Following the press conference to introduce newly-acquired pitcher Ryan Dempster, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington offered updates on negotiations with free agent outfielder Cody Ross, and the team's approach toward Jacoby Ellsbury.
Regarding Ross, who met with the Rangers Tuesday and is drawing significant interest from Philadelphia and Seattle, Cherington said he hasn't recently been in touch with the outfielder's representatives, but hasn't ruled out a possible return to the Red Sox.
"We have not closed the door by any means," said Cherington of Ross, who is seeking a three-year deal from the Red Sox. "I have not had a conversation recently with him. But no, we have not closed the door."
Asked if his stance that Ellsbury is expected to be a big part of the 2013 season has been altered after some recent trade rumors regarding the outfielder, Cherington said, "Nothing's changed on that."
Cherington wouldn't pin down a date on when shortstop Stephen Drew -- who has agreed to a one-year, $9.5 million deal with the Red Sox -- might be taking his physical (not mentioning Drew by name), but did talk about the organization's approach toward shortstop Jose Iglesias.
"At this point in his career, he should be playing every day," Cherington said of the 22-year-old.
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