Pablo Sandoval, Hanley Ramirez Thrilled to Join Boston Red Sox

Nov 25, 2014; Boston, Ma, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval talks with the media during his introductory press conference at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox officially announced the signings of third baseman Pablo Sandoval and shortstop Hanley Ramirez on Tuesday. General manager Ben Cherington presented the two sluggers with team jerseys as they answered an array of questions from the media.

When it all was said and done, it was clear that the two couldn’t be any happier with their move to Boston. Helping the team win is their main priority moving forward.

Sandoval joins the team as a proven winner. He won three World Series championships as a member of the San Francisco Giants. He says he now relishes the challenge that accompanies playing in Boston. The history and legacy surrounding the Red Sox was a motivating factor for him signing with the club. Sandoval is ready for a fresh start and is hopeful he’ll be able to lead the team back to glory.

“You want a new challenge,” Sandoval said. “You want to start something new. And they gave me the opportunity here. They opened the door to be here and start my new challenge. The choice that I made was tough. It wasn’t easy. But you want to start something new, start fresh.”

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And a fresh start is exactly what Sandoval will get. He and the Red Sox agreed to a five-year, $95 million contract.

“Feels great to have Boston Red Sox uniform right now,” Sandoval said. “It’s one of those things that I followed in 2004 when those guys won the World Series. It’s a great team.”

Sandoval, 28, has a career .344 batting average in 39 playoff games.

Ramirez rejoins the Red Sox nine years after being shipped to Florida as part of a multi-player deal that landed Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell in 2005. A return to Boston was much awaited, according to the former Dodger.

“After I got traded I always talked with my family that it would have been great to grow up with the same organization that signed you,” Ramirez said.

The 31-year-old is open to doing whatever is asked of him in order to help the team be successful. Ramirez batted .306 over the last two seasons. He’s a three-time All-Star who is thrilled over the opportunity to win a ring with the team that drafted him back in the day.

Ramirez had 127 hits, 13 homers and 71 RBI last season in 128 games for the Dodgers.

“I’m really happy to be back in Boston and hopefully I can finish my career here,” Ramirez added.