After their team’s last-place finish in the AL East, it’s not surprising Sox fans are eager for good news. Let’s review a couple recent items, shall we?

  • Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported that the Red Sox have set up a meeting with Pablo Sandoval’s representatives at next week’s general manager meetings in Arizona. Sandoval, of course, is coming off another solid season capped by an amazing performance in October. 

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Sandoval hit .400 against the Cardinals in the NCLS and .429 against the Royals in the World Series. His career playoff average in 39 games is a healthy .344. 

From Cafardo’s piece: 

  • Sandoval reportedly isn’t the only potential third-base solution the Red Sox are considering. CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman says that Boston has been in contact with representatives for Hanley Ramirez, the Dodgers star who has indicated a willingness to move away from shortstop in the right situation. 

An Ortiz-Sandoval middle of the order could be quite productive. And while Sandoval is weaker from the right side in his career (.271 average), the Green Monster would benefit him. Plus, he’s tough to shift against defensively because he’s adept at going the other way.

At third base, Ramirez’s lack of range wouldn’t be nearly as big of an issue, and he has the bat to play at that spot. The Red Sox need more production from that spot if they want to contend in 2015. In 2014, Boston third basemen — primarily Will Middlebrooks, Xander Bogaerts and Brock Holt — combined to hit just .211 (last in the majors) with only 38 extra-base hits (27th in the bigs).

  • Boston made headlines at the 2014 non-waiver trade deadline when it dealt ace Jon Lester for slugger Yoenis Cespedes, who can be a free agent after the 2015 season. 

Now that the Sox have signed Cuban star Rusney Castillo and have to figure out playing time in the outfield for Shane Victorino, Allen Craig, Mookie Betts, Daniel Nava and Jackie Bradley Jr., there were whispers they might look to move Cespedes.

General manager Ben Cherington was asked about that on MLB Network Radio. Here’s his reply, as transcribed by Rob Bradford of WEEI.com.