According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are very close to signing Woonsocket's Rocco Baldelli to be the new 4th outfielder. Baldelli was once one of the most exciting players in the AL East, with a good average, speed on the basepaths, and excellent defense.
Baldelli also suffers from a disease that makes it very difficult to be an every day player. His muscles become fatigued very easily, which precludes him from being a regular starter.
Apparently the latest diagnoses are that the condition isn't as bad as once believed.
I like this signing except for the fact that with someone like JD Drew, the Sox need a backup outfielder that can play 10 to 20 days in a row. Drew will hit the DL at some point this season, and the Sox need to be prepared. Furthermore, I think Jacoby Ellsbury will continue his mediocrity, and once again drag down the lineup.
The Sox are also going after 41 year old John Smoltz, who made 5 starts in 2008 and is recovering from shoulder surgery. Smoltz wouldn't be able to pitch until May, at the earliest. Yet another scrap heap acquisition worthy of late 90's Dan Duquette.
Source:
Boston.com
The Sox bench had nothing going for it last year. Baldelli would be a huge upgrade but they clearly need 5 OFs. Could be Bailey or perhaps someone else out there. They also need to grab another back up 1B since Casey has moved on.
ReplyDeleteThe Sox are not going to sign older plaers to LT deals and would instead like to develop another Lester or Masterson. Smoltz has limited risk. If he comes back and gives them a few good months then the signing is worth it. Could be a power arm out of the pen and you can never lack that asset. You know that they are not going to be bidding on Borahole's clients which means no drunken derek lowe redux.