i think that is going to impact many of these decisions. getting him up here sooner is more likely with Brian still here, because actually developing a bat is a big feather in his cap.

OTOH, you'd be looking at potentially 5 consecutive years of sub-.500 baseball, and a new guy calling the shots. i wouldn't bet much on him surviving, which is why i think it's unlikely that we are going to stick with the "rebuilding" plan in the offseason.