I'm not sure we can rely on such neat before-and-after-end-of-COVID scenarios. The fact that the vaccine seems to be close has helped push the DJIA to the 30,000 mark.
Teams might be a little more willing to spend than we were thinking earlier. The fact that Charlie Morton got $15 million tends to support that.
Another thing that concerns me about Snell is the Trop Dump effect. His road ERA is about 1.5 runs higher and his road OPS is about 100 points higher.
It's like the Coors Field effect in reverse...
As you know, Flaherty has a significantly higher trade value than Snell, for various reasons.
I might consider that one.
But I don't like the Snell trade at all. I just don't think he's good enough to justify it.
Personally I'm a big fan of trade ideas like the one for Bumgarner and prospects. Do that one and sign Kluber, and our starting rotation will be loaded with question marks, but at least there will be potential!
Trivia note on Mendoza: he was the losing pitcher in Game 3 of the 2004 ALCS, despite giving up only 1 of the 19 runs.
And that was his last major league appearance, except for 1 for the Yankees in 2005.