Well didn't AA often say that when it was time, he would overpay for the right deal? I think of Dickey for TDA+NS.
He probably felt his core was good enough, especially after the Marlins trade to really go for it.
He probably felt there was an avenue to potentially contend years earlier than expected, and I think the Marlins trade was the catalyst.
The Napoli trade I think ppl far too often blame him prematurely. I'm pretty sure he went after FF because he was a Type A at the time and
was a good bet to retain that value or at least go to Tybe B, which he eventually ended up. Sometimes going for the pick; and in this sense,
trying to exploit that CBA, bites you in the ass. But at least Jays ended up with Matt Smoral. A pick everyone adored at the time.
And did ppl really expect Napoli to break out like he did? Using traditional stats his avg dipped a lot his trade year and his OBP and OPS was
on a two year decline. Using adv. metrics, his BB% was declining the past two season as with his wRC+. Not to mention his other stats like ISO.
Plus, he's a defensive liability. I think most ppl didn't expect Napoli to break out but only complained after the fact.
BTW, you guys remember mama napoli's nipslip? lolool