TAMPA, Fla. — The premise of the question was how intriguing it would be for Chaim Bloom to merge his experience with a small-market, innovative club in Tampa Bay with his time running a big-market, iconic team like the Boston Red Sox.

But before it could be asked, Rays executive Erik Neander interrupted.

“Like right into St. Louis,” he stated.

Like right into his former colleague and longtime friend’s next club.

“He was keenly aware that the Rays needed to operate one way and that Boston was solving for something a little different,” Neander said. “As I’m going through the compliments for Chaim, 'adaptable' is absolutely one I would insert. You have to do the business one way here. You have to do your business another way in Boston. I’d have all the confidence in the world with him go

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