Truth be told, I HATED the first couple of years of the Shatkins regime.
Couldn't/wouldn't sell high on the vets that we had, in fact probably sold low. Not resigning EE was bad - and resigning Joey Bats was also bad.
They thought the market inefficiency was "hard hit" balls. Which is good, unless they can't HIT balls, then it is very bad ie. Grickuk and Morales and Derek Fisher (man I hate Morales).
BUT, since 2018, they have actually had a good run:
- Grichkuk for a reliever and a failed prospect
- Stole Teo
- Signed LGJ to a great contract
- Drafted well - still a top 5 minor league system AFTER studs like Biggio, Bichette and Vladdy graduated
- Made some sneaky trades for pitching and they are really good at signing Relief pitching.
- Everyone HATED the Stroman trade, but it looks like a heist now.
- They have ALL the catching
The reason they are in on every FA, is because they have a very low payroll and this is the time to get into the FA market BEFORE their studs need big money. Just think about this: IF they get Springer and LeMahieu or a Pitcher, they are now a LEGIT Championship team, NOW.
Not the failed FO that people here think they are.
ps. a Blue Jays message board that I follow - who are all stats nerds - LOVE the FO. So maybe give them a longer look?