In terms of first rounders. Drafting Mitchell (even though he was a college player he was raw) and Hawkins were considerable risks. And they didn't pan out. The days where they were drafting the Lance Broadways of this world are over.
I fully expect Harper to sign a completely reasonable deal and the Sox brass will say that they were all in on Manny so they couldn't be part of the Harper sweepstakes.
Even if Manny Machado turns into Albert Pujols and just becomes the biggest albatross in all of baseball. Signing an elite FA would have energized this fanbase.
Look at broadcasts from like 2009 and compare them to last year. There is just so much apathy among the White Sox fans.
And Apathy is the worst thing that can happen to a sports team.