Rocco Baldelli Rumors

Stark On Red Sox Offseason Moves

In his latest column, Jayson Stark weighs in on the moves the Red Sox made this off-season. While Boston did not spend nearly as much as the Yankees, their moves have a ton of upside potential and that no team "had a more underrated offseason than the Red Sox." Stark spoke to one scout that thinks the Red Sox did a better job than the Yankees at filling their needs through free agency. Stark notes that the amount of guaranteed dollars for the Red Sox four free agents (John Smoltz, Brad Penny, Takashi Saito, Rocco Baldelli) is less than what...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends

A few links on a slow Friday night: Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports that Jon Garland was open to returning to the White Sox this winter. The Sox opted for Bartolo Colon and Garland signed with the Diamondbacks. Former major leaguer Gary Matthews had a front-row seat for President Obama's inauguration, reports Brian Knapp of MLB.com. Matthews and Obama met when their daughters had a dance class together in Chicago. Rocco Baldelli made his Red Sox debut against his former team today. Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe writes that Baldelli will be a good fit in Boston....   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Pirates, Rays, Pettitte, Cubs, Dodgers, Gomes, Mauer, Cruz

On this date 28 years ago, the Red Sox traded Fred Lynn to the California Angels for Frank Tanana and Joe Rudi. After six seasons that included an MVP and six all-star appearances, the Red Sox were forced to trade Lynn when the front office failed to mail a new contract to Lynn by the mandated deadline. Without the new contract, Boston was faced with the possibility that Lynn would be declared a free agent (Carlton Fisk was declared a free agent for the same reason). The player's association dropped their case when Lynn agreed to a contract extension with...   Continue Reading

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Fay, Jocketty Discuss Reds: Baldelli, Abreu, Nady, Swisher

Once again, John Fay and Walt Jocketty have discussed some Reds offseason activity. The Reds were very much in on Rocco Baldelli, and were offering about the same money as the Red Sox. In the end, it appears Baldelli made his choice based on geography. Of course, the Red Sox do have the better team, albeit in a much more difficult division. At first, Fay interpreted this to mean the Reds now have $7.5MM available to spend; however, when asked, Jocketty said that might not be true. Fay suggests Bobby Abreu might fill some team needs. According to Jocketty, "He's...   Continue Reading

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Heyman On Manny, Lowe, Crede, Redding, Hinske

The latest from SI.com's Jon Heyman... The Giants "look like a major threat" to the Dodgers for Manny Ramirez and are "making a serious run at him." Former teammate J.T. Snow apparently raved about him. Nonetheless Heyman says the Dodgers are "probably still considered the favorite." Heyman lists the Rangers as "intrigued." He believes Ramirez will get three guaranteed years somewhere. Heyman says Derek Lowe is "quite possibly" in play for the Phillies, though we heard from Ken Rosenthal today that the team denied interest. Heyman also sticks with the Brewers and Angels as outside possibilities despite reports to the...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Agree To Terms With Baldelli, Smoltz

7:00pm: Smoltz signed the offer sheet from the Red Sox, says Buster Olney. Olney's story has contract details as well. There's also an interesting quote from Theo Epstein: "I think you'll see us now turn to players who we can take chances on, players who represent potential impact players. We still have some things going on." 2:31pm: Gordon Edes provides details on the Braves' offer to Smoltz: The Braves would have paid Smoltz incrementally based on his health up to a maximum of $5 million if he remained on the major league roster for 60 days, and the guarantee was...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Close To Signing Rocco Baldelli

9:25pm Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has sources close to the talks that say Baldelli "appears to be inching closer" to signing with the Red Sox. Were the Orioles one of the suitors? 8:28pm Peter Gammons is reporting that the Red Sox are close to signing Rocco Baldelli, with an announcement expected Thursday night. The Boston Red Sox were close to signing free-agent outfielder Rocco Baldelli on Wednesday night. It is expected to be announced at the Boston Baseball Writers Dinner, where Baldelli will be honored. The Boston Baseball Writers Dinner is scheduled for Thursday evening. Baldelli will be...   Continue Reading

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Pirates Still In On Baldelli

7:53pm Marc Topkin of the St. Pete Times says Baldelli could be close to signing, saying "there were indications Wednesday that a deal could be completed very soon." It is not clear whether this is based on reading other reports or if he has inside information. Topkin does write that a return to the Rays "doesn't seem likely" noting that the Rays have very limited funds available after signing Pat Burrell. 1:44pm Dejan Kovacevic talked to a source directly involved in the Rocco Baldelli negotiations who believes the field may be down to the Pirates and two AL teams at...   Continue Reading

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Reds Rumors: Swisher, Nady, Baldelli

John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer has a few notes from Walt Jocketty... Jocketty has talked with Brian Cashman of the Yankees "a lot" and that the Yankees are looking to move either Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady. The Reds remain interested in Rocco Baldelli, but "probably not" Ty Wigginton, noting that the Reds plan on keeping Edwin Encarnacion. The Reds did not sign Jerry Hairston Jr to be the everyday shortstop, noting that Alex Gonzalez is progressing well from his injury. C. Trent Rosecrans of AM1530 also spoke with Jocketty and has these notes to add... Jocketty says the...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Burrell, Bradley, Abreu

Links for Tuesday... RotoAuthority asks for your #1 fantasy baseball bust for 2009. Keith Law calls the Pat Burrell signing a "major bargain," panning the Raul Ibanez contract by comparison. River Ave. Blues says the recent Burrell and Milton Bradley deals prove that Brian Cashman was wise not to offer arbitration to Bobby Abreu. Will the Rays have enough money to re-sign Rocco Baldelli now? Buster Olney still thinks he will land with Boston. Gordon Edes says Jim Hendry had a stealth dinner with Bradley during the November GM Meetings. Edes adds that the Cubs believe Derek Lowe is too...   Continue Reading

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