but at the end of the day what happens if there is a perfect candidate to head this team, but they are not fond of the Aponte/Philbin axis?
Then they wouldn't be the perfect candidate? The whole point of this search is that we find someone who is willing to be a part of the team. Teamwork is the element that has been stressed throughout the process. We already know these guys can evaluate talent, its the teamwork aspect that we are searching for in this process. And I'm not sure what your issues with Aponte are, whether you have mommy issues or you are scared of women, but her duties would not overlap with a GM who's primary goal is to evaluate talent. She should be considered an asset.