Hoskins was about it, iirc, of what was really available. But that was when I thought they'd spend on a pitcher.... If they weren't doing that? I don't know. As you say, they weren't planning to bench any starter from last year.... And yes, Wallner deserved the chance, as did Julien and Lewis. For me, it was much more about just trusting the youth to be the backups..... I'd rather roll the dice on young upside, than have low ceiling veterans.
It's hard to see any position other than first or DH being acquired. But I certainly didn't want Santana.
As for your post, I don't get your point. I'm saying that the guys they brought in stink. You're not arguing that, so I'm not sure your point.