Originally Posted by
TheBravos
I'll answer by each paragraph.
1. Because they are either signed long term or controlled long term (building blocks).
2. Yes, I think I was stated the vets were just place holders. Getting a few vets on a team to fill out holes is perfectly fine....I like Phillips holding for Ozzie and Colon and Dickey holding for our pitchers is perfectly fine. Signing or trading for a buttload of vets to only "appear" to be competitive on one year (or even worse four year) deals and in the process "maybe" winning another 5-10 games only hurts our draft spot. Having a loosing record or a better loosing record doesn't matter unless you are fielding a young team that is showing improvement.
3. I like Kemp and Markakis. I have defended both at times. It does blow my mind clearing the BJ contract in the Kimbrel deal, only to go drop $40 mil on Markakis. I like Markakis, but he should not be on our rebuilding team.
4. I guess it depends on what you consider AAAA guys, because I feel we have already done that to a degree. Boni? Peterson? I could name 8-10 guys that should be in AAA and I could name 8-10 guys in AAA that probably deserve a better chance to be in the majors.
My reply to this? You could take the Kemp and Markakis money and spend it on some younger building block type players. I have to say if they trade at least Colon, Dickey, etc. (and I like those guys)....I'll be ok. If they keep them the whole year, it will be maddening