2SeamHeat
I Know Nuffing!!!!!
- Joined:
- Aug 15, 2011
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- Location:
- West Texas
This I actually doubt. If you go back and look at how the Sox were built, and Theo was active in that building as early as 1999, they initially built up around the few solid players they had coming from their farm and surrounded them with Big FAs (Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, Keith Foulke) and trade acquisitions (Pedro Martinez with an extension, David Ortiz, Orlando Cabrera, Curt Schilling). Why would Epstein change from this if he has the financial means to uphold it, especially when he had such tremendous success with it?
The Cubs don't have much in terms of SP prospects that look like they'll be ready within the next 2-3 years and be productive. This winter, as of now, looks to hold a lot of excellent pitching in the FA market that should be reasonably attainable and safe (as long as you don't get stupid and hand out contracts longer than 4-5 years). Epstein has shown in the past that he will act when the market is in his favor, and he has the chance to produce a fixture for the team's future. Granted, this could change in an instant as I doubt any team would pay dearly in term of spects for a 2-3 month rental like Greinke and Hamels unless they either have a deal in place to extend them... or believe they can before all is said and done.
There's a good chance at making this team very good for next season, if not competitive, with just a handful of moves. Also, those moves can be made in a manner that will not block any of the rising spects in the system for very long. Thus, providing a sudden charge in the standings to please the fans and increase revenue... while keeping an eye on the long term plan. If certain things work out (things the team is already banking on), this team could be truly competitive for 2014. You then have the opportunity to bring up the spects in the lower levels to a winning environment, rather than letting them toil in a losing environment.
