I think you are overvaluing the contribution to the on-field product that Brandon would have had with the current Beane/McDermott team. I firmly believe, while Russ Brandon would likely be around based on his continued failing upward, but I don't think he would have had much of a hand in drafting, free agency, etc. I think Beane/McDermott have a firm grasp on the control of the organization. That is all I was saying.