MVN: Most Valuable Network

After spend the first part of the week analyzing all the player the Red Sox could have signed to a bench role, EPSN's Peter Gammons is now reporting that the Red Sox are close to signing Rocco Baldelli:

"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.

Baldelli, 27, has been limited to 155 games the last three years because of a mitochondrian disorder, a condition that leaves him feeling extremely fatigued after just a brief workout.

Baldelli recently underwent a series of tests as Massahusetts General Hospital and the results were positive. The Red Sox were struck by Baldelli's persona and are optimistic he can be a significant contributor in 2009."

Bottom Line: I have said from the beginning that Baldelli's health concerns me, but the Red Sox appear confident that he can contribute. I'm not sure we should expect numbers similar to his first two years in the bigs: .285 BA, 10-15 HRs, 70-80 RBI... but we all know the Red Sox medical staff is one of the best in sports. Rocco couldn't have picked a better place to make his comeback... oh, and the whole "growing up in Rhode Island thing" is cool too.