And keep zero rotation spots in to bring up any of their own young talent? That is a good way to get right back to the 2010 roster inflexibility.
I'm thinking one ace signed long term (ideally Lester, if not then Scherzer, Hamels, Cueto, or maybe they live with Shields), one of the solid #2's on one year deals with no intent to extend them during the season OR a young starter with long term cost control (think Tyson Ross from San Diego), Buchholz and Kelly are the 3rd and 4th starters, Webster, RDLR, and Ranaudo fight for the 5th job with the runner up moving to long relief/6th man (I'm betting it would be RDLR at 5, Webster at 6, and Ranaudo goes back to AAA but ultimately rejoins the bullpen by mid-season as he strikes me as a great reliever still wasting time as a starter).
Then if Buchholz, Kelly, or one of the young guys establishes himself as a good #2 in 2015 they have their ace, the #2, and at least one good 3-5 option. If they have two good 3-5 options then next year one rotation spot is up for grabs between Owens, Rodriguez, Barnes, Johnson, and the left over guys from this year's pitching "graduates". If Buchholz can't stay healthy/sucks again and they decline his option or if none of Kelly/RDLR/Webster look good in the rotation then they sign one SP from the very good FA class lined up for 2016 (or trade for one) and still pick one of the young guys to bring up.
Basically, pay your ace and pay him long term if needed. Your #2 should be on a 2-3 year deal for market rate dollars at most. The 3-5 guys then need to be composed of pre-arb, arb., and team friendly longer term deal guys to keep costs down and flexibility up.
The whole philosophy here needs to be spending on the very top end guys who stabilize the roster while all the young talent fills in the depth chart. When young talent hits you lock them in and the entire financial structure becomes more tenable. When they miss you get the next guy up. The top end performers should keep you in it year to year and the seasons when more young guys hit than miss you'll be a powerhouse. Then trust in the organization's evaluation of talent and keep the cupboards from becoming bare down on the farm (by drafting well, signing international FAs aggressively, and trading guys as they're about to leave or become redundant for younger prospects).
If a deal is happening today my guess is that they're sending a handful of 40 roster prospects out the door for Tyson Ross. Something like Cecchini, Webster and Britton with a low level guy not named Margot or Devers (maybe Rijo?) going back.
