Originally Posted by
Horsehide Harry
The point, at least my point, since last season is that they rushed him to the ML, when they didn't have to (in the midst of a lost season with no hope of any contention) which had very little upside to the move - essentially hoping that a taste of ML play and a strong finish to 2016 would somehow springboard him into 2017, possibly as a ROY candidate, with a much larger ledger of potential downside - lose control of the player a year earlier than necessary; potentially hurt development in the short and maybe even long term; improve the 2016 record if he plays well (which is what happened) costing yourself draft, rule 5 and waiver position as well as draft and pool money; create a sense of entitlement in the player even if it is sub-conscience entitlement where learning to play the game is no longer the focus but learning to stay at the ML is the focus; limit your 40 man maneuverability by one slot throughout the 2016-2017 offseason.
Swanson may be fine. In fact, he probably will be. But that doesn't change the fundamental fact that it was a short sighted move that was designed to prop up a sagging fan base more than what was in the best long term interests of the player AND the team.
He should be at AAA right now growing with Albies, learning his craft, building confidence and launching into the ML sometime in later 2017, assuming he continues to show he's ready for the chance.
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