In all, I think this should be the basis for future team prez/owners when evaluating possible GM candidates: Would you ever, or under what circumstances would you, trade a Steven Strasburg? Not that there's a specific correct answer, but if I'm hiring someone with the power to make those decisions (or even suggestions) with budgets being what they are today I'm sure as hell going to want to know the job seeker's view on something like that. You should never say never, but Phillips' problem is that goes too far the other way. Taking the idea that prospects don't always work out he essentially just lumps Strasburg into the generic 'hasn't proven anything yet' pile and therefore rationalizes that the bird in the hand is automatically better without regard for the specifics of this particular case. He also justifies it by painting a very rosy scenario of the upside: make the playoffs --> more money this year --> heightened fan interest --> increased attendance next season, etc., almost as if those are a given outcome of pulling the trigger.