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Moneyball star actor Brad Pitt does a fantastic job representing Oakland Athletics Billy Beane in both the personal and professional aspects of his life.

Beane is a man obsessed with living up to his predictions, and using statistics and mathematical formulas to determine which players can be successes in Major League Baseball.

Pitt plays this role perfectly, and really gives us a sense of how difficult Beane’s life was as he rose to prominence among the ranks of baseball’s great minds.

Beane’s struggles as a general manager, father, and husband are well played throughout, and the film is as much about losing and dealing with that disappointment than it is about baseball.

Despite the 2002 Oakland Athletics not winning the World Series, and Beane not taking the Boston Red Sox job, one that would have been easier to do than in Oakland, Beane handles the failures with great strength, which Pitt displays beautifully.

Most of us know the story already, but the emotional impact and hardship behind the obvious is the reason to see the movie, and each part is done to perfection.

Pitt shows the struggles of Beane to create a winner with the Athletics, and trying to convince himself, his organization, and his friends that his way is a winning way.

In a movie that accurately portrays Beane as someone who couldn’t make it in the big leagues, that even has an even deeper meaning seen throughout the film.

Via SI.com:

“One of the things I think the story accurately portrays,” Pitt went on, “is how imperfectly we understand ourselves. We are so full of contradictions. Our weaknesses are our strengths and our strength are our weaknesses, and those things are constantly in flux.”

Moneyball is a fantastic film that pays great attention to the small details of Beane and his story, and in the process creates an emotional and exciting film.

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow @NicholasGoss35.

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Albert Pujols has told the St. Louis Cardinals he wants a new contract by the beginning of spring training, or he will sever negotiations and become a free agent in the fall, sources told ESPN the Magazine’s Buster Olney.

The Cardinals exercised Pujols’ option for next season in October, which will pay him $16 million. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak refused to comment on the state of the negotiations Saturday.

Pujols had another spectacular season in 2010, hitting 42 home runs, driving in 118 runs and batting .312.

Pujols has established himself as one of the greatest players ever to major league baseball and many consider he could be the greatest player ever when he retires.

After seeing players of lesser talent get major contracts, such as Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard and new Washington Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth, Pujols must be curious of the dollars he could earn on the free agent market.

Howard’s five-year contract at $25 million per season is outrageous, but what would Pujols earn per season, especially when he’s better than Howard?

Would anyone pay $30 million or more for one player, even if that player is Albert Pujols? 

Well, you have to look at the big spending teams. The New York Yankees already have committed eight years and millions of dollars to first baseman Mark Teixeira, and Pujols would not agree to be a DH only, because he is a very good fielder.

The Red Sox don’t need a first baseman, and the Phillies have Howard. While Pujols could easily get $30 million per season in a new deal, there are very few teams if any that could afford that figure.

Pujols is a once-in-a-generation talent and has shown no signs of slowing down. He loves St. Louis, and the team, and it would be a big surprise if he leaves the Cardinals.

The Cardinals have shown a commitment to winning every season Albert Pujols has been in St. Louis, and re-signing him will ensure their commitment to the 2012 season and beyond.

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The Boston Red Sox have been linked with Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder for several seasons now, but with Boston’s recent acquisition of Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego, are they finished with their pursuit of Fielder?

Gonzalez is a first baseman too, and has a better glove than Fielder. With Kevin Youkilis likely to begin the 2011 season at third base, there is no room for Fielder at Fenway Park.

Fielder is a free agent after next season, and its almost certain that the Brewers will not be able to afford the rich contract he’s seeking. He has already turned down a multi year offer believed to be around $100 million, so the Brewers have been fielding offers for years but haven’t found a package of prospects they like.

Prince Fielder is a very good offensive player, and if his weight becomes a real problem he could always be a designated hitter for an American League team, so he is valuable player to many teams.

The New York Yankees do not have a need for a first baseman or third baseman, and most teams won’t pay over $100 for a designated hitter, even the Yankees.

Milwaukee needs to trade Fielder to replenish their farm system. They just gave up some solid young talent with the trade for Zach Greinke from Kansas City, who might not even be of much help in the future. Greinke had a great 2009, which was capped of with a Cy Young award, but he struggled mightily last season, and has struggled most of his career.

His troubles with anxiety problems limited his possible trade suitors to small market teams only, so Milwaukee was a good place for him because they have passionate fans but the city and media is not as demanding as major markets.

Some American League teams that should pursue Fielder are the Los Angeles Angels, the Minnesota Twins, and the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Angels could use a first baseman with power, even though Kendry Morales has shown offensive talent, he is coming off a serious injury.

The Twins have seen 2006 AL MVP Justin Morneau go through a rough battle with season ending injuries the past few seasons, and acquiring Fielder would assure them first base production for an entire year.

The Rays just lost Carlos Pena and Carl Crawford to free agency, and acquiring Fielder would help keep their lineup somewhat dangerous in a very competitive American League East division. Tampa also has the prospects to make a deal with Fielder happen.

Prince Fielder is a very good player, and will gain a lot of interest in free agency next winter, but it would suit him better to find his future home before the 2011 season, not after.

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The Boston Red Sox have made the headlines this MLB offseason, signing free agent Carl Crawford and trading for Adrian Gonzalez. 

The New York Yankees struck out on Crawford, and were also turned down by free agent pitcher Cliff Lee, who chose to return to the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Yankees have only re-signed major players this winter, most notably future hall of famers and Yankee legends Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. 

So where do the Yankees go from here? Well, they need an outfielder and some relief help. They also need some starting pitching, because other than staff ace C.C. Sabathia, the Yankees don’t have a reliable starter.

Let’s look at 10 players general manager Brian Cashman should consider for the 2011 New York Yankees.

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Brian Cashman struck out in free agency this winter, something he’s rarely done in his brilliant career as the New York Yankees general manager.

Cashman failed to acquire the Yankees‘ primary offseason target, Cliff Lee, and in doing so, the Yankees were beaten to Carl Crawford by their hated rivals, the Boston Red Sox.

About a week after Crawford chose Fenway Park instead of Yankee Stadium, Cliff Lee chose Philadelphia over New York and Texas. With Lee out of the picture, the Yankees need pitching.

Veteran left-hander Andy Petitte has not decided if he will return for another season in Yankee pinstripes, and if he chooses to retire, the Yankees have real problems in their starting rotation.

Manager Joe Girardi has only one dependable starter on his staff, CC Sabathia. Phil Hughes has shown promise, but his ERA is much too high for Girardi’s liking. 

To improve the pitching staff, the Yankees could go a number of ways. They could pursue a few trades, sign some lower tier free agent pitchers or trade some veterans for prospects and either rebuild with them or use them as trade bait.

Possible trade possibilities include Zach Greinke of Kansas City, but given Greinke’s history of anxiety, many baseball executives feel he would fail playing in a big market. Matt Garza of Tampa Bay is another pitcher who has been put on the trading block, but the Rays are unlikely to trade Garza within the AL East.

If Cashman cannot find a trade to improve the rotation, there are a few veteran free agents who could be temporary fixes for this season.

Brandon Webb is still unsigned, and the former NL Cy Young award winner is looking for a fresh start after multiple injury ridden seasons in Arizona.

Several years ago the Yankees outbid the Boston Red Sox for starter Carl Pavano of the Florida Marlins. In 2010, the Yankees would be wise to again pursue Pavano, who had a solid year with the Twins.

If these veteran free agents aren’t the solution for Cashman, he could explore some ways to acquire prospects for trades or to develop internally.

Either way Cashman decides to go, he has his work cut out for him. The Yankees are an older team and may not even make the playoffs in 2011.

Pitching wins in baseball, especially in the playoffs, and right now, the Yankees pitching staff is average at best.

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The Boston Red Sox are making up for their poor 2010 season by making a big splash this offseason.

After trading for first baseman Adrian Gonzalez last week from the San Diego Padres, the Red Sox have reportedly signed free agent outfielder Carl Crawford to a 7 year, $142 million contract, according to the Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham.

Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal has confirmed the deal as well.

As of Wednesday the Red Sox were not considered Crawford’s first choice, many believed the coveted outfielder was leaning toward signing with the Los Angeles Angels.

Crawford has played in the AL East his entire career as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, so he knows the Red Sox front office is dedicated to building a winner every season.

With the additions of Gonzalez and Crawford, are the Red Sox the favorites to win the World Series next season?

Right now, you’d have to say yes.

Boston nearly made the playoffs last year despite missing major players such as Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and Jacoby Ellsbury to lengthy injuries. 

With Crawford likely to be the leadoff man in the lineup, the Red Sox finally have a speed demon on the basepaths. Ellsbury’s constant injury struggles have rid the Sox of their only speed threat.

Crawford is a very good fielder, and like most everyone, will probably see his batting statistics improve due to playing 82 games a year in the hitter friendly confines of Fenway Park.

With Crawford playing the role as the best outfielder on the team, and still at a young age, Ellsbury becomes expendable.

Although, coming off a poor season, Ellsbury is not likely to be moved until the tradin deadline, because he currently has perhaps the lowest trade value of his young career.

Gonzalez gives the Red Sox a little bit of everything. His hitting credentials are well known, but he is a superb defensive player, having won two gold gloves.

Gonzalez has accumulated at least 30 home runs and 99 RBIs in each of the least four seasons, and accomplishing this feat in the pitcher heaven of Petco Park in San Diego makes it more impressive.

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has done well so far this winter to improve the team, but he has yet to improve the biggest weakness of 2010, the bullpen.

The bullpen roster is likely to be much different on opening day than it is now. With the Red Sox having spent a lot of money on two guys already, they will likely find some cheap, veteran relief pitchers.

With the Red Sox asserting themselves this offseason with a determination to go back to the World Series, their archrival New York Yankees now have to sign Cliff Lee. Do they even have a choice?

The only Yankees headlines this winter were the re-signings of captain Derek Jeter, and hall of famer to be closer Mariano Rivera.

With the additions of Crawford and Gonzalez, the Red Sox have a better all around lineup than the Yankees, and are younger as well.

Boston’s starting pitching is very deep too, and veterans Josh Beckett and John Lackey are sure to bounce back after injuries and inconsistency plagued their 2010 seasons. 

Jon Lester has emerged as a staff ace, and Clay Buchholz has become a player who could be a perennial all star.

The Red Sox are not done loading up for a serious 2011 run, but what they’ve done so far is very impressive.

They have acquired an offensive machine in Gonzalez for not to steep of a price in terms of prospects given up, and have acquired a young and athletic outfield star in Crawford.

But more importantly, they have kept these two players away from their competitors in the American League.

Boston will be fully healthy to start next season, and will be armed with the best lineup Red Sox fans have ever seen.

It’s fair to say, that for now, the Red Sox are the clear favorites to win the 2011 World Series.

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You don’t need to tell Chicago Cubs fans how long it’s been since they won the World Series. The 2010 season was another forgettable summer for the Cubs, but there are players available that can help them improve for 2011.

One of those players is Carlos Pena, who the Cubs signed on Tuesday. The Cubs need more power in their lineup and a better infield defense, and Pena will help them in both areas.

The Cubs could also use help in their pitching rotation, especially in their bullpen. The Cubs have had a respectable payroll the last decade, but they need to start spending money more wisely.

Now let’s look at five free agents who could help the Cubs return to the postseason in 2011.

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After working out a trade for Adrian Gonzalez yesterday, the Boston Red Sox were given a deadline of 2 p.m. on Dec. 5 to work out an extension with Gonzalez, which they have failed to do, according to a source.

It’s widely believed Gonzalez is looking for a contract similar to the eight-year, $180 million deal Mark Teixeira received from the New York Yankees prior to the 2009 season.

The San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox can still work out a deal involving Gonzalez, but the current one is over. The Padres’ package of prospects would be much better if Gonzalez were to sign an extension. 

Gonzalez’s current contract is for the 2011 season only, at the small price of $6.3 million.

The Red Sox have already let star catcher Victor Martinez sign with the Detroit Tigers as a free agent, and are unlikely to sign their own free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre. 

Other Red Sox targets this winter are outfielders Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth, but Gonzalez has been their priority since the 2009 trade deadline.

After failing to make the playoffs in 2010 for the first time since 2006, Red Sox fans have expected general manager Theo Epstein to make a major splash this offseason in the trade and free agent market. 

After letting Martinez walk, and now failing to obtain Gonzalez (for now), Epstein has his work cut out for him. The Red Sox still need to remake their bullpen from last season, which was arguably the team’s biggest weakness last year.

Padres general manager Jed Hoyer and assistant general manager Jason McLeod have both recently worked in the Red Sox organization, and are very familiar with the talent level in the Boston minor league system.

The Red Sox still are the favorites to land Gonzalez, but the failure to lock him up now doesn’t help.

After failing to sign Mark Teixeira in 2008 when they appeared to be the favorites to sign him, the Red Sox watched their arch rivals, the New York Yankees, sign the first baseman.

Boston cannot afford to let Adrian Gonzalez go to another team, and certainly not the Yankees. The Red Sox do not have a young, power-hitting bat in their lineup. 

With the Angels looking like the favorites to sign Carl Crawford, and Jayson Werth reminding fans too much of current Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, a trade for Gonzalez is the move the Red Sox have to make before the 2011 season arrives.

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The Boston Red Sox appear to have finally acquired San Diego Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. 

Sources have told ESPN The Magazine‘s Buster Olney this morning that the Red Sox and Padres have reached an agreement to trade Gonzalez to Boston in exchange for several top prospects.

The next phase of the deal is a contract extension for Gonzalez, who is only signed through next season for about $6 million.

Gonzalez has been flown to Boston by the Red Sox and will attempt to work out a contract extension with general manager Theo Epstein.

According to baseball experts, Gonzalez will be looking for a contract similar to what the New York Yankees gave Mark Teixeira before the 2009 season (eight years, $160 million).

According to ESPNBoston.com’s Gordon Edes, the Padres will receive Red Sox pitcher Casey Kelly, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and outfielder Reymond Fuentes.

Kelly, 21, is the top prospect in the Red Sox organization, according to Baseball America, and has been considered as a primary chip to acquire any big-name player like Gonzalez.

Rizzo, 21, hit 20 home runs with 80 RBIs last season with Boston’s Double-A affiliate Portland. Fuentes, who is only 19 years old, was the Red Sox top draft pick in 2009, and stole 42 bases for Single-A Greenville last season. 

Gonzalez has hit at least 30 home runs and driven at least 99 RBIs each of the last four seasons. His defensive ability is stellar as well, and in five full seasons, Gonzalez has won two Gold Gloves.

The Red Sox had to make a splash, either with a trade or big free-agent signing this winter. Boston failed to make the playoffs in 2010, and has already let star catcher Victor Martinez sign with Detroit as a free agent.

Adrian Beltre, the Red Sox MVP of 2010, is also a free agent, and is now unlikely to re-sign with Gonzalez arriving.

Now that the Red Sox have their man, they can focus on building a better bullpen, their most glaring weakness from last season.

Epstein has been trying to acquire Gonzalez since the 2009 trade deadline, and it now looks like the slugger will finally be a Red Sox player in 2011.

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Chicago Cubs icon Ron Santo has passed away due to complications in his struggle against bladder cancer, according to WGN Radio.

Santo was a great third baseman for the Cubs from 1960 to 1973 and later became part of the Cubs radio team in 1990.

Regarded as one of the best players to never earn induction into the MLB Hall of Fame, Santo was a nine time All-Star in his 15 major league seasons.

Santo was one of the most passionate Cubs fans, but like many others, he was not lucky enough to witness the Cubbies win the World Series. Santo explained his devotion for the Cubs to the Associated Press in August of 2009, “The emotion for me is strictly the love I have for this team. I want them to win so bad.”

Santo battled a number of medical ailments as a player and also in retirement. He was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of 18 and up until his death he was in a fight with cancer.

Santo would not let diabetes prevent him from achieving his dream of becoming a major league baseball player, and he did not reveal to the Cubs he had the disease, until he made his first All-Star appearance in 1963.

In 2003, the Cubs retired his No. 10 jersey, placing it just below fellow Cubs legend Ernie Banks‘ No. 14. During his number retiring ceremony, Santo told the fans at Wrigley Field, “This flag hanging down the left-field line means more to me than the Hall of Fame.”

Year after year, Santo did not receive the call to the Hall of Fame, and this constant rejection brought the fans closer to him.

In his 15 seasons, Santo hit .277, amassed 2,254 hits, hit 342 home runs and scored 1,331 runs. He was a consistent player who was among the best of his era nearly his entire career.

His stats make him very worthy of admission into the Hall and even though his teams failed to make the postseason, it certainly wasn’t because of him.

Santo’s undying passion for his Cubs was evident through his final days and he’ll always be a fan favorite in Chicago.

In an EPSN.com article, last updated on December 3rd, 2010, current Cubs general manager Jim Hendry explains the man Ron Santo was.

“Ron Santo was one of the finest men—and toughest men—I’ve ever known,” Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. “He was a credit to the game and a model of what a person should be like, always giving back to others his entire life.”

Ron Santo was a great player and would have loved to receive the phone call inviting him to the hall of fame. 

For the Baseball Writers of America, it’s time to make this right. Put Ron Santo where he belongs:

In Cooperstown with the other all-time greats of baseball.

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