They literally competed for a spot until the last day of the regular season just last year.
I agree that it's not yet time to start dumping multiple first round picks. They're still multiple pieces away, not a great team that just needs one final add to get them over the top. But that doesn't mean you don't look for trade opportunities at all. There's logic in saying that the market will be better for trades this summer...but then USE it this summer and improve the team.
There's no guarantee that once the next wave of kids are already on the team, you'll be able to find the right trades. There's no guarantee this summer either, but it's simple due diligence that you keep your eyes open at all times. Don't force it just to make a move, but turn over every rock and if you find the right scenario then pounce.
Last year was a outlier year. Everything went or fell right for them. To move impulsively will give a short term limited gain for quite a bit more pain. Teams are really gonna mess up with the rising cap. You are gonna see stupid deals this offseason for at best role players with the cap going up.
Only after these 6 years do we have the pleasure as fans to see the first four first rounders on the team. The depth picks (3rd round or later) from the first 1-3 years of the Stevie regime are starting to get close.
He has been slowly integrating his picks onto the team when they are ready. His track record in TB was to let prospects play in the minors until usually 22-23 years old before calling them up to the big team. Outside of top 10 picks he has stayed consistent with that approach.
He has a plan. It might not fit the timelines of what fans want but there is a reason we are fans and not professionals. He wont make the irrational emotional move that causes more harm than good for a first round exit.
People want to jump the gun for a first round send off but it doesn't mean much. You miss the playoffs? Tough, if you want continued long term success this is what it takes. Jumping off the path for bad trade deadline deals empties the pool. For 1-2 year's of a vet who wouldn't be cheap to resign. If they even wanted to stay here.
People may not want to hear it but it is, what it is. The team is improving the progress is tangible. But there is still a ways to go and being undisciplined and emotional will cause more damage to the franchise.
He has kept the salary structure of the team set up for when we are able to compete. Pro scouting hasn't been great I am definitely in agreement but I also would bet that we are not a targeted destination for UFA's either. That will come in time as they start to get to the playoffs consistently. Why do you think there is a "Michigan mafia" supposedly? Because some players probably value playing near where they grew up. But aside from Kane who likely wasn't wanted anywhere else because of his surgery (that prior to him was well known as a career killer).
He is ensuring we have roo. to make moves when the players start to consistently compete in the playoffs. Until then we'll welcome to the small market team woes of all pro sports.
