At his introductory news conference after signing with the Boston Red Sox, Hanley Ramirez expressed excitement about rejoining the organization he began his pro career with.

"It's been a while," Ramirez said Tuesday. "I remember '05 when I got traded I was really upset. ... [But] it worked out for both of us -- you guys won a couple of world championships. I haven't won any, but that's what I'm here for. I'm a new player, I'm a new person."

Ramirez added that his desire to return to Boston contributed to his willingness to change positions and play left field at Fenway, saying, "This is home for me."

The former Marlins and Dodgers shortstop added, "[Monday] was the ninth anniversary of the day that I got traded. I wanted to post something so bad but I couldn't do it. But I'm really happy to be back in Boston and hopefully I can finish my career here."

Ramirez also said he appreciated Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia reaching out to welcome him to Boston.

"I've got this guy today calling me," Ramirez said. "I don't know if you guys know him, his name is Dustin Pedroia. He called me and he was all over me. He just said, 'Congratulations and get everything together. I've got two rings, you don't have any and I want some more.' Those little things pump you up and you try to be better every day."

Ramirez also joked about his relationship with Sox DH David Ortiz.

"I don't know that guy," he said. "David, he's like my big brother. He's texting me pretty much every day and telling me what I've got to do, what I've got to change. I think he's part of my success in the big leagues. ... I can't wait to be on the same team with him. It's going to be great."