Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON _ Rocco Baldelli played his 18th game of the season for the Red Sox Saturday night. The Rhode Island native replaced right fielder J.D. Drew, who was out with a sore shoulder.

This is the role the Sox envisioned for Baldelli when the signed him as a free agent during the winter. Due to his health issues, the club knew there would be times when Baldelli would not be available, so they have devised a system during spring training that has worked and they haven't deviated from that plan.

"I think he's done a terrific job at communicating," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "And I know him better and I'm more comfortable, which I think helps. He's had some leg issues, which I think we expected that."

Baldelli entered Saturday's game against the Rangers with a .260 average (50 at-bats) with two homers and seven RBI. He's already spent time on the DL with a hamstring strain, but the Sox know his value.

"He gives us a real potent bat, especially against lefties," said Francona. "There have been a few times where we had to give a little bit and give him some breaks, but I think we thought that would be the case. Because of him, and the way he handles it, it makes it pretty easy to be patient."

Nothing has changed in the way the Red Sox feel about Baldelli and Francona believes the "partnership" is working.

"There are times we have to stay away. We have a pretty good understanding and he wants to be available on the field and he knows his body better than anybody," said Francona. "He wants to be available for games, so we're not going to take him out at 2 o'clock and run him from first to third. We want him to be available for some of those lefties because he can be a potent bat."

The Sox conducted early BP for players Saturday afternoon and Baldelli wanted to participate, especially since he was playing, but did not hit. He says he feels guilty while his teammates are doing the extra work and he's forced to watch.

"I try to balance doing everything I need to do help the team win and take care of myself at the same time," he said.

A year ago at this time Baldelli didn't know whether he would be able to play baseball again due to his channelopathy disorder. He returned last August and helped the Tampa Bay Rays reach the World Series. When he signed with the Sox in January, he knew his homecoming would be a different in a lot of ways.

"I think Rocco is happy to be playing," said Francona. "I think he went through some scares with his health, scares that go past playing and leading a normal life. He shows up every day and does his best to be available. He always has a smile on his face. He's been a real pleasure."

 Tags  Red Sox Rocco Baldelli Terry Francona

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