Why I like the "pending" Dickey trade...
A strong farm system addresses two needs, the obvious one is providing the building blocks for the mother team, and the other is stockpiling assets for trading purposes.
I believe that AA’s plan has been focused on the latter.
Since he came into the role his mandate was to re-build a scouting staff depleted by the previous regimes and re-stock the minor league system with talent.
During his tenure he has made some really shrewd trades by picking up players who had “worn out their welcome” with other teams, and he has also taken advantage of acquiring supplemental draft picks.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Anthopoulos
He has waited patiently for the opportunity to play his card – trading of stockpiled assets – to put together a team ready to make bona-fide run for the World Series.
At the beginning of the 2011 season the Jays had promise, but they were a few pieces short of being a contending team. Most observers noted the potential, but realized that for the Jays to compete; a lot of things would need to come together. A promising spring and early season results gave hope, but it takes a full season to win. But it was also an opportunity for the players to learn what it takes to win over a full season.
The deal with Marlins opened the floodgates and opportunity/time to work with the stockpiled assets. The Cabrera signing was a stroke of genius as he got a great player whose value was tarnished due to the drug elated suspension. If the Dickey deal comes through, they have a starting staff that can take them to the World Series (throwing a knuckle-baller in the mix in a 3-4 game series sometimes throws the opposing batters timing off for the next pitcher).
There are some questions with the bullpen – Can Jansen repeat his performance of last year? But AA did pick up some late season acquisitions, not to mention that Santos should be returning.
AA has sent a positive message to the existing players. I feel confident that Gibbons has the managerial skills to get the required performance expectations out of the players.