I Didn't read the whole thing because I expect most of it is either garbage or conspiracy theories. But things change. Maybe Rogers told AA last offseason he couldn't add payroll because of the piss poor finish last year, but then changed their mind since then seeing that the team actually has a chance.
Sportsnet broke their viewing record for a non-opener game earlier this week. That doesn't happen if we are playing like last year. The company sees value in that, which means they're open to making more money available. They're willing to spend money to make money, they know what a playoff run and playoff games will do for their viewership.