The biggest criticism for Doug Melvin and the front office has been the stocking of the minor league system since Jack Z left. Specifically on the pitching side.  Granted, we traded our 2 best prospects away for starters, but this would not have kept us out of the bottom 3rd of the league in the rankings of the Farm Systems.  As it stands right now, we have nothing in the way of true impact talent in the minors, and few guys that would be anything more than depth.  And we squandered our draft last year by not signing Covey. 

But there was an opportunity to make up for that.  Barret Loux went unsigned by Arizona last year due to an injury concern.  He was designated as a Free Agent, and every team had a chance to sign him.  Prudent front offices who know how to build a farm system would've jumped at the chance.  The Rangers took the risk and did at what amounted to be 3rd round money. 

This year, Loux has a 3.19 ERA in Hi-A, with a 38/6 K/BB ratio.  His FIP (according to Scott Lucas of the Newberg Report) is 2.24 as of May 6th (I think he had another start since).  Fact is that he would be the best pitcher in the Brewers system, and would probably contend for the #1 spot overall.  This is the kind of risks that smart GMs take, and Doug missed the boat on.