Red Sox hire Wren to be senior VP of baseball operations
Was GM of Braves for seven seasons; worked 11 years with Dombrowski
BOSTON -- The Red Sox added Frank Wren to their front office on Friday as senior vice president of baseball operations, reuniting the veteran talent evaluator with Dave Dombrowski.
Wren worked under Dombrowski with the Expos and the Marlins, as the duo spent a total of 11 years together. They've stayed in frequent contact while working for different organizations the last 15 years.
"His main responsibility is talent evaluation," Dombrowski said. "That's why he came on board. At the Major League level, when we talk about making trades or talk about signing free-agent players, we really want him actively involved in that. He'll be one of a couple of other individuals that we have in those positions. Their titles may be different, but basically they're going to be responsible for scouting the Major Leagues and being those main guys for me."
Dombrowski didn't hire Wren because of their friendship. In actuality, he hired him because he knows that Wren will challenge him in discussions.
"I think one thing about Dave, he wants to hear a lot of different voices," Wren said. "He's not afraid to have people differ from him. He's not afraid to get everyone in the room and hear them out. Ultimately, and he and I have had this conversation many times, I said, 'Dave, you and I have talked about this specific player and I know you feel differently than what's going on around the room.'
"I said, 'Why didn't you speak up? He said, 'ultimately because I'm going to make the decision. I want to hear what everyone has to say and ultimately I'll make the decision. It might be where I came into the room or changed based on what I've heard.' He's very good at leading that way."
Dombrowski said he plans on hiring other evaluators as well -- either from inside or outside the organization, or perhaps both. Dombrowski said he'd love to hire Jerry DiPoto on a full-time basis, but the former Angels GM -- who was hired as a temporary consultant by the Red Sox in August -- is being courted by other clubs.
Wren was the general manager of the Atlanta Braves from 2008-14, and worked for that franchise for 15 years.
Wren will continue to live in the Atlanta area and do much of his work for the Red Sox remotely.
"I think the one thing that you've seen over the last few weeks especially is this is a talented young team," Wren said. "There's a lot to be excited about. I think there's a lot to look forward to from a standpoint of what's down on the farm to what's already starting to perform here. I think it's encouraging for everyone and we're excited."
The Red Sox announced some other moves on Friday. Jared Banner has been promoted to director, player personnel. Brad Pearson has been named head athletic trainer. Paul Buchheit has been named assistant athletic trainer.
Athletic trainer Rick Jameyson has decided to leave the organization to pursue other opportunities.