BOSTON -- If Joel Hanrahan can do for the Boston Red Sox what he did against them, they should be very happy with their new closer. In the first of his two All-Star seasons, the right-hander posted back-to-back saves for the Pittsburgh Pirates with perfect ninth innings against the Red Sox in June 2011. He struck out Adrian Gonzalez, who entered the series batting .359, to end the second game. "When people look back on me as a Pirate, thats the one that stands out the most to them," Hanrahan said Wednesday after being obtained in a six-player trade. People such as Red Sox assistant general manager Brian OHalloran. "It definitely made an impression on me," he said. "It was not fun to be in the batters box against Joel Hanrahan." Now American League hitters will see what its like. Boston completed the deal Wednesday, also receiving infielder Brock Holt. The Red Sox gave up right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands. The Red Sox also announced the signing of free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, who agreed to a one-year contract early last week. That reported $9.5 million deal was contingent on the former Oakland Athletic and Arizona Diamondback, who broke his ankle in 2011, passing a physical. "We feel that hes going to be fully healthy for us," OHalloran said. The acquisition of Drew and Hanrahan are the latest in a series of moves designed to improve on a 69-93 record and a last-place finish in the AL East. The Red Sox already have obtained right-handers Ryan Dempster and Koji Uehara, outfielders Shane Victorino and Johnny Gomes and catcher David Ross. Over the past two seasons, Hanrahan had 76 saves, fourth most in the National League, and a 2.24 ERA. Last season, he was 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA and 36 saves. The six-year veteran will take over the closers role that Alfredo Aceves struggled in most of last season before giving way to Andrew Bailey, who had missed most of the season with a right thumb injury. In his first season with Boston, Bailey was 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA and six saves in nine opportunities over 19 games. Manager John Farrell has talked with Hanrahan and Bailey and told them that Hanrahan will be the closer, although "we see Andrew as playing a very important role," OHalloran said. The Red Soxs search for a closer began when Jonathan Papelbon signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2011 season. Hanrahan figured he was part of that quest when he heard his name in trade rumours involving the Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. "I got excited" when he learned of the trade, Hanrahan said. "Obviously, the Red Sox have a great history and tradition and its a huge sports city." In six seasons, 2 1/2 with the Washington Nationals and 3 1/2 with the Pirates, hes 22-17 with a 3.74 ERA and 96 saves in 117 chances. His best season was 2011 when he went 1-4 with a 1.83 ERA, 40 saves in 44 opportunities and just 16 walks in 68 2-3 innings. His control slipped last season when he walked 36 in 59 2-3 innings. Hanrahan said hamstring and ankle problems affected his pitching mechanics. "I dont think the walks are going to be a concern," he said. "I feel good going to spring training." Hanrahan said hes never been to Fenway Park, but OHalloran doesnt think hell have trouble adjusting to the American League. "Joel Hanrahan has the stuff to pitch anywhere," he said. Holt spent most of last season at Double-A Altoona, then hit .292 in 24 games with the Pirates, all in September. Melancon was 0-2 with a 6.20 ERA in 41 relief appearances in his only season with Boston. Pimentel spent the season at Double-A Portland. 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"Hes kind of a guy that can get up to 95 mph, somewhat of a power guy, a sinker guy," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Very tough on right-handers." The Yankees could bee looking to add a veteran arm to a relief corps that has been hit hard by injuries.dddddddddddd Closer Mariano Rivera is out for the season with a torn ligament in his knee and eighth-inning setup man David Robertson recently returned from a stint on the disabled list and faltered in the second of back-to-back outings. Cory Wade has also struggled in his last several appearances. "We mix and match a little bit here so we hope hes really effective for us," Girardi said. To make room for Qualls on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated minor league infielder Matt Antonelli for assignment. ' ' '