Within two weeks, general manager Theo Epstein will have a much better feel for how aggressive he should be. A four-game series in New York against the Yankees Aug. 6-9 will be telling.
Meanwhile, the Sox are changing from within. In just the past week, catcher Victor Martinez and starting pitchers Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz came off the disabled list. Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and second baseman Dustin Pedroia are moving closer to joining the team, as well.
Ellsbury has played in three minor league rehabilitation games, while Pedroia is scheduled for a CT scan on his broken left foot today.
“We’re not too far away from having those guys back and going back to what we were in the beginning,’’ designated hitter David Ortiz said.
Until then, whatever moves Epstein makes before the deadline are likely to be smaller, more cost-effective upgrades.
A major league source said yesterday that Epstein is discussing several trade possibilities with Padres general manager Jed Hoyer, his former top assistant.
The Padres were seeking an infielder before they acquired Miguel Tejada from Baltimore yesterday. They also need outfield help. In Bill Hall, Jeremy Hermida, and Darnell McDonald, the Red Sox will have an excess of outfielders once Ellsbury returns. The Sox could be interested in Padres lefthanded reliever Joe Thatcher.
The bullpen has been the focus of Epstein’s efforts. Through Wednesday, Red Sox relievers had allowed the most home runs in the American League and opposing hitters had a .750 OPS against them, by far the worst for a contending team.
Manager Terry Francona said Wednesday that he has not pondered whether a trade is needed.
“I don’t think about it. We spend so much time and get consumed with what we’re supposed to get consumed with, trying to win. The stuff about the trade deadline, I haven’t given it much thought because it doesn’t help,’’ he said.
“I know Theo is out there always doing what he thinks is in our best interest. I trust that. We’re just trying to do our part.’’
