I have always enjoyed reading Bill James' books, articles, and essays...even when I do not agree with them. He was one of the first, and remains the best, irreverent observers of the game. Many of the stats taken for granted today were really created by James. Since he stopped doing his annual "Baseball Abstract" a few years ago, I have always purchased his works and have yet to be disappointed. The fact that there are other intelligent and provocative writers in this book only makes it better. It's like sitting around the hot stove in February talking baseball.