The Cubs were better than us in 2008 (and so were the Dodgers head-to-head). You never know.
We were already going to make 1-3 trades, in that sense nothing has changed. It's just a matter of risk tolerance vs. what you are willing to give up. With Cutch, Herrera and possibly at least one reliever now dead money I think you have to consider going over the tax. Because expensive players will cost less in trade. The trick is then you are also casting your lot with the same type of over-30 players that are currently falling apart on you.
Case in point, Kimbrel. Having lost 2/3 of my opening day starting OF while my 3B craters, as well as the current bullpen IL situation, I might just give him what he wants. Costs nothing but $. But also not without risk.
Another example, Greinke. You could get him for nothing. Or you could get Bumgarner and pay in prospects.
Klentak is not likely to change his philosophy drastically though. He will give things up in trade, but will want controllable players.
