I look at it like this - we were probably far apart on contract talks if there was interest at all. That means a franchise tag, or nothing but a comp pick. Comp pick maxes out at the end of the 3rd and we wouldnt get it until 2019. It's maximizing an asset.
Gaines was brought in to allow us to do the darby trade - which brings us a 1year replacement in Matthews, plus a player who may be more likely to sign an extension if he succeeds here.