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| (Kyle Terada-US Presswire) |
By David
Saltzer | @DaveSaltzer
A good chess player knows the rules of the game and has some
understanding of strategy. More often than not, he can align the pieces in such
a way as to win the game. Since nothing is hidden on a chess board, a good
opponent can easily spot the moves far in advance to counter any end-game that
may ensue.
A grandmaster chess player, on the other hand, has a much
deeper understanding of the game. He isn’t just thinking about the move he is
making presently; he’s thinking about how the present move sets up a strategy
several moves later. Sometimes, it involves making an opportunity happen that
wouldn’t otherwise exist. But, for a grandmaster, any move made is always part
of the bigger picture—winning the game.
Being a baseball general manager is a lot like playing
chess. In most cases, the needs and opportunities are available for all to see.
All teams scout every other organization in baseball, so there are not that
many surprises when it comes to making deals.
Sometimes being a GM can be easy, such as when an owner
opens his wallet to buy what his team needs. That was the case when Arte Moreno
committed several hundred million to Albert Pujols and C. J. Wilson this
offseason. While it took a lot of skill for Jerry Dipoto to sign both,
especially simultaneously, it took even more courage for Mr. Moreno to commit
to writing checks that large.