Perhaps Thomas saw a speed merchant through his senility. The new fall guy, GM Ed Wade trades Morandini for Mark Lewis. These two guys are the same person with different names. Even the coach agrees with this, and he should know. Francona dealt with Lewis toward the end of his days in Detroit.
Familiarity is no reason to pull the trigger on a trade.
The guy needs to be able to play, period. You can put me on the list next to outright insolence. I traded away the best pitcher in baseball, the ace on any staff, for a song and a dance. My Christmas wish includes an infusion of knowledge via a whack on the side of the head. Then, take the bat to my skull.