Since you mentioned their TV deal, I assume you're defining their market tier in terms of media revenue reach, rather than the demographics of the Baltimore metro area. If I'm correct in what you're referring to, they are not a mid-market team. As Dude mentioned at one point, they are in the 4th largest media market in the country. They aren't small or mid, they're a large market team. They just don't choose to spend like one. That "small market" cry baby stuff is Angelos PR that has gone on for so long, people just started to believe it.
I wont disagree with your point, they can be considered a large market team.
This crappy money ball stuff is for the birds, no pun intended.
Sure, jettison payroll, when you sucked, but as you rebuild, some of expected a bit more than what we have seen.