I don't think the addtion of cash impacted who we had to give up. Probably it was cash or some loser A ball guy they throw in
we'll never know, because how much money it was never gets published. your theory doesn't make sense though. the royals weren't trying to pick up a loser a ball guy. they were trading for a major league pitcher. the reason they got cash back was because they sent prospects that both teams agreed were worth more than cueto. maybe it was just a small amount, and maybe it was the only way to get the deal done because the reds were insisting on those specific guys. i don't know, but considering how cheap this team has always been i'm suspicious.
calling them cheap is uninformed or lazy. they have the 16th highest payroll, in one the 3 smallest markets, and are saddled with a disgustingly terrible local TV deal. this team is not cheap.
you're right, we won't know, but probably it went like this:
"We'll give you Finnegan and Reed"
"We want Lamb too"
"No"
"Ok no deal"
"Fine, but pay some of his contract"
"Fine"
:hangsupphone: