Dear fellow and sister Rays fans, our hometown team has reportedly traded Blake Snell to the Padres for four prospects, some of whom are highly rated. You can read Marc Topkin’s write-up here ($). Some of you may wonder how the Rays intend to defend their 2020 AL pennant after having lost arguably their top two (or top two of three) starters. I can’t answer that question, friends, but you will be happy to know that the Rays have gained PAYROLL FLEXIBILITY. I’m sure you all feel better now.
I’ve always accepted their approach, watching them nontender Corey Dickerson or trade Jake Odorizzi for some coupons at the concession stand (sorry Jermaine Palacios I’m sure you are a great guy but you haven’t gotten past AA and you are 24 years old) because the idea was that they would use that payroll flexibility to spend money when the time was right.