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I understand that Snell is just moving to the pen. 
MY issue is that Snell has outpitched RRS by every measure - *AND* - RRS is a lefty, (when the bullpen currently has no lefty option available).
The "logical" move - based both on performance and flexibility - and ignoring all the 'political' variables - (home grown - import - salary - options - etc) - would be to move RRS to the pen first - and have Snell follow when Bedard returns.
The honest truth is that Z's choices regarding pitchers specifically have not be overly successful to date.  Vargas turning around is the first nominal sign of a correct read on a pitching prospect. 
I can appreciate the reality that Jack is willing to demote a guy he personally selected (Snell), over one that was already in-house (RRS).  But, in this case, the numbers don't support the decision. 
You want to make an argument that Snell is as good as he'll ever be (no upside), while RRS is a work-in-progress?  Okay, I can accept that.  But, that wasn't what I was reading.  I was reading this was a performance-based decision - when the numbers don't fully support that conclusion.
Honestly, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Snell thrive in a bullpen role, where his pitching set is 'dumbed down' - and perhaps his neuroses turn out to be more help than hinder. 
Clearly, Snell and RRS are the 4/5 guys - so the demotion choice was a list of two.  So, in the grand scheme of things, with Bedard on the horizon, it's not a big deal which goes first.  But, I suspect the REASONS for choosing Snell were not production-based -- but more likely psychologically based.  I'm guessing that they're weighing the order of demotion with a keen eye toward what emotional impact it'll have on the two guys involved.  Snell, the vet, may be (ironically) less apt to take the demotion hard.  I don't know the guys personally - so it's all guess work. 
On the point that Z is showing excellence in ignoring the 'political' variables in roster choices (in this case), I agree.  On the point that this is about production - not so fast.
The REAL hard choice on the political front is what to do with Griffey.  How much longer can they allow him to bat 5th while hitting like Ronny Cedeno?  The Snell situation - political quibbles.  Junior?  He's the political Moby Dick.