Cherington knew that would be the case. The Red Sox won the winter last year, trading for Adrian Gonzalez and signing Carl Crawford within a span of a few days. Those deals, and Gonzalez’s subsequent $154 million contract extension, limited how much flexibility the Red Sox would have this year.
So while fans may be a little agitated at seeing other teams hold press conferences, Cherington isn’t concerned with the lack of activity.
“We’re a really good team that really just needs complements and needs to be put in a better position to win over a six-month stretch,’’ he said. “That’s what we’re focused on.’’
The Red Sox did take care of one piece of business when David Ortiz agreed to salary arbitration Wednesday night. Cherington has said for weeks that retaining Ortiz was a priority.
“We’re happy about it,’’ Cherington said. “He’s one of the best hitters in the American League back on the team, so it’s a good outcome.’’
Under the rules, Ortiz is considered a signed player for 2012. At worst he will have a one-year deal with a raise from the $12.5 million he earned last season. The sides also could hammer out a multiyear agreement that gives Ortiz some security and the Red Sox some added financial flexibility for 2012.
“There will be a lot more talks, because we have to get through the arbitration process,’’ said Cherington. “What the outcome of those are, I don’t know.
“I think this sort of focuses the conversation, at least a little bit because we have both worked under the framework of the arbitration system.’’
Regardless, the return of Ortiz and the size of his salary could preclude the Red Sox from signing a player like Carlos Beltran or Michael Cuddyer to play right field. Josh Reddick or Ryan Kalish would be acceptable.
“Yes, to some degree,’’ Cherington said. “Doesn’t mean that we would rule out making an addition to the outfield. But David’s a huge bat in the lineup, so I don’t think we’re in a position where we need to add a lot more offense. There are other things we’d like to do.’’
