There's a few things here to consider when talking about the Jays as year in, year out contenders. Firstly, they're in the hardest division in baseball, so to try and build sustainability from within from mostly developing internally - is a pipe dream. Anyone can talk the moneyball talk, but in this division you either have to pay up year after year (Yanks and Sox), or develop in mediocrity for a few seasons for the chance to go for it for a couple years (Tampa Bay, and this past years' Jays). I normally don't think in black and white, but I think those are your simple two options. When the Jays want to take an in between approach, I completely think it's misguided intentions. What makes them think they're smarter in drafting, scouting and developing than any other teams within their division? Again, nothing but an illusion which somebody sold, but I don't think will work.
As for Shapiro and Co., I prefer witnessing results as opposed to listening to the big talker. The results of his moves so far are very very mediocre, so his words haven't meant much at all, despite being well spoken.
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