I'm sure we also let many managers know of players we're keen on and what we'd pay them, doesn't mean it is a coin toss.
I brought up Gresham as an example of people getting upset with a different outcome than what they'd hope for due to fantasising over a more well known prospect ... even though we killed it in hindsight.
If we were going for Laverde two years ago (say he was 20 then), people would be like... missed Laverde.. have to settle for the spud Membrey.
We're on a roll brother! Have faith. We'll miss out on far far far far better players over the years.
I tell you what I have optimism about... the fact we aren't relying on Billings, McCartin & Goddard to win games... the fact we got a top 4 player in Gresham at pick 18... and that we could do it again... pull another Membrey or two and we don't even need draft picks