contracts with a crazy amount of years attached that last well past their prime. I watched Moneyball again last night and the more I see that movie, the more convinced I am that you don't need a bunch of superstars. The Giants have a pretty solid core to start with. They may be able to replace the production of their losses with very little investment.
The Bay Area is not just full of rich dudes that throw around money like our neighbors down south, they are brilliant business minds. I agree with you that this is interesting to watch.