Red Sox: Grading trades, free agent signings of Dave Dombrowski

Dec 6, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operation Dave Dombrowski speaks with the media after the Red Sox made a trade for pitcher Chris Sale (not pictured) at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operation Dave Dombrowski speaks with the media after the Red Sox made a trade for pitcher Chris Sale (not pictured) at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
8 of 8
Aug 16, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell (53) speaks with first baseman Travis Shaw (47) during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell (53) speaks with first baseman Travis Shaw (47) during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Dombrowski was given the keys to a Maserati and not a Yugo. The Red Sox were loaded with young and productive talent. The farm system was ranked the best in baseball or close to the best. Dombrowski surprised me by retaining manager John Farrell as I thought he would be dismissed. Other changes did take place, but they were management changes such as the promotion of now gone Mike Hazen

The farm system has been quickly depleted with the above-mentioned trades. How that eventually develops will have a lasting impact on the legacy of Dombrowski. The window of opportunity is somewhere between three and five years and so far his first full season saw the Red Sox blown out in the playoffs.

Next: Drew Pomeranz goes for MRI

If the Red Sox win a World Series in the next few years the Dombrowski legacy will be set. Certainly not as lofty as Theo Epstein, but still a flag gets you cred in Boston. Right now Red Sox fans are not content with playoffs, but championships and this season it does not look good.

CURRENT GRADE – C+

Schedule