I wouldn't argue that increased spending would create problems. But that said, I'm seeing what look like arguments for spending for its own sake - e.g., arguments that the Phils aren't spending enough, but without any specifics about where they should spend more in ways that are consistent with the long-term goals of the organization.
Some say, "They should spend more on international players." Well, yeah...but the top international players (under 23) tend to be committed long before they're eligible to sign; how is an administration that was hired last September supposed to sign top prospects who committed to other clubs before that? If they're not working toward such agreements with future international prospects, then there might be an argument here - but it's too soon, IMHO, to be making that argument now.
Over-23 players? Who have they failed to sign that they realistically could have signed?
Free agents? More specifically, free agents who won't be over-age by the time the Phils are where they want to be, overall? Young free agents are very rare; 30-year-olds are stopgaps, who won't be part of the next Phils' core. Yeah, they could sign some stopgaps - perhaps make some fans feel better - but that would, IMHO, be kidding those fans. It would be Lance Parrish/Gregg Jefferies.
Trades of veterans for prospects, taking back bad contracts, or eating our own bad contracts? They've done that. They've traded every veteran asset they had, and done pretty well - and eaten some contracts, taken back one bad contract (Harrison), in order to increase the prospect return. Could they have done more? I rather doubt it; they don't have much left in the way of tradable veteran assets.
Draft intelligently, and sign the drafted players? Any complaints about this year's draft?
If the Phillies decline to spend when they have an opportunity to use money to advance the long-term objectives in a meaningful way, then I, too will be concerned about their spending level. But I haven't seen that - not since MacPhail/Klentak took the reins.
I absolutely agree that I would rather see the Phils spending more than just pocketing the profits. But not spending randomly, not spending in ways that don't further the long-term plan. If that means ownership makes larger profits, until such time as more can be spent productively - well, I don't really begrudge them that. I mean, they could cut ticket prices, I suppose; but I don't particularly want them adding expensive players to the roster unless those players really do project as part of the next long-term core.
