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I think we can all agree that the optimum roster building philosphy includes a strong contingent of homegrown players.  
I've already expressed why I don't believe in using WAR, so let's look at someting else, how about OPS+:
2011 Cards - Berkman 166 (FA), Holliday 153 (trade in FA year), Pujols 150 (drafted)
2010 Giants - Huff 142 (FA), Burrell 136 (FA), Posey 133 (drafted)
2009 Yankees - Teixeira 141 (FA), Rodriguez 138 (trade / FA), Posada 125 (drafted)
2008 Phillies - Utley 135 (drafted), Burrell 125 (drafted), Howard 124 (drafted), Werth 121 (FA) - A model homegrown team.
2007 Bosox - Ortiz 171 (minor league trade), Manny Ramirez 126 (FA), Lowell 124 (trade)
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If Smoak, Carp, Ackley, et al, don't develop - then you betchya the M's can't compete for the WS.  But adding a major bat to the middle of the line-up being something that sets us back?  I don't buy it. 
- Ben.