New Year, New Post: Baldelli and Smoltz

Today seems like a good day to resurrect this blog, considering the stories out about the Red Sox’ acquiring a fourth outfielder and a veteran pitcher.

ESPN.com’s Peter Gammons reported last night that the Sox were "close to signing free-agent outfielder Rocco Baldelli" and that the announcement would be made at tonight’s Boston Baseball Writers dinner. But apparently it’s already announced, or so WEEI.com‘s "This Just In" box currently states:

The Boston Red Sox today agreed to terms with outfielder Rocco Baldelli on a one-year contract through the 2009 season. No further terms were disclosed. To make room for Baldelli on the 40-man roster, righthanded pitcher Charlie Zink was designated for assignment.In five seasons of major league action, Baldelli has compiled a .281 average, 94 doubles, 52 homers and 234 RBI in 447 games, all with Tampa Bay. He was 4-for-20 with two home runs and six RBI in his post-season debut this past fall. — (Jan. 8, 12:49pm)

‘EEI’s is also carrying a Paul Newberry Associated Press story saying that Boston has "reached preliminary agreement" with versatile 41-year-old pitcher John Smoltz, a one-year deal for $5 million plus another $5 million in performance incentives. It sounds like a typical low-risk Theo Epstein deal for a player who was out last season with shoulder surgery but should be able to contribute on some level in 2009. Depending on his health, Smoltz could relieve and spot start, or be the fifth man in the rotation now consisting of Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester, and Tim Wakefield.

No word yet on a catcher…