I disagree. Ryan might have that mindset but some GMs are clearly more willing than others to improve already playoff-bound teams. The Red Sox, Rangers, and As all made those sorts of trades. The Twins, during their run of just-playoff good under Ryan for most of the 00s, weren't ever into those sort of moves. Always content to sit on their haunches. Smith was different. He just made a horrible trade, due to poor scouting or whatever.