Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The Great Gabbo Speaks.






According to Peter Gammons, the Red Sox are thisclose to signing Rocco Baldelli. The announcement is expected tomorrow at the BBWA dinner. No word on what kind of deal it might be, though. If he can be healthy, then this is a really great signing. He offers a good right-handed bat with power and a solid defense. He doesn't walk a ton but he used to have pretty good speed. He will, also, not offer Youkilis any competition in the facial hair department as this:







was a poor decision.



As a local boy he's got that angle going for him (though I seem to recall that during one of the series the Rays played at Fenway last season he said that he was not a Sox fan growing up and that he didn't want to talk about it.) And as a human interest story, his might be right up there with Jon Lester. His presence might take some of the pressure off Lester to be THE KID WHO SURVIVED CANCER AND WENT ON TO BECOME A DOMINANT PITCHER. When they go on the road the two of them could have a little sideshow. Step right up! Come see the pitcher who's lymph nodes went haywire and the outfielder who is easily fatigued! It could be a goldmine.



But salud, Rocco!

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