Dombrowski welcomes more input from Pedro

BOSTON -- Though former Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington is the one who hired Pedro Martinez and Jason Varitek as special assistants, Dave Dombrowski is enthused about the voices both of the former All-Stars can provide for the organization.

Varitek and Martinez each met with Boston's new president of baseball operations earlier this week.

"I thought they were great," Dombrowski said. "I want to include them in some meetings we have too, and they're willing to do that. They're willing to be part of it. I can tell they're not just going to tell me what I want to hear. They're going to give me their legitimate opinion."

While Varitek has already been pretty involved in the front office, Dombrowski hopes Martinez will play an increased role going forward.

"I had a great conversation with Pedro," Dombrowski said. "He said now that this year's over, 'I've had so many responsibilities [with the Hall of Fame], I'd be happy to help you however I can.' It's the same thing with Jason Varitek. He's got the same title, but I think Jason's been around a little bit more than Pedro has.

"When you're talking about having Pedro Martinez sitting around, I'm not so sure who knows more about pitching than him."