KrnlDoug

It is clear that the leadership sees something that we do not. This is a quote from Falvey an ESPN article that was posted yesterday (http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22505175/jake-odorizzi-welcomes-trade-minnesota-twins-tampa-bay-rays-cut-costs)) "This guy has upside," chief baseball officer Derek Falvey said. "I think he's kind of one of those guys who's sneaky, ends up in the top of your rotation, and it might not be the big velocity or otherwise, but the way he pitches and the way he manages contact, guys don't square it up often." I just hope that he isn't setting himself, or the fans for that matter, up for disappointment.

I agree with the article but would also like to point out another detail. It is important to create a winning culture in the regular season so that when the playoffs come, the players know what to expect from their own performance. Winning is a mentality that provides confidence. "I know that when I perform at "x" level, I am capable of winning." That mentality is the important and can only be built during the regular season.

According to ESPN Santiago over the past six consecutive starts he has posted a 1.78 ERA. This is a big upgrade over Nolasco, even if the long term numbers aren't great. Santiago could be used a trade chip come August if he continues his success.

I'm not a fan of TR by any means as he bent fans over a barrel several times but I think we need to take all moves with a grain of salt. Baseball is not a game of "one move fixes all." This could go either way and in the FO's mind take a seemingly sure thing rather than could be might be a few years down the line. Let's not push the panic button just yet. Now if he plays and gives up 4+ runs in the 7th or 8th, then I say we grab our pitchforks and force TR out of town.