yeah, history says Beane and McDermott just dont' roll that way, chasing 1 or 2 shiny objects. They will draft extremely well and pay their own guys. FAs will come, but they will be the 2nd tier guys unless they need to replace their own guys. thats the way it has to be in WNY. Guys like it once they get there, most just don't want to go there. outside opportunities in media and ads don't exist, etc. area has a crappy rep., etc.
So you end up having to draft extremely efficiently and well, build a great locker room and training environment, then sign your own guys who by the end of their rookie deal want to be there. just my view.