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Red Sox Sign Rocco Baldelli

By in Red Sox, Top Story ⋅ January 8, 2009 at 2:00pm ⋅ Post a comment

The Red Sox filled a spot in their bench Thursday by signing New England-native Rocco Baldelli. The former Rays outfielder will probably back up J.D. Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Jason Bay in the outfield. To make a spot for Rocco on the 40-man roster, the Sox designated knuckleballer Charlie Zink for assignment.

Baldelli is only 27 years old, but suffers from a rare mitochondrian disorder, which is a condition that leaves him extremely tired after only a small workout. Playing full-time in the future is close to impossible if the condition continues to plague the once-promising prospect.

The Sox are expected to announce the signing Thursday night at the Boston Baseball Writer’s Dinner, where Baldelli will be honored with the Tony Conigliaro Award.

Also, it was reported Thursday that the Red Sox were close to signing John Smoltz to a contract. Smoltz, if healthy, would give the Sox tremendous depth in the starting rotation.

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

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Discussion

3 comments for “Red Sox Sign Rocco Baldelli”

  1. Worthless signing.

    We’ll see him on the DL later this season with Beckett, Lowell, and Drew.

    Posted by Pete | January 9, 2009, 2:01 am

  2. great to see you’re so optimistic!

    Posted by KC | January 9, 2009, 5:01 am

  3. No, I am realistic.

    Posted by Pete | January 9, 2009, 5:52 pm

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David Ortiz reacts after bouncing into a rally-killing double play in the eighth inning on Tuesday night in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Adam Dunn admires his three-run home run in the first inning as the White Sox jumped all over Jon Lester and never looked back, handing the lefty his first defeat of the season. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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David Ortiz dominated with two home runs and six RBI against the Twins on Saturday night.
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Three Red Sox come home on Will Middlebrooks' dramatic double in the ninth inning. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

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