Say Hello To… Rocco Baldelli
As expected, after Peter Gammons stole their thunder, the Red Sox announced today that they have signed Rhode Island native Rocco “Woonsocket Rocket” Baldelli to a one-year contract.
The club did not disclose the terms, but they’re sure to leak sometime soon. The Globe has “sources” who suggest the contract could be worth a lot of money for Rocco:
[A] baseball source told the Globe that he will receive $500,000 guaranteed, and can earn another $1.75 million in bonuses solely for remaining on the active roster — in other words, his salary would be $2.25 million if he remains on the active roster all season.On top of that, the 27-year-old also has significant bonuses based on plate appearances that could elevate the value of the contract to as high as $7.5 million, though that number is attainable only if he makes 600 plate appearances, which is highly unlikely.
It’s a sweet deal for Rocco, who grew up watching the Sox, and with his recent health problems, the bench role should fit him like a glove. It’s also a sweet deal for the Sox, who now have a guy who can plug the fourth-outfielder-who-can-bat-righty slot.
Plus, it also means stealing the binky mascot from the Rays, which can never be a bad thing. (Especially after they signed my man, Pat the Bat Burrell – how dare they!) I know Rocco was a fan favorite in Tampa, and a blogger favorite as well. Let’s take a quick look down south to see their thoughts.
Rays baseball won’t seem right without Rocco, and that’s a testament to Rocco the person and the player.
Good luck Rocco.
Wow. Just wow. We knew this was certainly possible but man. It is very weird to think of Rocco wearing a Sox uniform. And that is going to be a sad day in April when he is in the lineup against the Rays.
And Rocco loves to email.
And balance cups on his bat.
He’ll fit in great ’round here. Welcome to Boston, Rocco.
I like this signing and think he’ll be a great 4th OF.
Texy, I thought of you when I read the news about Burrell going to the Rays. It just seems so wrong.
As a fellow Rhode Islander and someone who watched Rocco play for Hendricken against my high school, I’m very pumped for this signing. Can’t wait to get my Baldelli jersey…
so many tears in my beer….
Jessica- I was sure I’d visit your blog to find you’d gone blackout in mourning.
I am psyched we got him–a bit ridiculously psyched, actually. I have such regional pride in New England ballplayers.
Liza, I’m with you. I’m giddy. Unreasonably giddy. (What a babe!)
Nice homecoming. The OF will be lookin’ sharp even though I’m missing Coco to pieces.
So happy to hear Rocco was signed – welcome back kid!
His eyes look super pretty in that first picture. Also, being an RIer, I’m of course ridiculously excited about this. Even if he’s a Hendricken boy, I can give an exception to the rule sometimes (I only say this because it seems like almost all the boys who go to Hendricken who are from my area are giant douchebags. It could be different with the ones who live by the cities)
Loved the way he gloated on the news last night about beating us last year. ROLLING EYES
The guy is always injured and useless and last year he ran his mouth after they beat us.
Aww! GoAwayBaldelli! It’s been ages since you’ve posted here! I had started to wonder where you were.
Take your shoes off, Old Buddy! Stay a while!
Why do you keep posting under different names, GoAwayBaldelli? You hate Rocco, you hate Kevin Cash… is there anyone else you wanna hate on? Be sure and post under another name when you tell us!
I am happy to hear Rocco signed with the Sox. I am a tad concerned about the health issues…especially since JD’s back is always persnickety.
But I do love having a home town boy playing with the team…and they got a really talented guy on the cheap (mainly because of the health stuff). It’s a good play…and now I can’t wait to see those homers at Fenway. I am really going to enjoy cheering for him.
Shelley
P.S. I love that the Nation snark was so diminished on Rocco. One, he’s one of the New Englanders…and two, I think we’ve all begun to hear and hence the bitterness is resigning.
Great signing for the Sox! Rocco, if healthy, should get plenty of game time with the Sox. With JD Drew always a risk to go on the DL, Jacoby still susceptible to slumps, and Papi needing some rest against lefties at times, Rocco will be sure to get plenty of AB’s!
Also nice to see the Sox have a back-up plan with Kotsay….
Where did Theo get that UnderArmour jacket? I’ve looked at all the usual sites, but have been unable to find it. Pretty sweet….