? His inability to steal bases would not be a deduction for Beane who places less value on stolen bases than most. What is it -- statistically --about DeJesus that Billy Beane wanted?

I don't want to hear that he works hard and is a great presence in the clubhouse. Beane's shit doesn't work that way.

Help the unenlightened out here. My guess is if you can unravel this mystery Royals fans can reach a better understanding of what goes on in the heads of the Kansas City braintrust. And, with a better understanding, we can better understand where this team is going and what we, as fans, can expect.

Have at it. If you know a Sabermagician, put him on the case. We'll print the responses when they arrive.

Lofflin-- card image from Baseball Alamanac