Baldelli leaning toward Red Sox?

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08:37 AM ET 12.22
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Rocco Baldelli might not be out of the woods, but after further evaluation at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic he at least has hope that the mitochondrial disorder that nearly ruined his career may allow him to play more than expected. The Red Sox would no doubt love to sign Baldelli, but can he play enough to consider him a fourth outfielder? Can he get to the point where he can DH, and maybe even play two or three times a week in the field? Would that be enough for a team to sign him for a year and take the chance that he would be available to play if a starter went down? Or could he be some team's full-time DH? The feeling is he's moving closer to that. "The situation has been clarified a little bit better because of further tests," Baldelli told the Tampa Tribune. "It's positive news for my baseball career and my health." The Phillies, Reds, Red Sox, or Rays may take a chance with Baldelli. According to sources close to the Cumberland, R.I. native, he would love to play closer to New England, but at this point he can't be too picky. The Mets also need a righthanded-hitting outfielder and could get into the mix.

Boston Globe

Rocco Baldelli, Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

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December 22, 2008 08:48 AM ET

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Hope that guy gets his life and career back on track.....

The TRUTH

Someplacein, OH

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December 22, 2008 08:57 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:48 AM ET 12.22 by The TRUTH

Hope that guy gets his life and career back on track.....

or at least plays left field when the that giant green wall in Boston finally collapses.

Field Marshall Sunny…

New York, NY

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December 22, 2008 08:59 AM ET

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it is a shame what is happening with him...
but why would you- business-wise - give him a contract?

jgb

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December 22, 2008 09:05 AM ET

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HE ONLY CAN PLAY SO OFTEN I WOULDNT GET HIM

Tru to da game

Upland , CA

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December 22, 2008 09:50 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:48 AM ET 12.22 by The TRUTH

Hope that guy gets his life and career back on track.....

Amen to that, I wish EVERYONE the best. I've never heard of this guy, is he another Jim Eisenreich?

Chasin' Utleys

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December 22, 2008 09:55 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 09:50 AM ET 12.22 by Chasin' Utleys

Amen to that, I wish EVERYONE the best. I've never heard of this guy, is he another Jim Eisenreich?

BEST FEKKKKING LINE OF 2008.

Field Marshall Sunny…

New York, NY

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December 22, 2008 10:54 AM ET

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good for him. Clad to see he was improving.

Remembers Grogan

Pinehurst , NC

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December 22, 2008 11:20 AM ET

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Not if they made the trade with the D'Backs for Burns

Yankee27

Castaic , CA

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December 22, 2008 11:33 AM ET

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Why don't you go rub down a monkey?

A Good-Looking Man

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December 22, 2008 11:41 AM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 11:33 AM ET 12.22 by A Good-Looking Man

Why don't you go rub down a monkey?

That's what I like to call "Jungle Love."

Oh, we, oh, we, oh.

Lancelot Link

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December 22, 2008 12:08 PM ET

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Isn't the Cleveland Clinic the hospital where the Browns keep getting staf infections? Maybe the Doctors should start washing their hands after they go to the bathroom.

YoMama

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December 22, 2008 12:39 PM ET

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I really like him as a player and hope he can get well and play at a more full time level. Any team that gets him is better for it.

Jeter Meter

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December 22, 2008 12:42 PM ET

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Great move for Boston and Rocco. Baldelli was pegged to become a Joe DiMaggio, one of the top Rays prospects until this disease laid him out. He's a homeboy the Sox would love to have picked up in the draft. The Rays, building the best farm in the majors, got him and did right by him.

As occasional 4th OF, pinch hitter, pinch runner this disease wouldn't tax him, and he would give the Sox excellent value. As insurance, getting an IF/OF like Hairston or Bloomquist plus IB/OF like Bailey or even Millar would also relieve pressure, allowing Baldelli to work his way back. Added insurance is a half hour away: the Sox have plenty of OF depth in Pawtucket, like VanEvery (who is an Adam Dunn with a much better glove), Danielson or Corsaletti who could come up if one of JD, JB or Ellsbury went to the DL, keeping Rocco as the 4th OF. Signing his talent, with reasonable assurance his condition won't deteriorate and may improve, is a no brainer.