[browna]

We'll never know, but always interesting in the dynamics of the deals from the Jays. For this deal and other free agent deals with this regime.

Did they know from the start or midway through they weren't going to get the player, probably, but, in case something goes sideways, they make sure it's known they are interested and can offer a lot and tag along to the end?

Shopping in the scratch and dent section with Hoffman suggests this.

Additionally or alternatively, for PR purposes both for other agents/players, and, the fans and season ticket holders, do they stay in these races to the end to show the commitment and conviction they have?

Or, in all these cases, are they truly convinced they will get the players and are sadly beaten out at the end?

Again, this isn't new, the Jays always have trouble luring players to Canada, no matter how well they and their family are treated or compensated. It's why acquiring talent through trades is something that should've been a bigger part of the strategy these last few years.

Which makes in perplexing why the ones they have developed, and guys that want to be in Toronto, they have, and continue, to seemingly take for granted and undervalue in Bo and Vlad.

A rebuild isn't on the cards with the Skydome extensive renos and subsequent large STH price increases.

The next Atkins PC (Shapiro will stay in the shadows) should be a doozy, but, a lot of corporate "speak without saying anything" will continue to be the modus operendi for this executive group.