It's not an unrealistic fantasy, no - but the outcome wasn't exactly unexpected. Lopez and Buxton have significant injury histories. Ryan has had hiccups that suggest late-season fatigue. The fact that Buxton, Ryan, Lopez and Jeffers were all in good condition in the offseason was something of a miracle. To me, it would have signaled a clear opportunity to move on while value was high. Especially right after a bullpen-decimating fire sale.
I get that this wouldn't have been a popular move. I guess I'd rather have ownership that was focused on maximizing it's chances to improve the organization than seeming like the "good guy" with an already-dwindling fanbase.
It was a risk, and it all utterly backfired. It didn't bring even a WC berth and it certainly hurt the team's future prospects for winning. I'd say that's Tom Pohlad's problem, but in reality it's probably more of a problem for those of us who want to see the Twins in a World Series again someday.