I agree, and thought the plan to convert Swihart to LF was idiotic.
But Holt wasn't injured then, and I expect the team made its decision to convert Swihart as a contingency play in case Holt would be needed as a long-term middle infield sub in case of injury to Pedroia and (especially) Bogaerts. I've come to think of the team's plan for Swihart this season mostly as a no-confidence vote in Deven Marrero.
And really, the time to have traded Swihart, in order to maximize his value in trade as a starting catcher, would have been last winter. However, back in December there were still too many questions to answer, to risk depleting the organization's catching depth so markedly. Some of those magic-8 ball questions have been answered, but now it's too late.
- Will Vazquez recover from TJS and be able to catch? (yes)
- Will Buchholz pitch like a #1/2 starter without a trade? (don't count on it)
- Will Rodriguez pitch like a #2/3 starter without a trade? (ask again later)
- Will Porcello pitch like a #2/3/4 starter without a trade? (outlook good)
- Will Kelly pitch like a #3/4 starter without a trade? (cannot predict now)
- Will Wright be able to fill in for an injured starter? (it is decidedly so)
This is a GFIN decision. And with the Sox' competition playing the way they are, it's a reasonable one. Even if I hate it on an emotional level.