People's performance at their job isn't necessarily static. He spent 2-3 years making awful decision after awful decision, but absolutely nailed the Martin and Donaldson moves. Maybe it means he's learned things or listens to smart people that he previously ignored or didn't have around (a la Sabean and GMDM). Maybe he's the same clueless fool he's appeared to be since 2012 and these moves aren't actually indicative of an improved process. The offseason has gone better than anyone could have expected though.