It's not about how much money is spent, the problem is who it's being spent on. A lot of teams spend less than M's yet get more out of the players they acquire than the Ms do. That's the problem. Ownership is not making player acquisition decisions. That lies right with Jack Z and his precedessors. They need to scout better, get more players who have an impact (Cano). That's where the problem lies. Removing Lincoln doesn't solve the real issue. They are willing to spend money but spending it on the Hart, Morrison, Ryan, Gillespie, Denorfia, Smoak, and Montero's of the world etc is not going to get it done. If the A's, Royals, Giants, Nationals, Orioles, and Pirates can do it with less money spent...why not the Mariners?
In short, what I am saying is the Mariners spend money for 1 top guy and 10 average fringe guys when all they have to do is spend on two top guys, which may be cheaper in the long run and probably get a greater benefit. Instead of getting a top guy and surrounding him with average to below average supporting cast. Then trying to spend again to cover up the misses they made. See the pattern. The M's have had a hitting each season for the past several seasons. That issue hasn't changed much and is still a priority this offseason. Most likely, it will be the same issue next offeseason too....