Wendell Gee wrote:
Newsflash ... every buys their playoff berth. Considering Philly was 3rd in the NL in salary this year ...
Also, I think that he meant after the '90's by "since the '90's".
Well, you should read his post again, friend. It says "since the 80's." Even if he meant to put "90s" they still went to the world series in '93 and finished all over the board, a few 4th, 5th and 6th place finishes and a few 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes. It's not like they're consistently bad like he's implying.
Also, take a look at the phillies starters (field players, not pitchers - pitchers come and go on every team) for the past 5 years or so. Hasn't really changed much besides bringing guys up from their farm system here and there. The occasional Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz isn't like signing CC sabathia to your team. Increasing salaries to keep players isn't the same as offering huge salaries to players for them to sign. (Trades excluded - but thank god for Clif Lee)