Red Sox: Why Boston fans should have faith in Dave Dombrowski
As the winter meetings begin to heat up, Boston Red Sox fans should have faith in president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski.
The Boston Red Sox were stunned this weekend when the news broke that the New York Yankees acquired Giancarlo Stanton. The Red Sox, worst in the AL in home runs, really needed a power boost.
But as the circus around the big trade calms down, the Winter Meetings will begin to heat up. They officially begin Sunday night, with some intriguing prospects still on the board.
So with that coming soon, it is imperative for Red Sox fans to understand: Put your trust in Dave Dombrowski.
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Since Dombrowski took the job in 2015, he has made very few missteps. You can criticize him all you want for how he did not go after Stanton, but it was obvious he did not want to be in Boston.
There are quite a few bad contracts on the Red Sox payroll, but Dombrowski made none of them. Pablo Sandoval was a signing by previous management. Hanley Ramirez, who has not been that bad of a signing, but has not lived up to expectations, was a previous management signing.
On the contrary, Dombrowski has done quite a solid job in the trades he has made. Sure, one could argue that he has left the farm system barren, but he has seen great return on all trades.
Drew Pomeranz made strides in 2017 to make it look like that trade was a success. Chris Sale was nothing but dominant most of 2017. Dombrowski also went out and got Craig Kimbrel and David Price, both of whom have succeeded nicely in Boston.
The last two offseasons, Dombrowski opened up a three-year window for the Red Sox to compete. This past season, they burned through the first one, losing in the first round to the Houston Astros.
What could happen at the Winter Meetings?
So with that window closing quickly, Boston will need to make some moves to keep up with the Yankees.
Every time the Red Sox have needed something, Dombrowski filled that need. In 2015, Boston needed a top of the rotation guy, so he got Price. They needed a closer, so he got Kimbrel. They needed another workhorse to eat innings, so he got Sale. The Red Sox needed a jolt at third base this year, so he called up Rafael Devers.
To keep in the spirit of Christmas, Dombrowski has been like Santa Clause to Red Sox fans. Everything we needed, or wanted, he went and got.
Boston will likely make a big move this week. However, they could decide to hold off until next year’s free agent bonanza.
But assuming they make a move this week, have full trust in Dombrowski. JD Martinez is looking for big money, and if the Red Sox shell it out, do not be surprised. Boston also has a glaring need at first base, so if they chase Eric Hosmer, so be it.
Dombrowski could also look for trade partners. Jackie Bradley Jr‘s name has come up in trade talks many times. Boston could move him for a power bat this week. On Sunday, Kyle Schwarber’s name came up in trade discussions with the Red Sox.
Winter Meetings can be chaotic. But if they do not make a move, and save for next season, when Bryce Harper is a free agent, it could pay off big time.
Either way, Dave Dombrowski has earned the trust of Boston fans, and he should have that completely this off-season.
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Look for Boston to be aggressive this week to try to counter the Yankees. They do not call him Dealin’ Davey for nothing. But whatever the move is, be confident that it will work out for Boston.