I would agree that if an unmanaged team has Thome, Giambi and Helton then a manager would be looking to move 2 of those guys to improve elsewhere and that would "free up players".

I really doubt if that occurs often enough to slow down anyone's rebuilding. I think the more likely scenario is someone whose team is loaded is hoping the top players on the unmanaged teams can be had for a couple of journeymen and some Fa picks.

I would hope that whenever a team is taken over, the COMMISH watches closely to be sure they don't "free up" too many of their top players.

Trades with "difference makers" involved should be closely scrutinized.