I think 2012 is the beginning, not the single-season window. The pitching will improve as Strassburg gets stronger, and as Zimmermann learns more. Harper is just getting started. Same with Tyler Moore.
Vital:
- Keep drafting well, which depends on scouting...something Rizzo loves, and less expensive than buying Prince Fielder
- Keep improving the kids in the farm system with good coaching. Also less expensive than buying two Mark Buerhles a season
- Sign the keepers. Fans will pay more to see a player that grew up with the team, that the fans have al;so grown up with. (Why Jeter was always worth more to the Yankees, and why Yankee fans never got attached to Giambi and ARod.)
- Unless somebody shuts the Federal government (plus the Dulles / I270 technology corridors), Washington is a big and stable market.
