I think the plan is obvious now. Bloom, with help from other GMs, plotted to flood the market with quality shortstops, knowing full well his former employer simply could not resist them. And once Friedman had bloated his payroll with an army of shortstops, Bloom will strike! And pry away via either trade or contract offer - Friedman’s prized (non-shortstop) possession in Juan Soto, and do it while an engorged Friedman lay helpless like one of those cartoonish Roman emperors on a big fluffy pillow being fed grapes…