The Carlos Gomez comparison came up Saturday. Blue mentioned it, and I maybe like it better than Mike Cameron I had been talking about b/c I don't see Taylor having the same plate discipline.
I suggest that you look at the replacements as not straight Taylor for Span and instead look at the effect on the team offense and defense as Taylor and Turner for Span and Desi. Turner will be the leadoff guy, and Taylor will be the #6 - #8 hitter. That may end up a slight power upgrade, a wash on OBP, and an upgrade in speed. For 3 or so years, that will be at about $30MM cheaper and with superior defense. If that is the difference between a Rendon or Harper extension or a Greinke acquisition in place of JZ/Fister, then I will be happy with the swap out.
Plus, it just is plain fun to see guys with upside potential work to realize it. Much more than watching guys decline while they play out their paychecks. Span deserves a good pay day. If that is here, then I can live with a couple of years more of Turner as the 4th outfielder, but I would not want it to come at the expense of more important signings.