January 08, 2009
Boston Inks Two
Boston officially signed John Smoltz and Rocco Baldelli today (Thursday). Rocco, a Rhode Island native should be very popular at Fenway. I was sort of hoping that Smoltz would retire to see if Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz would all go into the Hall of Fame together.
they neded a BR backup outfielder last year - if he can play CF and RF he should get a chance to play. If Smoltz can say healthy he shoul really help.
I assume Baldelli is insurance for Drew getting hurt (likely) or Ellsbury disappointing (quite possible). Smoltz, I dunno. They don't expect him to pitch at all until well into the season. And I'm not sure where he fits in even if he can pitch eventually.
I think they're both good signings. Both are risky, but they don't cost much and the Sox can afford the risk. If Baldelli can play, he's a tremendous bench player -- what a pinch hitter! As for where Smoltz fits, come on. No team expects to go through the whole season with just five starters. Smoltz gives them a good option in the middle of the summer.
So I like the moves. I mean, I don't like them, because I'm a Yankee fan, but you know.
After seeing the picture of Baldelli in the paper I'm not so sure. I thought it was Abe Vigoda at first.