As I read various articles and associated comments from MC and SSI today, I felt like a bunch of light bulbs were suddenly turned on. The focus of the light bulbs was on the real philosophy behind Captain Jack's strategy. Instead of the traditional model of filling holes with either rookies or established veterans, Captain Jack will create a competition between the rookies and established veterans. No one will be guaranteed a job (exception: Ichiro), but rather each year players will need to earn their position/playing time. This will influence how players will be signed. Veterans will get one to two year contracts instead of long-term 4-5 year contracts (exception: Felix). Young players will be encouraged to learn to play multiple positions in order to increase their probability of landing a position. This will, in turn, allow the organization to build an incredibly flexible roster. By having a young, flexible, and strong minor league system, there will be continual pressure on existing major leaguers to perform or be replaced. It will support a sustained run at the playoffs each year. Performance will be rewarded with a major league job and more playing time. Young players will get an opportunity to make the major league club. Non-performing players will lose their position/playing time. Veterans will be let go/traded. Young players will go back to the minor leagues. In a few years, the team will not have to rely on free agents unless a couple of injuries hit the same position at the same time. However, the emphasis on players playing multiple positions will reduce the probability of this occuring. So, the only players who will lock down big time contracts will be those from within the organization who have demonstrated top shelf performance year after year (Ichiro, Felix). I am so excited to see this new paradigm put into practice over the next couple of years. Just think of the way players will be motivated to reach and stay at the top of their games. This will raise the level of play for everyone. Yikes.