It's a pretty long lag time, plus the time of development within the system of the new prospect. And the rate of success of these dumpster dives is also very low, probably comparable to the rate of success of an A-ball prospect like Jarrett Martin or Randy Henry.
In terms of the sustainability of resources, I just don't see the logic of a supply chain that necessitates trading prospects (that have a low rate of success) for a reclamation project (that has a low rate of success) so that if it's successful we can trade that former reclamation projects for more prospects (that have a low rate of success). I understand your goal is to build the entire system, just as mine is, but it seems like a pretty inefficient way to go about things.
It's much like the logic of signing a $7 million reliever under the rationale that if he does well, he can be traded for a prospect or two at the deadline. In most occurrences, the prospects you'd receive wouldn't fetch the prorated portion of the $7 million contract if they were available on the open market. It's just a very inefficient way of going about rebuilding a franchise that's largely bereft of talent.
Better is to promote the cheap, team-controlled assets you have and build their value for a trade, or to boldly trade the major league assets that are already regarded as valuable. Use fewer resources to accomplish the same end result but in a more expedited timeline. Eveland himself was a 16th round pitcher who was never a prized asset in an organization. We've probably got a few Evelands of five years ago kicking around in the organization as we speak, but the misguided focus on reaching the mythical .500 plateau prevents us from grabbing our nuts and throwing them out there.
