Red Sox get Smoltz/Baldelli

[imfletcher]

According to a few different reports I've seen, the Red Sox are closing in on both John Smoltz and Rocco Baldelli.

Not sure what to expect from Smoltz...but if he stays healthy, a hell of an addition to the pitching staff....does this bump Wakefield to the pen?

As for Baldelli, not as much of a "splash" as Smoltz, but would be a great fourth outfielder for them.

[HybridTheory]

i heard it's basically the Pirates and the Red Sox going for Baldelli. Personally, I hope the Pirates land him because I don't want him taking any of Ellsbury's time in the OF.

[mike]

I dont think Smoltz becomes a starter I think he is a bullpen guy.

[fan4ever]

Whoever gets Baldelli, I hope they're careful with his health. The Rays Prez was interviewed yesterday AM...he had nothing but praise for him and what he's gone thru to work himself back...just have to be careful because he fatigues easily.

[hobbs]

I hope Smoltzie doesn't go over to the dark side as well...

[hobbs]

After more than two decades with the Braves, John Smoltz appears likely to finish his stellar career wearing a different uniform. In a stunning end to one of baseball’s longest runs, Smoltz reached preliminary agreement on a contract with the Boston Red Sox after failing to work out a deal to return for his 22nd season with the Braves.

A person familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity because the final paperwork had not been completed, said Smoltz will sign a guaranteed deal with the Red Sox worth about $5 million and also have the possibility to earn another $5 million in performance bonuses. The deal was expected to be finalized later Thursday.

The Red Sox also agreed to a one-year contract with outfielder Rocco Baldelli, but clearly the deal with Smoltz is the biggest splash yet for a team that lost to Tampa Bay in the AL championship series and is looking to keep pace with the rival Yankees, who’ve doled out $423.5 million in contracts to three players after missing the playoffs last season.

Source