“I'd like to see Pearce, Granderson, Loup, Clippard, Estrada and Happ traded even though I don't think we'd get much in return for anyone not named Clippard and Happ“
You’re thinking in 2D... just consider each of these guys in a Liriano V2.0 type-trade involving cash. I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but if they have some $$$ to “buy” some extra prospects or improve quality, then a value-driven FO could add a ton of potential to the top of our system.
Then if you trade one or two of the 2 and 3 year control guys (plus a healthy, driven JD), this rebuild could accelerate.