Being active doesn't have to mean signing top free agents, it could also mean signing guys like McCutchen, over the hill vets, to make it look like we are making an attempt at getting better. Being active doesn't have mean trading for guys that will push us over the top, it can also mean making trades that look like they might help, but in the end don't.
We can be REALLY ACTIVE in the off season, but that doesn't mean we are spending a lot of money, or even improving.
I have lost all faith, sorry.