"We also can’t forget about Jeff Wilpon, who has been labeled as the “real general manager” by many, including MLB Network’s Peter Gammons."
Sandy Alderson was only allowed to do what Jeff let him. Ricco/Minaya/Ricciardi are in the same situation. Do you think not picking up any of Cabrera's or Familia's salary to get better prospects was a gm decision or an ownership decision?
Any gm would have gone to ownership last winter and said "we need a fourth outfielder, a first baseman and a utility infielder." We get Bautista, Gonzalez and Reyes. So you think Jeff did nothing and let Alderson make those choices? Or do you think Jeff said "get the cheapest players you can?" Or even told Alderson to get those three, like he told the current crew "don't pay any of Cabrera's or Familia's salary. Do the best you can."
My posts are my opinion. Do not be influenced by anything you read on any message board website unless you can confirm it.