Bob is right in two respects on his assertion that you don't have to suck completely. If an additional five million (in addition to what they paid Veras) would buy that kind of respectability then it's worth it. First, it shows the casual fans tangible progress. It's easy to point at an Appel and Rodon for us diehards and seamheads. We get it. How many casual fans get it? Secondly, steady improvement at the big league level is better for the players. Porter can preach, dance, and sing all he wants but getting your brains kicked in three, four, and five years in a row becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. However, should they win 65-75 games next year it will be real progress. I can see them getting to the north end with springer, singleton, and some wise investment in the pen.

I am a senior writer at thefantasyfix.com and a staff writer at bigleaguesmag.com. The Hall of Fame Index is also still for sale and as relevant as ever.