They make a way bigger impact than you believe... Stephan wouldn't be as effective as he is now without the veterans. There isn't any ifs ands or buts about that one. Asdrubal Cabrera credits Orlando Cabrera for helping him with his development and JRam credits Uribe in his. Bieber credits the likes of Kluber and the group for his and guys like Kipnis and Brantley credit Giambi for showing them the ropes and helping them develop...
You have pitching coaches and you have guys who have been through the ups and downs of playing everyday... Those are two different experiences and learning from both is the best way to develop players.
You go to a new job and everyone but the bosses are new and the bosses themselves have little floor experience, are you going to do your best job? What happens if you have some guys who have been there awhile instead that can and are willing to teach you. Would you be more effective afterwards?
Trust me it's not a copout at all and this is the venting thread anyways, but in all sincerity, we don't have any guys out in the pen who can lead. We don't have someone to keep guys on track mentally since there is no way these blown saves by Clase and the outings by Karinchak aren't eating at them. Coaches can do a lot, but most have little more than minor league experience. Guys who have actual experience with the ups and downs can show way more. This is almost to young of a roster overall. Plesac is our oldest pitcher... Karinchak has the most MLB experience in the pen.
Ps. No Bauer no pitching factory btw... players matter and honestly Bauer did help his team mates out with his knowledge and opinions...