The point here is that as much as some on here claim to know regarding Hoffmans career trajectory, they really don't know s***. Everyone develops differently and there really is no way to measure it accurately.
Tony Larussa liked to hit his pitcher eight near the end of his managing career citing the positives of having a better chance with runners on for pujols after the first go around. Harrold Reynolds no likey
Any real good gm wouldn't let a baffoon like Beeston decide a trade like that. If that came out to be true after Beeston goes I'd lose even more respect for AA