[Corsi Combover]

Quote

The field now could be down to the Pirates and two American League teams, according to one source directly involved in negotiations. And the thinking in the Pirates' offices is that their situation on the corner outfield spots -- Brandon Moss is recovering from knee surgery, and Nyjer Morgan is not currently seen as everyday material -- might offer Baldelli the best chance at regular playing time to reestablish himself.

Quote

Because of Baldelli's health, the contracts being discussed between his agent, Casey Close, and the interested teams have been of the short-term, heavy-on-bonuses variety, the source said. That includes the talks with the Pirates, who are willing to guarantee some money but have the same concerns all potential suitors do about Baldelli's ability to play regularly.

Source: http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/pb...li-s-trail.aspx

Quote

Free-agent outfielder Rocco Baldelli appears on the verge of finding a new home.
A half-dozen teams have been interested, and there were indications Wednesday that a deal could be completed very soon. The Rays have been open to a return, but with their funds extremely limited following the signing of Pat Burrell, it doesn’t seem likely he is coming back.
The Red Sox are among those interested, and Baldelli will be a guest Thursday night at the Boston baseball writers dinner to receive the Tony Conigliaro award for his comeback. Others include the Phillies, Pirates, Reds, Yankees and potentially Orioles. Baldelli recently received a revised diagnosis of his extreme fatigue condition that he hopes will allow him to play more regularly.

Source: http://blogs.tampaba...lli-appear.html

[cwright]

Quote

The Boston Red Sox were close to signing free-agent outfielder Rocco Baldelli on Wednesday night. It is expected to be announced at the Boston Baseball Writers Dinner, where Baldelli will be honored.

(link: espn)

[Youks Baltic Roots]

cwright, on Jan 7 2009, 09:37 PM, said:

(link: espn)

I hope this report is correct, and that his health is indeed on the upswing. With the potential for time missed by Drew, Lowell and Ortiz, as well as the potential of continued inconsistency from Ellsbury, there will be plenty of opportunities for at bats if he is able to take them. A nice opportunity for him to rebuild his rep in time for a new longer-term contract.

[Soxfan in Fla]

I was teasing the Rays fan attorney in our office way back before all the injury stuff that Baldelli would eventually be the CF for the Sox. Not sure how much CF he will play but it looks like my prediction is going to come true. I LOVE this signing if this is indeed true. Especially with the change in health prognosis. Great character guy, hard worker and one helluva talent. If he can turn things around and have a good year and earn a long term deal from the Sox we've practically had a 5 tool player fall into our laps.

[FelixMantilla]

Good for Rocco.

I remain skeptical that he can come back, but the Sox have enough money to try and find out. I hope it all works out.

[curly2]

Now they just need to find Rocco some medication that can control his condition and teach him how to take a walk.

But lack of plate discipline aside, this could be a great move if he's reasonably healthy. A right-handed bat with power who can play all three positions, can run and has a great arm - he's a more talented Jay Payton with a better attitude.

[Green Monster]

Anyone think that he might be able to play some first base to spell Youkilis on ocassion?

[Corsi Combover]

Here's to hoping it's a multi-year deal or a deal with an option.

[FrenMoney]

What makes this even better is that he is going to be playing in the ame city he receives his care (MGH) and his team of MDs will stay on top of him. If he has a "flare up" they may be able to identify the cause and can prevent it in the future (assuming it is not mitochondrial).

[yecul]

Love the signing. I assume that he is going to be able to start a couple games a week (potentially) and is able to start everyday for a week or three at a time to cover for someone like Drew hitting the DL.

If he's able to perform, then this is the ideal fit. Young, RH, solid all around. Great, great fit for the club. We will find out what he is capable of and how they plan to use him.

The big problem the Red Sox face in terms of position players is risk. Ortiz and Lowell are injury/performance risks and they're pretty important cogs to the offense. Youk's flexibility combined with Baldelli is a nice hedge against one of them going down.

[jtn46]

Terrific signing. Right-handed hitter with power who's had success in the AL East and can play all 3 OF positions. Hopefully the revelation about his condition means he can be a true 4th OF or better.

[Corsi Combover]

Quote

The Red Sox are on the verge of signing free agent outfielder and Rhode Island native Rocco Baldelli to a one-year deal, according to a baseball source familiar with the talks. Talks between Baldelli are “close” to being finalized said the source.

Source: http://news.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/...position=recent

[gcapalbo]

Certainly there is a local angle here as well-- as all of Woonsocket, and probably most of Rhode Island will be jazzed by this.

Who knows, might even serve to push the Mason-Dixon line south and west, as there always seems to be a strong Yankee fan contingent running through the Providence area (probably all those mobsters ).

An explosive, exciting talent in earlier days. Let's hope he can put his injury issues behind him and light up Fenway on many a summer night.

[mt8thsw9th]

As has been mentioned, he'll be at the awards dinner tomorrow night, so he's probably already in town. I'm guessing if it's reportedly this close, it'll probably be done tomorrow. I wasn't the biggest Baldelli fan when he was coming up due to his lack of patience, but he's absolutely perfect for the team as a RHH that has the athleticism to play all three OF positions. This is akin to grabbing Kapler in 2003. Baldelli may or may not still have some unrealized potential, but even if he only approaches or matches his career line in ~250 ABs, he'll be tremendously valuable off the bench.

[xjack]

I've got to assume that the Sox have inside info on his health and prognosis. Otherwise this doesn't make sense given Drew's fragility and the likelihood that the 4th outfielder will start quite a few games.

In some ways, this is probably good for Jeff Bailey because it means that whoever fills the Sean Casey role has to be able to play a little OF too.

[E5 Yaz]

xjack, on Jan 8 2009, 06:31 AM, said:

In some ways, this is probably good for Jeff Bailey because it means that whoever fills the Sean Casey role has to be able to play a little OF too.

Not necessarily. They could always get a Willie Bloomquist type to be the 5th outfielder backup infielder.

[jaret001]

E5 Yaz, on Jan 8 2009, 02:07 AM, said:

Not necessarily. They could always get a Willie Bloomquist type to be the 5th outfielder backup infielder.

Maybe bring back Mark Kotsay if/when he doesn't find a starting job.

I took my wife to a day game several years ago vs. Tampa and Baldelli had three hits and threw two runners out at the plate. Great talent, hopefully he can get his health all the way back while with the Sox.

[mt8thsw9th]

jaret001, on Jan 8 2009, 09:43 AM, said:

I took my wife to a day game several years ago vs. Tampa and Baldelli had three hits and threw two runners out at the plate. Great talent, hopefully he can get his health all the way back while with the Sox.

Well, he didn't have any hits, but he did throw out back to back runners at the plate:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BO...200408120.shtml

Bottom of the 5th, Red Sox Batting, Ahead 3-0, Mark Hendrickson facing 2-3-4
   O      ---  3   86%  K Youkilis      Groundout: SS-1B
          ---  2   87%  M Ramirez       Single to RF (Fly Ball)
          1--  2   89%  D Ortiz         Single to RF (Line Drive); Ramirez to 2B
   R      12-  6   94%  K Millar        Ground-rule Double (Ground Ball); Ramirez Scores; Ortiz to 3B
[b]   RO     -23  5   95%  J Varitek       Single to CF (Ground Ball); Ortiz Scores; Millar out at Hm/CF-C; Varitek to 2B/Adv on throw
                  Lance Carter replaces Mark Hendrickson pitching
   O      -2-  6   94%  O Cabrera       Single to CF (Ground Ball); Varitek out at Hm/CF-C[/b]
                  2 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB. Rays 0, Red Sox 5.

That was Pedro's last shutout in a Red Sox uniform.

[Let it Flo]

Just got the announcement from the press office. One year deal.

RED SOX SIGN FREE AGENT OUTFIELDER ROCCO BALDELLI TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACT
BOSTON, MA—The Boston Red Sox today agreed to terms with outfielder Rocco Baldelli on a one-year contract through the 2009 season. No further terms were disclosed.

To make room for Baldelli on the 40-man roster, righthanded pitcher Charlie Zink was designated for assignment.

This post has been edited by Let it Flo: 08 January 2009 - 12:22 PM

[KenTremendous]

During his first series at Fenway, in which he was announced as the Woonsocket Rocket, and, if I remember correctly, at one point beat out a routine grounder to short by like 11 steps, I felt like this was inevitable. I love this guy, and hope he becomes a valuable contributor.