NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez, a year removed from being the darlings of a Red Sox offseason spending spree, have become nagging problems for Boston. The Red Sox actually wound up playing their best baseball when Sandoval and Ramirez weren't on the field in 2015.
Amid their poor seasons, defensive struggles and injuries, Red Sox manager John Farrell said he expects more from the duo.
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"We need them to produce, there's no doubt about that," Farrell told reporters at baseball's winter meetings. "And talking to both guys, they're working extremely hard right now to get back to the years of performance that they've had in the past.
"I know Pablo is very conscious of and has expressed disappointment in the way things turned out last year. I think we expected more and certainly need more from them to get to the level we envision ourselves, and that's to contend for a World Series."
Sandoval, who battled respiratory issues in 2015, hit just 10 home runs and had just 47 RBIs while compiling a .658 OPS that was .153 below his career figure. Not only has Sandoval's weight been a problem, the Red Sox also asked Ramirez to cut fat this offseason as he transitions to first base.
Ramirez hit .249 with 19 homers and 53 RBIs and played some horrendous defense in left field, posting a minus-19 defensive runs saved total.
"Whether or not (Ramirez) reports to camp early is to be determined," Farrell said. "We've been focusing on the physical needs that he has. That was the shoulder, low back, hamstring. Those are markers that are very detailed in the physical workout planned for him."
Farrell said Ramirez is making progress and won't play winter ball as he prioritizes his physical foundation to ease the transition back to the infield.
With just over $122 million tied to Sandoval and Ramirez through the 2018 season, and another big contract on the books in David Price, the Red Sox are hoping Farrell's loyalty to the duo pays off.
"I think they will come in better physical condition to maintain a level of performance deeper into the season," Farrell said. "They've lived Boston for one year, and they know the potential distractions that could be there and to remain focused on what they can control, and that is their work ethic, their preparation, and how they execute inside the lines."