Could the Red Sox be the mystery team that asked about Jose Fernandez?
Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez throws against the Braves.
COMMENTARY
I got into Dave Dombrowski’s approach to running the Red Sox at greater length a couple of days ago, but allow me to address it yet again briefly with the purpose of making another point regarding the likelihood of acquiring a certain immensely charismatic and talented Marlins pitcher.
In the four months that Dombrowski has been with the Red Sox, it has been refreshing to realize that when the president of baseball operations is discussing his intentions, he’s revealing as much truth as he can. He doesn’t goes as far as outlining the specific trades or signings that he is architecting, but he does, in general but informative turns, tell us what he wants to do. He does not conduct himself as if he’s holding precious state secrets. He’s as transparent as he can be, and the result is that the clues to his intentions pique our interest even more.
In October, during what was essentially an exit interview for a Red Sox season that was unsalvageable upon his August arrival, Dombrowski said he wanted to acquire a No. 1 starter (probably via free agency), significant bullpen help, and a right-handed hitting fourth outfielder. I was skeptical that all of that was doable, especially so early in the hot stove season.
Well, here we are, not even at December’s midpoint yet, and Dombrowski has checked off every box on that to-do list. Ace? Welcome to Boston, David Price. Bullpen help? How does a seventh-eighth-ninth of Koji Uehara, Carson Smith and Craig Kimbrel sound? Fourth outfielder? Here comes Chris Young to spell Jackie Bradley Jr. against tough lefties and maybe dent the Monster once in a while.
It’s an impressively efficient shopping spree, and in taking stock of what he’s done, I’m beginning to suspect he’s not only forthcoming about his intentions, but sometimes deliberatetly foreshadows them. Consider: On Nov. 11, Dombrowski acknowledged that it was possible that some of the Red Sox’ impressive collection of young players might have to go in a trade.
“At some point,’’ said Dombrowski, “we’re going to most likely do something that is painful one way or the other. But if you’re trying to get quality talent, you’re going to have to do that at some point.’’
Two days later, he traded four prospects — including highly regarded outfielder Manuel Margot and shortstop Javy Guerra — to the Padres for Kimbrel. My initial reaction was that it seemed like a lot to give up for a relief pitcher, even an exceptional one like Kimbrel. But the move filled a need with an established high-level performer and only involved prospects who were blocked by other talented youngsters.
In the past month, as Dombrowski’s intentions were confirmed by actions and the roster found its shape, I grew to appreciate the trade and respect his approach, especially since he has retained the cream of the crop in the Red Sox’ farm system while repairing the other holes on the roster. It’s the kind of trade big-market franchises with deep farm systems should make.
I’m revisiting all of this now because of something else Dombrowski said recently, in the satisfied aftermath of his flurry of deals. Asked at the MLB winter meetings a couple of days ago whether he could have envisioned having all of his significant moves completed so soon, he smiled and said, “No. It’s not that you won’t do things. We’re still talking to people, still entertaining phone calls. But there’s really not a driving force. … But at this stage of the winter meetings, normally you’re walking away where you have anxiety about getting something done. ‘Where’s this going to go? How’s this going to happen?’ And it’s very unusual to have things fall into place at this time.’’
What Dombrowski didn’t say is that having all of the major moves done puts the Red Sox in an enviable position in another way: teams that still have major decisions to make might end up coming to them out of desperation, presenting the opportunity for an unforeseen and irresistible deal. Or, the Red Sox can make a trade proposal out of pure interest rather than necessity. Which brings us, in the usual roundabout way, to that certain immensely charismatic and talented Marlins pitcher.
It would not surprise me one bit to learn that the Red Sox were one of the mystery teams — who doesn’t love a good mystery team? – reportedly inquiring about 23-year-old Marlins ace Jose Fernandez. While any assessment of interest on Dombrowski’s part is conjecture at this point — that actually may be a question that he wouldn’t answer with candor — Fernandez is exactly the kind of player the Red Sox should be inquiring about. He’s an elite talent (2.40 career ERA, 10.5K/9) with an obvious joy for the game who pitches for an ownership that does not deserve him, Giancarlo Stanton, or any other good things. The Red Sox could use a clear-cut No. 2 starter, and Fernandez, even with a scar on his elbow, is much more than that.
My curiosity arises not so much from whether or not Dombrowski inquired about him — I’d bet he did, out of due diligence if nothing else — but what the Marlins asked for in return. Talented, cost-controlled pitching is at a premium this offseason. For evidence, look no further than Shelby Miller, a good pitcher but hardly a sure thing, He just brought No. 1 overall pick Dansby Swanson, Ender Inciarte, and three other players from D-Backs to the Braves.
If Miller has that value, the Marlins would be within their rights to ask for a wish-list of Baseball America’s finest in exchange for Fernandez — and apparently they have. There are reports that they wanted Corey Seager, Joc Pederson, Jose Urias, and two other prospects from the Dodgers. That’s the equivalent of asking the Red Sox for something like Yoan Moncada, Rafael Devers, Andrew Benintendi, Blake Swihart, and Anderson Espinoza for Fernandez. It’s way too much. Way too much. And yet you understand why the Marlins would ask.
I’d love to know what it would take to bring Fernandez to Boston, out of curiosity more than any wish that to see such a blockbuster deal actually happen. But even if the Red Sox were a mystery team, that’s probably the rare mystery that Dombrowski would prefer to remain unsolved.
Chad Finn can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeChadFinn.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com