Red Sox, Baldelli agree to deal

Jan 8, 2009 - 11:22 PM BOSTON (Ticker) -- Rocco Baldelli is heading back to New England.

The Boston Red Sox on Thursday agreed to terms with the outfielder on a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

A native of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Baldelli has had a spotty career since breaking into major leagues as a highly touted prospect in 2003.

A litany of injuries have held him back - injuries that were ultimately diagnosed as a result of a rare mitochondrial disorder that causes his muscles to fatigue much faster than normal.

However, continued treatment of his condition have made it easier on the 27-year-old Baldelli, who was able to provide an extra bat for the Tampa Bay Rays last season he hit .263 with four homers and 13 RBI in 28 games.

In five seasons, Baldelli has compiled a .281 average, 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 postseason debut this past fall as the Rays advanced to the World Series before losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games.

In 2003, Baldelli finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting after leading major league rookies with 184 hits and ranking tops among A.L. rookies with a .289 batting average and 27 stolen bases.

With Boston, Baldelli is expected to be the team's fourth outfielder behind Jason Bay, Jacoby Ellsbury and J.D. Drew.

Baldelli essentially replaces Coco Crisp, who was traded to the Kansas City Royals earlier this offseason.