You truly don't think, Lou will consider how to make the team survive IF the post-season is there/within reach.
Shanny himself said they not trying to do this slow. When it happens it happens.
He also said they're not going to sacrifice the future to push for a short run.
What we need are pieces to help us throughout the next 5-10 years. not to be 1 and done in the playoffs this year. and you'll be competing against all the teams that DO have the pieces to load up for bear.
Our best bet is to do moves leading up to and on Draft day and after July 1st after we've paid all our bonuses and we've lost a crap tonne of all the crap contracts. I don't see - personally any reason for Lou to make moves to "make the playoffs" (and it's not so much so we can "draft high" - it's, on the surface - a very weak draft in terms of significant, impactful talent.
i'd rather - Play Freddy until his legs fall off (to see how much he can play/can't play). ascertain what you want in regards to players, - make moves in June/July/August - and then go for it next year, and make proper moves then.