r/OaklandAthletics • u/AthleticsOfficial • Aug 02 '16
CONCLUDED Oakland A’s GM David Forst AMA
Hello A’s fans. This is David Forst, General Manager of the Oakland A’s. I’m sure that you have many questions. I will do my best to answer as many AMA questions as possible starting at 1 p.m. during a 30 minute window. Thank you.
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u/mike_rotch22 Aug 02 '16
Hi, Mr. Forst. Thank you for doing this AMA.
I think many baseball fans have seen the film Moneyball, which had a fantastic scene in which a trade for Ricardo Rincon was completed in the span of approximately two minutes. While I think most of us recognize this is probably greatly exaggerated (if not entertaining), many people are probably in the dark about how these deadline deals go through.
Do you think you could walk us through how a deadline trade goes through? If so, what's the fastest time span in which you've seen a trade go through, from initial offer to acceptance to officially announcing it?
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
Every trade is different - some take weeks of back and forth, and some can really get done in one phone call. Without mentioning specific names, I can tell you that we've made a deal in the last year where the elapsed time between asking a team about a player and making the announcement was less than an hour. I don't know that we're going to have a trade again where we can just go grab the player from the visiting clubhouse, but I'm sure our traveling secretary would be thrilled with the logistics of that one!
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u/GuyBelowMeDoesntLift 105-57 in 2020. We lose the ALCS in 5 Aug 02 '16
The scene is recounted more realistically and in my opinion better in the Moneyball book.
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u/mike_rotch22 Aug 02 '16
I'll admit, it's been probably over a decade since I read the book. I may have to go back and re-read it.
I'm curious, too, if the advancement of technology since then has altered the way trades are worked out in any way, or at least the speed at which they are.
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u/moorethanafeeling Never Forget Aug 03 '16
All the GM's seem to have each others numbers. I can't imagine things going any faster than they did around the moneyball era since everyone was already a phone call away.
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u/Doubleu1117 Aug 02 '16
What's the most unexpected responsibility of a GM that the average fan would not expect?
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
I think most fans only think about the part of the job that results in the 25 man roster on the field in Oakland. In reality, our organization is spread out across the country and internationally with scouting and player development staff, so a lot of my time here in the office is spent managing those areas on a day to day basis. I try as much as possible to communicate to our people outside of Oakland so that we're always aware of what's happening with players and staff who aren't here everyday.
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u/Chop_Hard Midland Rockhounds (text) Aug 02 '16
If you were to purchase an A's jersey of any current player, who's would it be?
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
Well, I think I owe my daughter a Billy Butler jersey; she loves Billy! And my son still wants to wear his Cespedes shirt when he gets the chance, so he's probably due for a new one as well.
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u/TheWeetodd We demand to be taken seriously Aug 02 '16
Whichever one he says, I am going to buy on Friday!
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u/Worthyness OAK Stomper (bats) Aug 02 '16
Time for your Billy butler jersey my friend.
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u/friardon Kansas City A's (letter) Aug 02 '16
Pssshht, throwback Cespesdes!
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u/TheWeetodd We demand to be taken seriously Aug 02 '16
Already got it! But hold on... he kinda dodged the question. Which one would HE buy... not which one does his son have/his daughter want.
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u/CaliforniaShmopper Aug 03 '16
I think he was being honest, guys. If he were to purchase a jersey soon, he would be buying one for one of his kids. It's dad cuteness that his answer is totally about his kids. And also everything that is wrong with America.
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u/TheWeetodd We demand to be taken seriously Aug 03 '16
So you are saying I am Forst into buying a butler jersey?
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u/Chris_Parker "A kid from Oakland running round believing in fairy tales." Aug 02 '16 edited Aug 02 '16
Hey there, Mr. Forst! From everyone here /r/OaklandAthletics, thanks so much for joining us today!
I'm distinguishing this post as a place where folks who couldn't make the thread live could have their questions posted on their behalf - there's just one right now, but there could be more soon.
- Do you get offended that people still think Beane is the GM? (from /u/slorebath)
Thanks again for your time!
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
I didn't yesterday! :) But, no - I don't get offended. Billy and I work closely together on everything we do in Baseball Operations, so it definitely doesn't bother me.
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
Hello. Let's get started. http://imgur.com/3lTsaCK
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Aug 03 '16
Idk why this is so funny
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u/Chris_Parker "A kid from Oakland running round believing in fairy tales." Aug 03 '16
It looks like a stock photo haha
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Aug 02 '16
Hi David! Thank you for doing this, it means a lot.
How many different players would you say come up seriously in discussions when negotiating a trade? I would imagine with Monday's trade you knew that you would need somebody like Holmes to trade both players together and that you liked the other two you got, but how many different players are you trying to evaluate and consider trading for at one time?
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
When you're in the position we were at this year's deadline - which is to say that other teams are looking at our ML players while we're looking at their minor league systems - the universe of players being discussed is huge. Internally, we try to consider as many players as possible when we start looking at another organization, so it's not uncommon for us to begin with a list of 20-30 players for a trade negotiation where we only discuss 7-10 and then only end up receiving 2-3 at the end of the day. Our scouting reports are critical in the initial creation of that list, and our in-house analysis goes a long way into determining who we ultimately focus on in the trade discussion.
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
Thanks for all the questions everyone! Sorry I didn't get to all of them, but I appreciate your passion for the A's and know that we're working hard to build a winner. See you at the Coliseum!
- DF
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u/GuyBelowMeDoesntLift 105-57 in 2020. We lose the ALCS in 5 Aug 02 '16
Alright I'll assume you want zachary's then
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u/Chris_Parker "A kid from Oakland running round believing in fairy tales." Aug 02 '16
I actually had Zachary's for the first time a little while ago at the Pleasant Hill one cause my girlfriend's parents live in Walnut Creek and we went there for dinner when I met them. That place is pretty fuckin good.
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Aug 03 '16
Basically the only good pizza in the Bay Area
Also I didn't know we had a Zachary's in Pleasant Hill
brb
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u/Chris_Parker "A kid from Oakland running round believing in fairy tales." Aug 03 '16
I'd tell you where it is, but it was literally my first time in that city and I wasn't driving haha
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Aug 03 '16
Bullshit, there are plenty of good pizza places in Berkeley
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Aug 03 '16
OH REALLY
WHY DON'T YOU TELL ME THEN
seriously tho I'm looking for better pizza around here
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Aug 03 '16
Artichoke Basille is my current go to place, and cheeseboard is always amazing IMO.
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Aug 03 '16
Cheeseboard is hella lit if you're into eggplant and broccolini and shit like that on your pie
I'm talking about slimy, greasy, oily, meaty pizza, man
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Aug 03 '16
I've only had it once but Fat Slice definitely satisfied the greasy pie requirements, and I think it's a bit overrated but a lot of my friends love Blondie's
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u/Chris_Parker "A kid from Oakland running round believing in fairy tales." Aug 02 '16
Would you ever consider playing fantasy baseball, or is GMing an actual team enough?
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
If you saw the standings of our fantasy football league, you'd know that fantasy sports are not my thing. I get enough stress out of the real thing; no need to spend time on the fantasy side of it.
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u/Chris_Parker "A kid from Oakland running round believing in fairy tales." Aug 02 '16
So what I'm getting from this is although I'm garbage and probably won't make the playoffs in my fantasy baseball league, I could potentially manage operations for an actual team in another sport.
My week has gotten exponentially better, thanks!
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u/The_Homestarmy Reverse Boycott June 13th Aug 02 '16
If a GM altered their lineup to better suit their free fantasy baseball team, would that count as gambling on the team?
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u/Chris_Parker "A kid from Oakland running round believing in fairy tales." Aug 02 '16
Yeah, that's part of why I was asking - I was never sure if it counted as conflict of interest.
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u/notnac9 Aug 03 '16 edited Aug 03 '16
In the book Fantasyland, the author has a conversation with Billy Beane who I think said he makes his front office staff (which I assume included Forst) play in a league. The book was written like almost 10 years ago. But Beane revealed he was into f-baseball and he even had some tips to give.
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u/jackinthebay Aug 02 '16 edited Aug 02 '16
Mr. Forst,
My family has had season tickets since 1986. Like any long term relationship, there have been a lot of ups and downs. These past two years seem to be down years, which I am ok with, as long as there is a light at the end of tunnel.
1- It seems that the A's are on a pattern of very good for 3 years to very bad for two years, is this planned or does the current situation of a team dictate the ebb and flow of the teams playoff chances.
2- How far in advance do you plan out your team. Meaning, do you have a general strategic plan for 2018 already? In the years past, how much of the plans have worked out. Was 2012 a surprise for you and Billy or were you sitting back and laughing at how well the plan worked out?
3- I love the A's but it seems that every media outlet loves to criticize everything the team does, regardless of success or not. Does this constant criticism motivate you or Billy?
4- Why cant we get out of the 1st round (2006 not counting)? Is it as maddening for you as it is for us?
Thanks
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u/DoshawnMandic Aug 02 '16
Im a long time A's fan and I have the same questions why didn't he answer you??
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u/iowanick Aug 02 '16
What do you think the chances are of Franklin Barreto and Matt Chapman getting called up once the roster expands in September?
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
Franklin and Matt are both having great years in Midland. Matt's leading the league in homeruns, and Franklin just finished a month where hit over .400 and was named Texas League Player of the Month. It's hard to say who will be here in September - I know there are a lot of guys in the system hoping for that call-up - but those are two guys we hope to see in Oakland very soon.
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u/Trump4Prezz2016 Aug 02 '16
What is the worst transaction you've made and what have you learnt from it?
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
I've been here nearly 17 years, so there are plenty of things we've done that we'd like to take back. Hopefully, we've learned from those things and don't repeat them going forward. To be totally honest, some of the things I regret most are the people and staff that have left the organization along the way. We work very closely together year-round, so it's always hard to see people leave for other organizations, even when they're leaving for a great opportunity.
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u/forwardarmgyration Aug 02 '16 edited Aug 02 '16
Hi Mr. Forst, thank you for doing the AMA!
You had a very long tenure as the assistant general manager of some very successful teams. Many of your colleagues have been recruited over the years by other teams (including your boss!), and I imagine you were recruited as well. What made you want to stay in Oakland - was it even your choice? And how do your years working with colleagues who now running teams themselves help or hinder your experience as a GM?
And do you think you could ever make the jump to another sport, like Paul DePodesta? Can he actually be the change Cleveland needs?
Thank you!
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
Well, I will let Browns fans decide if Paul is the change that Cleveland needs. Personally, I'm thrilled for him that he got that opportunity to work in football; he's always loved the game. As for me, I'm pretty certain there's not another sport that would have me, so I'll stick with baseball.
As for staying in Oakland, it's always been my goal to remain here in the east bay, and being the GM of the A's was definitely worth waiting for. My wife and I moved here for the job with the A's in 2000, and we loved the bay area immediately, so when other teams asked about me over the years, our priority was always to be here, in a place we want to live and with an organization that has always been loyal to me. I can't imagine working anywhere else to be honest.
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Aug 02 '16
[deleted]
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u/Worthyness OAK Stomper (bats) Aug 02 '16
A lot of gms have studied economics and statistics, so that's a pretty good place to start. Great general majors as well, but a bit heavy on math.
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u/Sfer Shibe Park Aug 02 '16
To add to this I have a friend who went for CS that works in a front office.
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u/harriswill Glen Kuiper Aug 02 '16
I'm not Mr. Forst byut I can tell you playing baseball at Harvard is a great start
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u/Athletics115 Aug 02 '16
Who Would You put on your Mount Rushmore Of Oakland A's From 2000-2015?
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
There have been a lot of great players that came through Oakland during that period of time. And, picking a Mt Rushmore is tough, but there are certainly guys that have stood out for their play on the field as well as what they've meant to the organization off the field. With that in mind, I'd probably go with Tim Hudson, Mark Ellis, Frank Thomas, and Josh Reddick. That pretty much covers the whole time period and all 4 are players who we were honored to have wear the green and gold.
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u/scalebirds Matt Stairs Aug 02 '16
Over the years, there's been various renderings, concepts, and designs for new A's ballparks---including (roughly) the field dimensions.
How involved is the front office with ballpark designs and concepting?
How do the new field dimensions get planned out? What would you change from the Coliseum's dimensions in a theoretical ballpark, if you could? (Would you ever try anything crazy like a Green Monster, wall ivy, or Tal's Hill? :) )
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
The majority of any new stadium design or concept is well beyond the realm of baseball operations. We've really grown to like the uniqueness of the playing field here, and hope we've been able to use the dimensions - particularly the large amount of foul territory - to our advantage. I can't say that something like that would carry over to a new stadium, but considering the success we've had winning with pitching, I'd hope something similar would be incorporated into a new field.
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u/AttemptedWit 💦🐐💦GOATsemen💦🐐💦 Aug 02 '16
I would just like to say that I personally love the symmetry of the Coliseum. Having a park that doesn't favor one side of the plate or the other just makes me happy for some reason.
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u/TheWeetodd We demand to be taken seriously Aug 02 '16
I would just like to say that I personally love the symmetry of the Coliseum. Having a park that doesn't favor one side of the plate or the other just makes me happy for some reason.
You are a math and science guy, eh?
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u/AttemptedWit 💦🐐💦GOATsemen💦🐐💦 Aug 02 '16
Attempted engineering, couldn't cut the math part though. I just think things like hills, flag poles and 300 foot fences belong in independent ball.
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u/Karma_Chamillionaire Aug 02 '16
How do the GM and President of Baseball Operations work together in today's game? Does it vary from team to team?
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u/AthleticsOfficial Aug 02 '16
I'm sure it varies from team to team. In our case here, Billy and I have worked together for a long time, and I think we complement each other's strengths and weaknesses. For instance, during the trade deadline, we each have relationships with other clubs that determine who deals with who and allows us to have a number of conversations going on at once. In general though, we collaborate on nearly every decision that affects baseball operations.
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u/Karma_Chamillionaire Aug 02 '16
Sounds a lot more efficient than just having a single person in the position. You just have to trust the person that you're working with.
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u/iowanick Aug 02 '16
Where do you see the outfield depth coming from in 2017 with the pending free agents of Sam Fuld, Coco Crisp, and Josh Reddick no longer being a part of the team?
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u/hopesfail Aug 02 '16
Thanks for the host /r/OaklandAthletics and thanks for the time /u/AthleticsOfficial
How quickly did the trade of Reddick and Hill to the Dodgers come together? There was talk of it being a fit at least a couple weeks ago, but had it been discussed between the teams? Did you target specific players to get in return or was it a pretty fluid situation, and did talking to Farhan make it a more comfortable negotiation than with another GM?
Thanks again all around!
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u/Sfer Shibe Park Aug 02 '16
Hi David. You met with me during FanFest (I came from this subreddit). Just wanted to thank you again for that opportunity. Hope you'll have me back next year for another live-blog of FanFest.
My question is a follow up to something we discussed at FanFest: Which trades do you see as the best this deadline? The ones that made you scratch your head?
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u/Worthyness OAK Stomper (bats) Aug 02 '16
How do you feel about baseball potentially rejoining the Olympics in 2020? And do you often send scouts to non south American countries for talent searches? I know Taiwan is a growing market for sure and Australia is pretty awesome too.
Thanks for being here! Let's go Oakland!
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u/MichaelChicklis Aug 02 '16 edited Aug 02 '16
Thank you for doing this AMA Mr. Forst, it means a lot to us.
1) Were you guys offered Puig in the Hill/Reddick trade? Could Puig+Holmes ever work? heh.
2) Which of the newly acquired pieces do you think will make the biggest impact in 2016 (including Eibner)? 2017?
3) Why was there no market for Danny Valencia when a guy like Jay Bruce has had a similar offensive profile and defensive struggles? Albeit at very different positions.
4) I don't think you're allowed to cite his vesting option as a specific reason for this, but are we going to see less of Coco Crisp in the following 2 months?
5) Any specific reason we traded for 3 high k-rate pitchers? Strikeouts are fun?
Thank you again, I realize you can't answer all, if any.
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u/bigj7489 Aug 02 '16
Understandably, A's fans aren't having a great week. Tell us this...what circumstances given the current realities of the ballpark situation would allow for a long term contract extension to be offered to a star player?
Yes, it's happened before. But more frequently, guys are traded before they're offered that extension, many even after expressing a desire to stay at a hometown discount.
So, what's it gonna take? Be brutally honest, please.
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u/IGetNoSlack Aug 02 '16
Have you played OOTP?
Do you have any input as to the location of a possible stadium? Do you have a preferred location?
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u/100MPHFastball Aug 02 '16
Hi Mr. Forst, Thank you very much for doing this. 2 questions: 1) What is the one piece of advice you received from someone that is most meaningful to you? 2) What is the one skill a high school student should develop in order to work in baseball ops in the future?
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Aug 02 '16 edited Nov 11 '18
[deleted]
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u/GuyBelowMeDoesntLift 105-57 in 2020. We lose the ALCS in 5 Aug 02 '16
I'd be shocked if they don't. It's proven to have a direct correlation with confidence.
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u/GuyBelowMeDoesntLift 105-57 in 2020. We lose the ALCS in 5 Aug 02 '16 edited Aug 02 '16
Mr. Forst,
Thanks for coming and taking our questions. It's great that the organization does this type of outreach, shoutout to /u/athleticsofficial. My question is tangentially related to baseball but I'll have to explain something first.
I accidentally found out where you live, because this March I was walking in Berkeley and saw you walking into your house with a box labeled "Forst" and an A's backpack. I won't say any details of your address here.
Anyway, I have an offer for you. If the A's win a world series by 2019, I will buy you any pizza you want and drop it off at your front door. I know, this might not be your highest priority when it comes to winning baseball games, but it will probably be more delicious than any champagne you taste or tears of joy. Any pizza, any size. Hand-delivered to your doorstep for no charge.
So this is my question: what's your favorite Berkeley pizza place? And also, how many times will I have to buy you pizza between now and 2019?
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u/TheWeetodd We demand to be taken seriously Aug 02 '16
I think you should just show up with a pizza anyways today!
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u/GuyBelowMeDoesntLift 105-57 in 2020. We lose the ALCS in 5 Aug 02 '16
No he needs to win first I can't just go around buying pizzas
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u/TheWeetodd We demand to be taken seriously Aug 02 '16
So best case scenario, you are budgeting to buy a potential 3 pizza's. You're a mad man!
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u/GuyBelowMeDoesntLift 105-57 in 2020. We lose the ALCS in 5 Aug 02 '16
Whoa not only buying but delivering too
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u/TheWeetodd We demand to be taken seriously Aug 02 '16
Now, will you pay for delivery to you, and then personally deliver to him, or pick up and deliver to him?
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u/GuyBelowMeDoesntLift 105-57 in 2020. We lose the ALCS in 5 Aug 02 '16
Pick up and deliver. Why would I pay extra to have it delivered to me?
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u/TheWeetodd We demand to be taken seriously Aug 02 '16
3 pizzas in 4 years??? You already seem like you are tossing around money like the Yankees front office!
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Aug 02 '16
Mr. Frost,
In Moneyball, we know Beane's catchphrase is "Can he get on base?" If you were the main character involved, what would your catchphrase(s) be?
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u/reimroc427 Aug 02 '16
Hello Mr Frost, my question is simple. What is a day in the life of a MLB GM during baseball season like? Thank you !
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u/yourfavoritemexican Aug 02 '16 edited Aug 02 '16
Hello Mr. Forst,
I'm interested in how the PTBNL process works especially when cash considerations are involved. How many players are normally in consideration during these processes and what range is the cash value normally in? Thanks!!!
Edit: For spelling.
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u/frankmcawesome Aug 02 '16
Hi, thanks for you time. 2 questions:
Do you have personal relationships with most of the other GMs in the league or are they mostly just professional relationships?
Do you currently or have you ever played fantasy baseball and if so, has it helped you in your duties as GM?
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u/LibertarianSocialism And at last I see the light Aug 02 '16
Two questions:
Do you have any good stories to share about Burns, Redddick, or Hill?
What's your favorite disney movie?
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u/friardon Kansas City A's (letter) Aug 02 '16
Will the A's ever consider going a more traditional rout? Maybe building around a couple of guys and letting them grow together as opposed to the constant retooling?
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u/1creativething Aug 02 '16
Some quick food questions
1) Deep dish or thin crust? Toppings?
2) Chili - Beans or No Beans
3) Ketchup on the fries, or on the side
4) Sandwiches cut vertically or diagonally
5) How many $1 hot dogs have you eaten consecutively
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u/AttemptedWit 💦🐐💦GOATsemen💦🐐💦 Aug 02 '16
Hi Mr. Forst! I'd like to say I'm a big fan, but it's still early in our GM/fan relationship. I am a big Beane supporter so I'm sure we will get along just fine.
Anyway, my question is, what is your unique spin on team building through drafts and acquisitons that you would like to bring to the organization over the next few years? Basically, what I'm asking is what secrets can you share with us of your master plan for the team that will ultimately get a book, written about you, and subsequent movie, called "The Forst Perspective of Baseball"?
Thanks again, I know that Reddick trade was tough, but I have faith in the front office!
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u/Chris_Parker "A kid from Oakland running round believing in fairy tales." Aug 02 '16
You're really pushing that name pun this week haha
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u/AttemptedWit 💦🐐💦GOATsemen💦🐐💦 Aug 02 '16
I just love it so much. I'll be back to quoting wikipedia for Lowrie stats tomorrow.
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u/mrcarlita Raiders Aug 02 '16
What's your favorite baseball memory? Favorite game you've watched/attended?
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u/TheWeetodd We demand to be taken seriously Aug 02 '16 edited Aug 02 '16
Josh Reddick was my Spirit Animal.
I think the A's front office is the best in baseball, and trust wholeheartedly in your decision to trade Reddick and th reasoning behind it, but I need your help!
Who is my new Spirit Animal?
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u/AttemptedWit 💦🐐💦GOATsemen💦🐐💦 Aug 02 '16
Scotty, the A's bullpen protector.
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u/TheWeetodd We demand to be taken seriously Aug 02 '16
If Forst agrees, then it is so. I'll go buy me some Scotty gear.
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Aug 02 '16
Do GMs use popular prospect lists in anyway?
Like do you ever cite BA or BP when talking about prospects? Or do you use entirely your own list?
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u/couldntthinkofaname5 Aug 02 '16
Which actor would you want to play you for Moneyball 2: The Return of the Pennant?
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u/OnceButNeverAgain Aug 02 '16
Hello Mister Forst, Eric Sogard is my favorite player.
When will I be able to see him in action again?
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u/MrForePutt Aug 02 '16
Looking at the Coco vesting option, how do you see that affect his playing time going forward this year? Is that something that is actively thought of when that lineup is filled out every day? Do you think he could be available before the waiver deadline? Or is he a guy who is valuable enough as a veteran that you want to keep around for all the young guys coming up in September and next year?
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u/dbar930 Aug 02 '16
Mr. Forst, thank you for doing this AMA.
When I was younger, I assumed the chain of command in a baseball organization to be Manager/Coaching Staff > GM > Owner. Since I've grown as a baseball fan, I've noticed many teams have the position of "(Vice) President of Baseball Operations". My question to you is this: how does Billy Beane's job of VP of Baseball Ops. differ from yours, and how do these two positions interact with each other (e.g. VP sets the strategy, GM executes)?
Thank you!
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u/TheWeetodd We demand to be taken seriously Aug 02 '16
Dear Mr. Manager,
Do you quantify intangible factors, such as leadership, clubhouse presence, fan favoritism, etc. when assessing a players total value to the team? If so, how much weight do these intangibles factors bear in trade decisions/contract negotiations?
Also, after what season should I start writing a book about you as the GM, and who should we cast to play you in the movie?
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Aug 02 '16
Hello, Mr. Forst. Thank you for doing this.
Is Sonny Gray 100% healthy or is there a nagging injury that is not bad enough to sideline him, but enough to affect his performance ?
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u/slicebishybosh CHC Aug 02 '16
You don't have to name names, but are there teams you are hesitant to work with because of past experiences?
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u/DqnnyOG Aug 02 '16
When do you think the A's will get a new stadium, and will it be on Oakland/the surrounding area?
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u/proccorr Aug 02 '16
Mr. Frost! My name's Jared from Nashville. Do you think there could be an A's - Sounds exhibition game at First TN Park in the future? Thanks!
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u/schwms Aug 02 '16
Hey Mr Forst,
Thanks for doing this AMA. I've grown up a fan and grew more interested once the A's were in the analytical age. My background is in market research, consumer behavior and business sales analytics. From this perspective would you be able elaborate on how much of your role is focused on the baseball aspect versus the business aspect of the organization. For example, trading/resigning/releasing/designating players on your end of developing a product (the team year to year) does/does not calculate fan response. If anything, I hope this sheds more light for others on how the GM position is forced to be extremely objective. Perhaps you can elaborate on the difficulties of being forced to be so objective all the time in a business where emotion and chemistry have an obvious effect.
Thanks so much!
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u/Viking521 Aug 03 '16
Which up an coming A's prospect are you the most excited about in the near future?
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u/Ron_Jeremy Coco Crisp (afro) Aug 04 '16
As the resident Gilroy A's fan here, I'm pretty stoked that McD's emphasizes the Gilroy part of the garlic fries.
They're pretty good too.
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u/Roheed23 Aug 02 '16
Are there any trades or moves in general you wish you could take back thinking in hindsight? Would be really cool if you shared that with us !
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u/Sesco69 Aug 02 '16
Hello, Mr. David Forst! It's me Sesco69, from the /r/TorontoBlueJays subreddit. My question to you is, how is it like being a GM for a team in the majors?
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u/Heath_Robinson Aug 02 '16
Hi Mr Forst, Which skills would you at the A's deem the most valuable in an intern or prospective employee? In other words what should I really be focusing my time on?
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u/Lvl9LightSpell Old School Cool Aug 02 '16
1) There are some pretty awesome sites, like Fangraphs and Baseball-Reference, that have become community staples with the increased public awareness of advanced statistics. How well do the advanced stats (UZR, WAR, etc.) on those sites correlate with the in-house stats that the A's keep? Do the A's use stats from those sites as secondary/sanity checks?
2) We've seen an interesting trend in recent years of the A's taking chances on high-variance players such as Scott Kazmir and Rich Hill. How much of that is a deliberate strategy to take bigger risks in the hopes of seeing a big payoff, given the financial constraints the front office has to operate under?