I can see that point, certainly. You could argue Knebel was a good risk. I just think the uncertainty bars were bigger around him than some. Plus, it's possible DS saw Topa as a way to save some money by replicating something like Knebel. Not saying it was right, just that it was defensible given all the variables. The part I disagree with is the Jimmy Nelson example. I don't think it's the same. For one, COVID adds extra uncertainty and financial pressure. Would you trade Wong for Knebel? I wouldn't; some might. The point is, that's what it comes down to for me. For another, I think, even today, starters are different and more valuable than one-inning relievers (Knebel is not and will likely not be a Hader/Miller/Iglesias type who can pitch more than 1 regularly) and maybe justify some extra risk. Given what the team knew at the time, I don't think the process was flawed. This feels like a "reasonable people can disagree" over the right move situation to me. Put it this way: Should Knebel return to something like his old self (still to be seen), the ease with which people will second guess will not accurately reflect the decision at the time. That's not to say it won't have been the wrong call. Just that the team's reasonable guess turned out badly.