The Otis Nixon for Jimmy Kremers trade was also huge in '91. Schuerholz also had the grounds crew completely re-do the infield. A sense of professionalism was brought to the organization that altered the culture of losing.
Agreed the Cox probably did get too cautious with all of the stockpiled arms. Fortunately, he rebuffed offers for Glavine and Avery, but others could have been made available. Pete Smith was a John Mullen acquisition, and did not become what was expected. Lilliquist was a high first rounder, who did not emerge. Mercker left for basically nothing, IIRC. The combined no-hitter was pretty cool, but maybe they could have gotten something more serviceable for him sooner? Including Tommy Greene in the Murphy deal would quite literally come back to haunt them in '93. Cox made a number of trade/FA blunders during his tenure as GM. Probably deserves its own thread, and we can at least let JS enjoy the moment now.
