Dombrowski: Red Sox 'Not Close To Making Any Trades'
BOSTON (CBS) -- Amid national reports that the Red Sox are working with other teams on "something big" in the trade market, team president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski dispelled notions that a major deal could be in the works.
"I can say we're not close to making any trades at this moment," Dombrowski told reporters before Monday night's game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park.
Dombrowski did not deny that he was talking to other executives about potential deals as the August 1 trade deadline approaches. He confirmed that he received five trade proposals on Monday alone that were different from any prior offers.
"That could be a trade right there, I don't know," Dombrowski joked as his phone buzzed during his meeting with reporters. "It's that time of year. That's what makes it interesting and fun."
Despite the swirling rumors and the team's deep cache of young talent on both the major league roster and in the minor league system, Dombrowski does not feel an urgent need to make a big trade after acquiring starter Drew Pomeranz, infielder Aaron Hill, outfielder Michael Martinez, and reliever Brad Ziegler in recent weeks.
"I'm not looking to necessarily make something significant because we already added," said Dombrowski.
"Will we be open-minded? Sure. But I don't see that there's a driving force. And we are going to get some players back. We have nine guys still on the disabled list."
Amid reports of "checking in" on disgruntled White Sox ace Chris Sale, the Red Sox starting rotation appears set with David Price, Steven Wright, and Rick Porcello at the front. Pomeranz improved in Monday night's 4-2 loss to the Tigers and Eduardo Rodriguez has pitched well in two straight outings since returning from the All-Star break. Dombrowski also sounded comfortable with the bullpen as currently constituted with Ziegler, Junichi Tazawa, and Matt Barnes, with Joe Kelly returning Monday and Craig Kimbrel's return possibly imminent.
