What can we learn from Michael Holmes’ past drafts?

Hello.

I am here to write a post which I have entitled, “What can we learn from Michael Holmes’ past drafts?” Before proceeding on to the body of my work, however, allow me to begin with a series of caveats:

Whereas —

• Scouting Directors are responsible for making draft selections, strategic direction for drafting tends to come from higher up the decision making chain, so while a series of similar picks may look like a reflection of the scouting director’s inclinations, they may, in fact represent the philosophies of upper management and/or ownership;
• and whereas — Michael Holmes played an important role in the A’s drafting hierarchy for many years, he was never actually their Scouting Director (serving as Assistant Scouting Director for nearly a Decade) and so didn’t fully have the final say on draft decisions;
• and whereas — Holmes has filled two vacant scouting positions since being hired by the Giants, most of the amateur scouting crew beating the bushes are the same guys who have been doing the scouting for Giants drafts for many, many years;
• and whereas — close examination of the A’s drafting proclivities over the past decade leads me to the conclusion that they have no tendencies whatsoever;
• and whereas — Michael Holmes has never been a full Scouting Director, new National Cross-Checker Brian Bridges has, having run the past four drafts for the Atlanta Braves;
• and whereas — in Bridges time running they Braves, they showed extremely strong tendencies;

• WTF John Barr is still making decisions now?