The Brewers don't understand what happened to Jose Valentin. He is tremendously talented, but the performance doesn't match the talent. No blame here, just bewilderment. The margin has been exceeded, repeatedly. The traditional way to compensate for lack of cash is through astute scouting and player development.
Questions arise here, too.
The Brewers produce some usable major-leaguers, but their judgments in this area also miss too often. In the 1994 draft, Nomar Garciaparra, who has gone on to greatness with Boston, was available when the Brewers picked fourth in the first round. The Brewers selected instead Antone Williamson, a one-tool player if you ever saw one. No speed, minimal power, no arm, no glove. There is still an argument going on about Williamson's defensive abilities.