I agree that we should spend money rather than money and prospects to fill our holes. This means signing a couple free agents. But we could also get some players on contracts that teams are willing to move. Kemp for example would cost money (his salary) but not much in the way of prospects. I'd also be open to trading someone like Markakis to fill needs at other positions. Markakis for McCann for example might work, though I suspect we'd have to send a second tier prospect to even things out.
I've been kicking that around for a few days to see what I thought might be a fit, but I'm afraid the price might be a little too steep for our liking. If someone like Ellis or Whalen would get it done, I'd probably bite. Just have a feeling that Cashman would push for Jenkins or Gant, and that's a little steep for my liking. Would I go that far if push came to shove? Probably. Just not sure I'd like it. I still think Jenkins or Gant could be important parts of a package to land a younger 3B or LF. Also not really sure the Yankees would take Markakis - then they'd have 3 left-handed OFs even if they were able to get something significant if they move Beltran.
I guess my inclination is to hold onto everyone and play in the shallower end of the pool this winter (depending on how much payroll goes up, of course). If we could add Castro/Ramos/Wieters behind the plate, Turner/Prado/Desmond at 3B, and Desmond/Gomez/Saunders/Trumbo in LF on 2-3 year deals, plus Swanson and Albies this team would be significantly improved next season. That would buy time for Peterson and Ruiz, allow for the possibility for a breakout from someone like Cumberland, Riley, or Davidson if the light suddenly came on, and leave us all those arms.