As for the flurry of activity: I’m intrigued by the suggestion that much as Jay Payton’s whining was annoying to hear about, it got him kicked off the team, which was what he wanted - so maybe being an annoyance was really the only way to get Theo to get rid of one of the better fourth outfielders in the league. Payton for Chad Bradford would be a good trade.
I like having Alex Cora on the team. At least he’s a utility infielder who can play defense.