I tend to agree with the confusing moves, get an extra pick for Brassard, use it in conjunction with another pick to rent Smith, buyout Girardi, sell Stepan for futures, sign two relatively expensive, 4 year UFAs, one of which is Smith, now he may be trading players for futures.
That is why I am hesitant to put much faith in them having any structured long term plan.
If I were to do some mental gymnastics, perhaps they felt even in transition, Smith for his snarl, and Shattenkirk for the PP, were better things to have during a transition period. Perhaps feeling he can move them at some point during their contracts for more assets of need based on those traits.
However I think it's more likely he is changing course depending on how the team is doing, how he feels they can do if he makes a move, at whatever date is circled on the CBA's schedule.
I have a feeling if this team string together a decent winning record over the next 13 games until the deadline, the talk, including that of the media, of them being seller changes quite a bit.
