From worst, to first, to worst again, Red Sox fans have endured an emotional roller coaster alongside the team the past few years. But still hopeful, our beloved Sox look to be on the upswing after Monday’s free agent signings. First, the Sox signed former Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez to a four year, 88 million dollar deal with a 5th year option. Then they signed Giants’ switch hitting third baseman, Pablo Sandoval, to a 5 year 100 million dollar contract.

Sandoval has been incredible in the postseason in his young career. He has led the Giants to three World Series titles in five years. According to ESPN Sandoval has a .344 career postseason batting average, and he went 8-16 in 2014’s World Series against the Kansas City Royals. Sandoval also plays steady defense, his 11 errors in 2014 the 5th fewest in the league amoung third baseman, according to comcast sportsnet.

Sandoval’s only glaring weakness is hitting left handed pitching, posting a morbid .199 batting average against southpaws in 2014. This signing is key for the Red Sox, who experienced major struggles at third base last year, posting a league worst .211 batting average at the position according to masslive.com. Scituate High School Sophomore Will Granatino agrees saying, “Pablo Sandoval was a must to hold the hot corner. We need some consistency at the position.”

Sandoval also brings an interesting new nickname to the Sox clubhouse, widely known as the “Kung Fu Panda” or just “Panda.”The nickname came in 2008 when Sandoval made an acrobatic play, jumping over the catcher to avoid the tag and score, and the nickname has stuck ever since.

Hanley Ramirez has proven to be an exceptional hitter throughout his 10 year major league career, posting a .300 career batting average, winning the rookie of the year in 2006, two silver sluggers awards, three all-star game appearances,  a 2009 batting title, and finishing in the top 11 in National league MVP voting four times according to baseball reference.

Ramirez has been plagued with injuries the past two seasons, missing significant time due to thumb and hamstring injuries.

Ramirez has also proved to be a liability in the field, but that won’t be a problem considering the Red Sox will most likely be moving him to left field to allow young phenom Xander Bogaerts to play shortstop, and Sandoval to handle the hot corner. Once again, the Red Sox will have a flashy, unpredictable Ramirez in left field. Hopefully he won’t be cutting off throws in the outfield like his unrelated predecessor Manny Ramirez.

Junior sports fanatic Chris Oliveri says, “Ramirez has had injury and reported attitude problems which worries me as a fan. Also, pitching wins championships, and at this point they don’t have a legitimate ace. I hope these moves allow (the Red Sox) to trade for a high caliber pitcher.”

So what does this mean for the Red Sox moving forward? Like Chris mentioned , the lineup is stacked, but pitching and defense are what wins championships, and the Sox starting rotation certainly looks weak at this point in the off-season. The Sox have an excess of quality outfielders, including Yoenis Cespedes, Jackie Bradley Jr., Daniel Nava, and Shane Victorino, one of which will most likely be dealt by the time the offseason is over.

One of the players the Red Sox are reportedly targeting is Philles left handed pitcher Cole Hamels. Hamels, who turns 31 this December, has a career earned run average of 3.44.

Rumors have also been pursuing free agent Jon Lester, who was traded to the Athletics for Cespedes this past season. Lester had been the ace of the Red Sox staff for the past few years, posting an impressive 3.53 ERA, three all star appearances, and two finishes in the top 5 in Cy Young award voting over his 9 year major league career according to baseball reference .

These acquisitions could mean one of two things for the Red Sox in their pursuit of Jon Lester. The first possibility is that they have spent all this money on beefing up the lineup in order to persuade Lester to think he’s coming to a contending ball club, that the front office is committed to making moves to help the team win now so that he will take a hometown discount. Alternatively the Red Sox have completely given up on Lester and have decided to spend all of their money in going after high profile big bats, and loading up assets to trade for Hamels.

    Junior Kevin Power says, “I think it not only gives the Sox skill and talent, but new energy. I think Ramirez and Panda (Sandoval) will provide a good spark for the Sox.” The addition of Sandoval and Ramirez has given the Red Sox new energy, possibly a new identity, and with possible pitching additions coming it would not be surprising if the Red sox  became the first ever MLB team to go from worst, to first, to worst, to first again in the upcoming 2015 season.