The Dodgers have done many admirable things in recent years. Let's also be clear that the new era started with their new TV contract and spending ability. If you go back 20 years I actually don't think their farm system was all that productive even if they had been among the leading spenders in Latin America.
The last 5 years or so are fascinating. They did a rebuild like I have urged the Phillies to do but on steroids. They acquired huge contracts because they had no spending limits. They dealt veterans for prospects and picked up prospects along the way. They went huge in Latin America when there were no limits and continue to be very aggressive there even with limits. They also have been fairly aggressive in the draft taking risks for higher ceiling talents.
It is all made easier by their money of course. They have the largest payroll in baseball. They can add guys like Hill and Darvish to the pitching staff because they do not care what it costs. They can have reserves like Utley and Granderson because they don't care what it costs. Signing Turner seems a bargain in the larger scheme of things, but most teams that were over the luxury tax limit would have simply let him go.
Being smart and having money is a good combination. I am sure Kapler is part of it, but I am not sure there is evidence that he alone is a difference maker.
