Cost has to be the biggest reason California, New York and Boston aren't on the list. A shame as it's nice to go somewhere new and mix it in with this trip.
Because... gambling! The rush you have when a prospect does well is the same one you get when you hit a draw in poker or pick a rising stock. You win and you lose. I've famously got about $10k into Montero that's worth probably $2k now, but I also was heavily invested in Posey, Lincecum, Kershaw...
Age difference is significant in that comparison. LaPorta debuted at 24, Montero is still only 23 and has over a full season (albeit a disappointing one) under his belt. He hit .295/.330/.438 away from Safeco last year, so there's still some hope for a resurgence. Approach needs a ton of work...
That stash has basically erased all of the money I made on Trout, Heyward, Posey, Miller, Lindor, Harper, Kershaw and Machado. At least he's still just 23 years old.
I just can't imagine anyone making that argument when Bonds won four MVPs in those years. Edmonds was a damn good player but wasn't even in the top 3 for MVP any of those seasons.
If what you want is to recoup your money, I have the solution for you.
1. Pull out your wallet.
2. Take out money.
3. Put it back in.
4. Put wallet away.
SUCCESS!