SOX ABOUT TO GET BALDELLI AND SMOLTZ

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

BRUINS DROP SECOND STRAIGHT

The Bruins did something they haven't done all season, lose back-to-back games in regulation.

Several things combined to give Minnesota a 1-0 victory in the Garden. Niklas Backstrom had an outstanding game, his 2nd straight shutout, and 4th on the season. He was positioned well on every shot and didn't make any mistakes.

The Bruins didn't get any good bounces or rolls close to the net. They had opportunities, but the puck never found their sticks when Backstrom was out of position.

Only 2 power plays against the best penalty kill in the NHL. The Wild have a PK rate of 87.9%, and the B's only had 2 chances with a man advantage. Meanwhile, the Wild were given 5 power plays, and scored their lone goal during one.

This was a defensive game between the two teams in the NHL that have allowed the fewest goals. Both teams shut each other down 5 on 5, and Minnesota broke through with a power play goal.

It's not panic time, and it doesn't seem like this is the beginning of a bad stretch for the Bruins. At least not yet. 5th place Ottawa comes to town Thursday night, and the B's should get back to their winning ways.

Source:

ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Elise Amendola