Unfortunately with how this team has been for the last 10+ years we will never know what exactly the problems (at least the extent of them). I am sure there are some good people in the organization that despite their efforts, will be tied into the failure the organization has become.
I dont know if KG is good or not, but I dont think hes the answer. I think this team needs a complete tear down and needs to pretty much rehire every key person going through a lengthy interviewing process. One problem with KG is the perception problem, for a organization that has the OBC label, I think he would be a poor hire by name alone. The fan base isnt stupid and I think naming him as the GM is poor taste (whether its true or not is not really the point).
I will say that from an amateur and pro scouting point of view, its simply not good enough. To be fair, Chiarelli didnt inherit much prospect wise when he got this team. It was pretty bare. But he did end up making terrible decisions on trades like the Reinhart trade and wasting picks that could of been promising prospects. The JP pick looks like it will haunt them as well. Whether it was a drafting or developing problem, they have lost something that should of been a great value to this team. Even with Yamamoto, its still early and hes still young, but hes not looking like he will be an impact player at this point (I am not saying he wont be).
I think people are generally positive when it comes to drafting over the last couple years with KG on board, but honestly I think its more just because we are comparing it to something that was terrible before. I think when you analyze the drafts from the last few years without prejudice, I think its been pretty average (at best) to be honest and I think it could be argued that its below average. Its a bit too early to tell but overall I dont think our amateur scouting its a positive thing. I know one thing for certain, our pro scouting is terrible. Our management doesnt know what type of players they should even be targeting. In this year alone, we have seen so many poor trades for players who dont help, its ridiculously bad. I know people are generally happy about the Talbot trade but once again I just feel like people are typically used to losing trades so they are happy with possibly winning one (which likely wont move the needle at all). KG has been a key figure in the amateur and pro scouting, and I feel like neither have been good enough.
Maybe its too early to know but I dont know how any fan could be confident in hiring KG at this point. Like I said before, in my opinion, hes not the answer.