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The teams the M's played with good defense and won never were lightweight teams. They were teams with good defense with players that were at least average or better on the offensive side.
That said, the M's DID switch Figgins to 2B last year, which fits your hypothesis too, much in the mold the M's moved Ackley to 2B as well (though they failed to scout Figgins' personality and subsequent implosion).
At the same time, this is clear exhibit A why you can't easily punt the season in the off-season. Cust was a shrewd play, as was Olivo and Ryan. But trying to get a LF or 3B with any semblence of offense may (or may not) have made this team far better than it is now.