I get your philosophy and that is ideal but the Mariners aren’t ever going to be in that situation. Kyle Lewis and Evan White becoming what they became made that philosophy impossible for the Mariners to be World Series contenders unless they pony up.
They would have to can the entire scouting department and look at Tampa's organization and take all their guys who are next in line to move up the ladder. Granted they haven't won a title but they put themselves in a position every year to do so.
Well a big thing is luck like what made the Astros cause they found the runt and he became a star and they had all if those top 5 picks. Problem with ever trying to build straight through the farm system is as odd as it seems, Mariners weren’t bad long enough. When the Astros and Braves had their crop of top prospects make the big leagues the team became great and won World Series. Both were bad long enough they could easily let a top star walk in FA. Jerry can’t even move JP to 2B let alone walk
Personally I think the Cano situation ended up optimal for us. We unloaded his contract and got something for him in return. The years he was being paid $24m a year, he was playing at a level that justified the pay. I don't know why that should scare anyone. If he didn't get caught taking PEDs, he would be in the conversation for greatest 2B of all-time. Just shows he's an idiot. If you care enough, you can find ways to pass a piss test. It's incredibly easy if you have at least 24 hours notice.
I’m not, nor have ever advocated for having a huge payrolls or just buying FA’s like Mets or Angels. I have also advocated for the Mariners to act like the Steinbrennerless Yankees of the early 90’s. Build a core and supplement it but don’t put a firm cap on it. The Mariners have a better core than those Yankees did but they refuse to supplement it.
The Cano thing is funny though. We all acknowledge that Cruz wouldn’t have came to Seattle without Cano signing first right? Cano’s contract was a massive overpay but Cruz’ was team friendly. So you put them together and it wasn’t bad. The Mariners have locked up Castillo and Julio to (IMO) very team friendly deals. They have the ability to overpay for a few guys. Plus
It not .soto.....as much as .the teams..
