All this was based on Lackey was injured in June, to the point that he needed TJ surgery. Said that, and if true and if they knew that Lackey was injured (as Gammon suggested) and let him play (what ended happening), no excuses, they should consider another SP. Bedard was not enough, regardless everybody knew that he was prone to injuries. Hell, you already had injury-concerns and you brought another prone to injuries? Sorry, but It doesn't make sense to me. But beyond that (which was illogical to me -Bedard move-), they should bring another SP. As I said, I do not have clear the options/business environment of that June 2011. You could argue that out there were any. We will never know with certainty. I clearly remember that Pence could be an option for us before the 2011 trade deadline (surly we didn't have the pieces, IDK), but some around here went to my throat and told me "Pence will never ever be traded by Los Astros". He was traded to Philly. My point is, out there are always possibilities, is it going to be easy (like bring another SP), nobody said that, but GMs have to figure it out. It is part of his job.
If you want to excuse the FO, it's up to you. Injuries are part of the game and you have to deal with them and consider them in your business/sportive plan (better physical conditioning/, depth, assertive FA signings, farm development, etc.) No excuses.