We are already picking 8th based on the current standings. Based on teams points % we are picking 5th already. This team does not need to do much to "tank". If you trade Gourde, I think we are fairly certain to end up in the top-5.
For a team like us, selling just makes sense. My only "concern" with that is how that plays with the kids like Beniers, Wright and Evans as well as the new signings like Montour and Stephenson. Not that I care what Stephenson thinks, since he is part of the problem anyway.
I don't think we'll have to try to fail, it's happening somewhat organically. Trading a few vets could help. Or the call-ups replacing them could provide a spark. Let's hope not, but we can't rule it out.
I hope Bylsma has them focused on trying to win either way, I've seen how bad the long term damage is when the whole team gets in on the tank.
I don't see how Francis does any of this.
Dude is desperate and if we somehow win some games and are anywhere near the playoff spots he'll probably even keep the vets to try and save his job.
Though, what you're saying does make sense.
Despite the absurdity of our free agency signings, I think the overall set of moves points towards Francis being focused on the long run. It's more on ownership to recognize the situation and be clear with him that his job isn't hinging on what the club does in the next few months. They've either already concluded that he isn't the guy to take us to that long run, or they've decided that he is. But they're not going to pressure him to try and win and do win-now moves with a weak roster late in a lost season.
I've always seen this when teams have lost seasons - people think the GM is going to flail around to keep his job - and it has happened before on some clubs. It's really up to ownership to be clear that we're focused on the long run now.
