Billy beane, general Manager Of Mlb's oakland a's and protagonist of Michael Lewis's, had a problem: how to win in the major leagues with a Budget That's smaller than that of nearly every other team. Conventional wisdom ...Billy beane, general Manager Of Mlb's oakland a's and protagonist of Michael Lewis's, had a problem: how to win in the major leagues with a Budget That's smaller than that of nearly every other team. Conventional wisdom long held that big name, highly athletic hitters and young pitchers with rocket arms were the ticket to success.