There are several factors that give them some benefit-of-doubt here. It's not at all clear that giving EE or JB the expensive long-term deals  they seek would be a good idea for the team. And two years in a row the long ball has been shut down when it counted.

 Also, I have trouble believing that they're just not going to sign/trade for any good players, indications seem to be that payroll will increase at least a bit. Even beancounters know the difference it will make on the other side of the ledger if attendance goes down by 1/3rd or more. And only a fool could think that can't happen.