February, 2008
(John Moores, sighing, picks up the telephone to make a call)
Sandy Alderson : "Sandy speaking. Why are you calling me? ...and make it quick."
John Moores : "...Sandy, it's..it's... me, John."
SA : "Oh, excuse me Mr. Moores. I'm terribly sorry. I didn't know that it was you on the phone. How can I help you, sir? "
JM : "It's...I, um...It's...Becky. She found a bottle of Viagra... We haven't done it since 1979... She wants a divorce."
SA : "John, listen to me. Listen to me good. I am a legal genius, a high powered attorney, one of the best minds in the business of baseball, a graduate of one of the most prestigious universities in the country, a hard ass son of a bitch... a marine, a very, very handsome g..." (Moores interrupts)
JM : "Sandy. I know. We all know. You've told us a thousand times. I was just calling to tell you that, well, it's just that this could get ugly and I'm unclear as to what direction to go with the team."
SA : "John, why not sell 51% of your stake in the team? With your remaining 49% and of course, my 2%, we will retain control of the operations. Surely, this plan would make the most sense. Don't you agree John?"
JM : "I don't know Sandy. I just need some time to think."
SA : "Ok, John. In the meantime we'll decrease our expenditures while putting a mediocre product on the field and increase attendence at the park. I know exatly how we'll accomplish this. I don't have to look any further than my time spent with the Athletics!"
JM : "Great Sandy. I appreciate it. Just so you know, it doesn't make a difference to me if we win a title or not. Just keep us in the black."
SA : " I'll one up you John. I'll keep us in the black and at the same time convince our fans that we've got a shot at winning the division this year."
JM : "Thanks Sandy. Keep up the good work."
...To be continued...