BANGOR, Maine — Joe Castiglione, who will begin his 34th year as the play-by-play man on the Boston Red Sox Radio Network, and Dave O’Brien, who had been his partner for nine years before being named the new Red Sox TV play-by-play man this coming season, said the Red Sox are a much better team already thanks to the moves made by Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.
But they also indicated that the wheeling and dealing may not be done.
Castiglione and O’Brien were on hand again for the Zone Corporation’s annual Hot Stove Banquet at the Cross Insurance Center on Monday night. Approximately 400 Red Sox fans were on hand for the lively affair, which was emceed by WZON sports director and play-by-play announcer Toby Nelson.
“What he has done already is incredible,” said O’Brien. “When he came here in August, he said he wanted to do three things and has done all three of them in a matter of weeks.
“He said he was going to land a No. 1 [starting pitcher], and he signed David Price. He said he was going to get a closer [Craig Kimbrel] and add a fourth outfielder [Chris Young],” added O’Brien. “Obviously, he has the backing of the ownership and a big checkbook and he isn’t afraid to use it, as evidenced by David Price.”
Price, with a career 104-56 record including 18-5 this past season with Detroit and Toronto, signed a seven-year, $217 million contract and Kimbrel has 225 saves in five seasons.
They also have acquired set-up man Carson Smith, who struck out 92 in 70 innings for Seattle this past season.
“Dave Dombrowski has been a miracle worker,” said Castiglione. “He has already acquired a No. 1 starter, a closer and a setup man to bolster the worst pitching staff in the league. They have gone from having the softest throwing bullpen the past couple of years to one of the hardest throwing with Kimbrel and Carson Smith.”
He added that moving Koji Uehara from the closer role to a set-up man will also benefit the bullpen.
“He can handle not being the closer. There won’t be any ego issues like you might have with other guys who would see it as a demotion. Koji is a true team guy. I feel very encouraged about the bullpen and the starting rotation,” said Castiglione.
O’Brien has known Dombrowski for 22 years since he started with the Florida Marlins in 1993.
“Dave loves power arms and big bats. And he likes to make big splashes. I wouldn’t be surprised if he landed a big bat before the season,” said O’Brien.
“That could be in the cards,” agreed Castiglione. “I don’t think the roster is set for 2016. We’ve got a long way to go and there are a lot of free agents out there who aren’t going to get signed in the big money periods.”
The Red Sox have finished last in the American League East the previous two years, going 78-84 after posting a 71-91 mark the previous year.
O’Brien said Dombrowski has transformed the team into a playoff contender but “moves still have to be made to make them into a World Series contender. But Dave isn’t done. I’d like to see him land another [quality] starting pitcher. The staff isn’t bad now but it could be better.”
Castiglione said it will be important to keep second baseman Dustin Pedroia healthy after a couple of injury-marred seasons, and he is hoping third baseman Pablo Sandoval can improve his defense.
The broadcasters were encouraged by the infusion of youth a year ago, namely outfielders Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. and shortstop Xander Bogaerts, and that gave encouragement for next season. They lauded their energy and passion in addition to talent.
But Hanley Ramirez’s move to first base doesn’t create a positive vibe.
“I have serious doubts about it,” said O’Brien later during a question-and-answer period featuring questions from Rick Kimball from the Downtown with Rich Kimball radio show. “They basically sent him home [before the end of the season] last year. He has a lot to prove.”
They were both elated at Pedro Martinez’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, saying it was well-deserved.
“He was a dominant pitcher and at only 170 pounds,” said Castiglione. “He was the most charismatic athlete ever. He was intelligent and articulate.”
They are sad to see David Ortiz retire, saying he played an integral role in the three World Series championships (2004, 2007 and 2013).
O’Brien and Castiglione said they will miss working together after their nine-year stint.
“Joe’s the best partner in the world. I love him. I’m going to miss him tremendously. It will be great for both of us in a way. Joe will be breaking in a new partner and I’ll be breaking in an old partner [Jerry Remy],” said O’Brien, who signed a four-year contract with options.
He said he will cut back his ESPN play-by-play games from “70 to 60 events a [year].
“It was a tough decision. It was difficult for all of us with the controversial decision the club made [to release] Don Orsillo. He was a very popular guy and a wonderful announcer. It happens a lot more than people realize but it’s never easy.
“As much as I love being on radio and working with Castig, every once in awhile, it doesn’t hurt to get a kick in the pants in terms of energy in moving into a different area,” said O’Brien. “I will never not love doing radio and working those muscles. TV is going to be a big challenge.”
“I’m going to miss my old partner a lot,” said Castiglione. “Dave and I have worked nine years together and seen two World Championships. We’ve had a lot of fun off the air as well. We have a great friendship. I’ll still get to see him through the glass and we’ll hang out on the road. I’ll miss the nine innings and three and a half hours we shared the microphone every night.”