Well, whatever David Dombrowski did to make Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch hastily fire him as president and GM two weeks ago, as it turns out, he sure provided Dombrowski with a huge favor.
t took just days for Dombrowski to be heavily pursued by three teams, and Tuesday night, 14 days after being fired, the Boston Red Sox announced that Dombrowski will be formally introduced Wednesday as their new vice president of baseball operations.
Dombrowski actually was offered the job Sunday, but the announcement was delayed two days after clearance from the Commissioner’s office, since no other candidates, or minorities, were interviewed.
“It’s amazing how quickly things happened,’’ Dombrowski told USA Today Sports. “It was a very quick decision. I did have other options, but this one stood out, to have the opportunity of joining such a storied franchise with its history and proud tradition. There was no sense in waiting.’’
I'm thrilled. I can’t wait to get started.’’
Dombrowski’s first order of business will be looking for a general manager.
Ben Cherington resigned as general manager when he was informed of the announcement, despite Dombrowski reaching out Tuesday and inviting him to stay aboard.
“We offered Ben the opportunity to stay as GM,’’ Dombrowski told USA TODAY Sports. “I had a lengthy conversation. He could have stayed. We like Ben. He’s a good person. I don’t know him very well, but I have the utmost respect for him and as a person.
“But I could understand it. It hit him very quickly. He was surprised.
“As president of baseball operations, you have control over making deals, and the final say in hiring. I understand it would be a transition with him.
“We have a good professional relationship, but he just felt at the time he really didn’t want to stay on board.’’