Ramirez ready to hit 30 homers for Red Sox; says no more excuses
While the Boston Red Sox continue to court free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez with the first full workouts of spring camps approaching, Hanley Ramirez believes he's the answer to the team's power woes that caused them to finish last in the American League in home runs a season ago.
"Oh, yeah. No doubt," Ramirez explained to ESPN's Scott Lauber on Friday after reporting to camp. "You're gonna see it, for sure. Literally, I was hitting with one arm last year and I hit 23 (home runs). Now that I feel good, there are not going to be excuses. Better go out there and hit 30."
Ramirez, who has twice hit 30 or more home runs during his 13-year career, finished second on the Red Sox in homers last season behind teammate Mookie Betts, despite playing through shoulder issues.
The 34-year-old Ramirez underwent shoulder surgery in October, which he says has made a big difference in how he feels.
"I felt a difference right away ... Now I can have that Hanley Ramirez swing that I always had with the Marlins," he told Rob Bradford of WEEI in October.
Ramirez has also lost 15 pounds thanks to a workout routine inspired by Tom Brady, and he appears poised to reach some goals he's set for himself.
"I know I can get 100 RBIs and 30 homers."