They're not actually that expensive for a large-market team, and obviously Easley is cheap enough that it doesn't even matter if he makes the team.  I don't even have a major problem with Duque becoming the new Trachsel-like innings-eater in the rotation.  It just seems to me like when you get up above $5M and into multiple-year territory, it's generally better to spend it on players who are likely to get better or at least stay the same, say players under around 32-33 years old.  Picture, for instance, taking the $12M/2yrs that Duque got and putting it toward a bigger deal for Ted Lilly instead, or taking Alou's rumored money and going after Drew.  Obviously you can't always go for better and more expensive players this way, so these examples are a little fannish, but my basic belief is that it's a sounder procedure to go for the top and the bottom of the market, rather than spending on the middle-tier players.  I like to see a team sign real bona-fide stars and then use the minor-league system, spring training invites, and waivers to fill in the remaining gaps.  Even if that means going into the spring with, say, a spot in the infield and a spot in the starting rotation up for grabs (as well as the inevitable bench and bullpen jobs), it makes me feel more secure than the veteran alternative -- because the multi-year deals for players that end up not being useful at all are what kills a team's flexibility.

...that Alou and Green can't reach, Beltran will be worn down to about 135 lbs.  That'll do wonders for his slugging percentage.