Dave Dombrowski touches on approaching trade deadline, injuries
Brian Hines
Contributing Writer
On Saturday, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski discussed the Red Sox future plans when addressing the media at Yankee Stadium. As the trade deadline approaches, teams are already more aggressive than usual in their pursuit to upgrade their ball club.
"I will tell you, as we talk to various clubs, there are a lot more clubs that are motivated to do things quickly from a trading perspective, if they get what they want," Dombrowski said. "I think they feel there are a lot more clubs who are looking to move players because they're not in a race at this time. Some of them have indicated that they're prepared to move forward at any time. More so that at any time in my recent memory."
The Red Sox have been one of those teams, as the made their first move on Thursday acquiring the right handed utility man Steve Pearce and cash from Toronto for minor league INF Santiago Espinal.
As for the rest of their trade deadline plans, how current players progress from injuries could tell the tale.
Tyler Thornburg, Drew Pomeranz, Steven Wright and Dustin Pedroia are all expected back from a variety of injuries before July 31. If the four bounce back and can contribute immediately for the AL East title race, the Red Sox could be relatively quite come deadline time.
Contributing Writer
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| Photo Courtesy of Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports |
"I will tell you, as we talk to various clubs, there are a lot more clubs that are motivated to do things quickly from a trading perspective, if they get what they want," Dombrowski said. "I think they feel there are a lot more clubs who are looking to move players because they're not in a race at this time. Some of them have indicated that they're prepared to move forward at any time. More so that at any time in my recent memory."
The Red Sox have been one of those teams, as the made their first move on Thursday acquiring the right handed utility man Steve Pearce and cash from Toronto for minor league INF Santiago Espinal.
As for the rest of their trade deadline plans, how current players progress from injuries could tell the tale.
Tyler Thornburg, Drew Pomeranz, Steven Wright and Dustin Pedroia are all expected back from a variety of injuries before July 31. If the four bounce back and can contribute immediately for the AL East title race, the Red Sox could be relatively quite come deadline time.
"Once you address one weakness, you always have a next weakness because there's no perfect club," Dombrowski said. "The way I look at it, a lot is dependent on some of our injured players at this time. We have some guys that are close to coming back.
"Those are really keys for us. Depending on what happens there, we'll evaluate our situation. From a position player perspective, I'm not really sure what else we could do, assuming we stay healthy."
With the possible additions of Thornburg, Pomeranz and Wright, the Red Sox would have an assortment of arms in the rotation and bullpen. Thornburg would be strictly used in the bullpen, where he has a career 2.87 ERA after five seasons in Milwaukee. One of Pomeranz or Wright would be used as the fifth starter, unless Boston shifts to a six man rotation.
If the Red Sox are forced to make moves at the deadline, the potential luxury tax penalty will not handcuff them, but they'd prefer to avoid it.
"As I've said, we'd prefer to not go over $237 million," Dombrowski said. "There's a reason they call it a penalty. You get penalized financially and by losing 10 spots in the draft. But I also think we're trying to win a world championship, and so is ownership. And we have a chance to. Would I prefer to not be over $237 million? Sure. But I'd also prefer to not be over $197 million, too."
Dombrowksi also gave updates on other members of the Red Sox organization that haven't appeared in Boston yet.
Newly signed infielder Brandon Phillips will likely head to Pawtucket this week. Phillips could be in line for a decent role down the stretch if Pedroia cannot recover from injury. Dombrowski mentioned the second and third basemen was in "good shape."
First basemen Adam Lind has an opt-out clause in his contract on Sunday. Lind signed a minor league deal in June, and is seriously considering opting out after the Pearce trade.
The Red Sox top overall prospect (via SoxProspects.com) will be activated on Sunday from an 80-game PED suspension. Chavis will be assigned to Lowell where he will see time at first and second base before he is eventually reassigned to Portland.
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