Red Sox Set To Sign Rocco Baldelli

From Boston.com:

According to sources close to the talks, the 27-year-old Baldelli is inching closer to a deal with the Sox. Boston has done extensive background work on Baldelli’s health, including a mitochondrial disorder that has been rediagnosed as the less severe channelopathy this winter.

Sox general manager Theo Epstein declined to comment on Baldelli.

There’s hope Baldelli, through diet and medication, can play more than previously anticipated and not suffer the same muscle fatigue to his legs that nearly ended his career a year ago.

Since losing Coco Crisp in the Ramon Ramírez deal with the Royals, the Sox have been in need of a fourth outfielder, preferably one who bats righthanded. Baldelli, a Cumberland, R.I., native, also has drawn interest from the Reds and Pirates, but would prefer to remain closer to home.

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