So the Yanks following the formula of having homegrown talent as a core and filling in with key trades (Tino & O'Neill) and FA's is bad? That how most teams do it nowadays. And you forgot Posada on your list.
I think Hal will try to keep him, but not pay an insane amount i.e. ARod contract. The front office know that he is the next face of the franchise for at least the next 5 years.
Granderson came over in a trade, not a FA signing. I guess it's only bad when the Yanks spend money. I defer to Slink that their record since 1996 and the expansion of the brand was made possible by spending whatever they wanted. Other teams have gone this route albeit to a lesser expense and have failed.
What's the fascination with MVP's and Cy Youngs? Tex has driven in runs, helped get his team into the post season and won a championship. Barry Bonds won MVP's and never won a championship.
Can you imagine the contracts that Ruth, Mantle, Mays, William, and DiMaggio would've commanded if they played today? Even ARod's would be pocket change.
<cue dramatic chipmunk>
<the Emperor has foreseen this>