I blame Dombro for the cliff AND I would not trade 2018 for the next half decade.
They are not mutually exclusive of each other.
I do think, Dombro went to far, but we won, and we may not have without him going all out. Sure, we can look back and say this deal or that deal was not needed to win in 2018, but that's really not fair, IMO.
We got the ring, and now we pay the price.
I'm hopeful Bloom can turn us around quickly, but I'm assuming the purse strings will be loosened, this winter.
We have a nice core of team-controlled players in their prime or nearing it and a few good prospects that may help in the next 1-3 years, but we'll be needing Bloom to be near flawless in his wheeling and dealings.
I'd start now. Trade everyone who is a FA, this winter and look hard at those who will be next winter. Even if the return seems light, anything is better than nothing.
The core of Devers, Bogey, Verdugo is pretty good.
Sale, ERod and DMart may help, next year.
I was for dealing Walden & Beni back when, but I'm not sure it's worth it, now.
I'd keep Dalbec over Chavis.
I'm not all that high on Duran, but I'm no expert on prospects.
I like DHern, Mata and a few other prospects, and hopefully, with the near top draft pick, this year, we can stock the farm back up quickly. The Betts trade gave it a boost, but we could use some infusion.
Our 40 man roster is only about 20 deep with true talent. That's the worst I've seen it in decades.