Here's my #1 problem with keeping Swihart around for 1-2 series: he reaches 1 year MLB service time with his 16th day on Boston's roster.The team wouldn't be calling up Vazquez if they had any doubts about his recovery from TJ surgery, so I expect that the team will carry three catchers for 1-2 series, pinch-hitting for them often (while leaving Travis Shore in to play 3B and face LHP), and then demote Swihart to work on his defense in the Bucket.
Most scouts seem to agree that Swihart has the tools (throwing arm, pop time, athleticism) but recent observation (eg, mine, and others' too, I suspect) is that he needs to refine his technique (pitch-blocking, framing, and game management, regardless of who calls the pitches), which is costing the team in each game. He just turned 24, and has been rushed because of need. He'll be back in July, or sooner if OSHA pulls Hanigan off the job.
That clock strikes Monday.
Service time absolutely needs to be a concern of Hazen and DDski. Not because the Sox can't afford to pay Swihart, but because losing 1 year of club control means Swihart loses 1/6 his total value to trade partners looking for cheap club control. And that much devaluation can thereafter only be recouped through adding more or better prospects to any package for a #2 starter. For example, if DDski wants to trade for Sonny Gray later this season, then 6 years of Swihart is obviously more valuable to Beane than only 5.
Carrying three catchers on a 25-man roster is stupid, and trying to convert Swihart to play another position during games that count is even more stupid. But the most stupidest is keeping three catchers or trying to convert one on-the-fly, when that also means losing a full year of club control on the player who appears to be DDski's most appealing mid-season trade chip.
For the record, I'd much rather the Sox keep Swihart than trade him. He's not the reason that Buchholz and Kelly have stunk. Maybe Vazquez would be better right now, and how much better may be worth checking into right now. But if Blake's not the team's starting catcher, he needs to be sent down right now.