I dont think many here hope for the best at all. Many would prefer to be right about Whaley than make the playoffs, imho, which means some of us do indeed need to be better fans.As far as your gold standard, I'd say you are looming at it too simplistic of a fashion. The GM's job is to assemble a talented roster. Do you believe that this is a playoff quality roster? If no, then its not worth arguing.
Rob - If you were in Whaley's shoes, what would you have done differently, beginning with EJ's draft?