The Tampa Bay Rays surprised us by executing on a trade deadline move a week early — bringing in DH Nelson Cruz, one of the best hitters in baseball, in exchange for two well-regarded pitching prospects from the deep farm system.
Today they surprised us again, by trading veteran LHP Rich Hill.
Yes, as one 41-year old comes in the door, another leaves — but that’s about as far as the connection goes.
Baseball commentators have already pushed out several narratives to discuss Rich Hill’s departure, and most of them are wrong.