I assume DD’s account is true as far as it goes — not because I demand or expect transparency, but because if you’re going to lie, you’d invent a story that didn’t implicate as many people.DD spoke to the media
Between DD’s remarks and the lack of statistical support for the move, I assume this is primarily driven by clubhouse considerations. And maybe by a desire to help Sale.
If we’re on the front edge of a lost season (for much bigger reasons than this minor personnel move, obviously), then we missed an opportunity to see what Swihart would do with extended playing time. But in the more likely event that we shake these doldrums soon and start playing like the 95-100 win team we (or at least I) thought we’d be, the starting catcher by August will likely be someone not on the current roster, with Vazquez as his backup.
So I don’t see a ton of downside in this move, mainly because I don’t think Swihart had any chance to be with the club this time next year or to develop into an asset during that time.