Not all of our perceptions have changed. The example you set forth above lends credence to those of us that believe that deal wasn't a fleecing, but rather a logical result of being at the right place, at the right time, with the right periphrial circumstances. That is to say, the ARam deal didn't require a genius to construct. The Pirates were hamstrung by salary and inept organizational direction. Hendry needed a 3B and the Pirates were an obvious fit. However, if you look closely at that deal and recall the circumstances surrounding, there exists room for criticism as Hendry allowed Pittsburgh to hold the Cubs hostage with the PTBNL (who ended up being Hill). Recall that Grudz got injured and was out for an extended period. The only logical replacement for the Cubs was Bobby Hill. Whether you are a Hill hater or not, he would have been nice to have on hand during Grudz's injury. However, Hendry's lack of foresight failed to recognize that giving the Pirates a number of days to choose between Hill and Beltran hurt the club due to its lack of middle infield options. Hendry if not remotely the GM some hold him out to be.