When I look at the list of ‘experienced’ GMs that could be candidates, I get a list of guys that are either successful where they are (and probably not truly available) or guys who have failed to some degree (maybe mixed with periods of success).This is extremely well written and puts so many of my thoughts into word.
I listened to the press conference and it alleviated some of my concerns. I'm glad they have a plan to train him in areas he is weak. I'm glad they gave a plan to potentially transition Army out, so Steen's not just a puppet GM. I'm glad Army will be there for next 5 years which are critical to the franchise as opposed to having Steen alone in 2 years
That said, I agree with Celtic's concerns wholeheartedly. Steen is inexperienced. All the positives people are sighting do nit gurantee success like experience and success does. There was no reason to announce it or time table it like they did.
I truly do think people are blinded by his time here as a player. That's fine. It's fine to be excited by his potential. But I don't get how somene can completely ignore the criticism of his lack of experience.
Steen doesn’t have that baggage, or a developed method we can extrapolate. I think if him as an Armstrong protege. I agree there is downside. But if I start to compare Steen with an actual name of an experienced GM who might be available, there is plenty of downside there too.
Would you rather have Dubas? Chiarelli?
If Bill Armstrong were a candidate to jump over, would you prefer him? He’s still largely unproven. Asset acquisition phase of a rebuild is easy compared with taking the final steps to round out a contending roster.
I don’t think Steen’s negatives are a concern, due to the way Armstrong will be there to mentor him.