Rocco Baldelli, Anyone?

by Al on Dec 17, 2008 8:44 PM CST Comment 72 comments

Turns out the illness for which he was being treated... wasn't what he really had, says a Providence, Rhode Island TV station:

Rocco Baldelli was misdiagnosed when doctors told him he had mitochondrial disease.

Eyewitness News spoke with Baldelli's father Tuesday, and he says it turns out Baldelli actually has a condition known as channelopothy.

Baldelli was at the Cleveland Clinic last week undergoing further tests when a doctor at the clinic determined that Baldelli had the treatable channelopothy.

Baldelli turned 27 in September. He's a free agent. Yes, he hits righthanded, but if he's healthy -- take a look at his 2004 season, where he had 16 HR and 57 RBI in a little more than a half season's worth of AB. Careerwise vs. LHP, he is .296/.347/.494, with far fewer K's. Might make a good platoon partner for Fukudome.

Have at it.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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I was going to write a similar post.

Baldelli, if healthy, can be productive, but he’s nothing special. He could be a decent across the board, but not so good that Lou would rather have him than the lefty. No matter how good a righty hitter some of the available players may be, Lou is dead set on acquiring a lefty.

by dakoose on Dec 17, 2008 8:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We have screaming need for a left-handed bat

Cub lineup is way too right-hand dominated, especially in the middle.

by BLou on Dec 17, 2008 8:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was misdiagnosed.....

lost a job, lost our savings and then finally went back and settled with the long term disability…

Doctors had no mercy, they screwed and I could have been 6 feet under. No excuse….and I am not interested in hearing from any medical person, I once was in clinical trials and still there is no excuse.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Dec 18, 2008 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I almost posted as well

I would love to have Rocco but of course he isn’t left-handed so I don’t think there’s any chance

Derrick Rose-2009 ROTY Tyrus Thomas-2009 MIP...hope I'm at least half right

by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Dec 17, 2008 10:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Big Rocco Baldelli fan

Baldelli was an amazing talent at one stage and has outstanding makeup. It would be great story to see him resurrect the tattered remains of his career.

by BLou on Dec 17, 2008 8:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking the same thing when I heard that news

But where would he play? We’re like Overstock.com when it comes to second baseman and Outfielders.

I bet he goes back to new england

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Dec 17, 2008 8:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Or the Yankees

A few years ago none other than George Steinbrenner was gushing over Rocco Baldelli and opening dreaming about him being the next Joe DiMaggio at Yankee Stadium. Comparison to DiMaggio is a great big leap, but not the Italian American thing for a team that plays in the Bronx.

by BLou on Dec 17, 2008 9:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

they have a lot of OFers as well

matusi, damon, nady, gardner,cabrera and possibly Manny

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Dec 17, 2008 9:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would think there are plenty of options for Baldelli

Assuming of course this latest medical diagnosis is legit and not simply a case of he and his agent trying to falsely salvage his major league future. I would guess that a lot of low revenue teams are lining up to talk to him though.

by BLou on Dec 17, 2008 9:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I still think Boston

they need to replace Coco

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Dec 17, 2008 9:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

He’s a Red Sox fan, and the Red Sox need a 4th OF. Unless a team ponies up big, I think he ends up back there for at least a year. If he does well, maybe they slot him as Bay’s replacement in LF in 2010 until their ridiculous OF depth develops a bit more (Reddick, Kalish, Lin, Westmoreland, and others).

by toonsterwu on Dec 18, 2008 11:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I saw this

I’ve been a fan a signing him to a low incentive based deal since the beginning of the offseason. Matter of fact I was flamed for saying so but dont this seem convenient that his health concerns have been going on for quite awhile and now all of a sudden it isnt what it seems? his agent is doing his job and trying to get him payed top dollar.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Dec 17, 2008 9:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

heh oh boy!

It would be swell, why not get Carl Crawford and we have the 06 Tampa Outfield

BCB Works Miracles: It saved my English grade!

by Chanman25 on Dec 17, 2008 9:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We need power. And left-handed power.

Not injuries.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 17, 2008 9:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Would have loved to get Rocco.

But, I think Gathright precludes us from Baldelli.

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 17, 2008 10:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm confused why everyone thinks Joey is going to be a starter.

He’s not. He’s going to be a very useful (and inexpensive) bench player.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 17, 2008 10:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You got the inexpensive right

but not the useful part.

by uwbadger on Dec 17, 2008 10:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As a 2005 Badger alum...

…I respectfully and whole-heartedly disagree.

Joey was only $800,000. He plays excellent defense,, and has an average if not slightly-above/below on-base percentage.

He is a perfect late-inning substitution; his value has a role and substitute player is significantly increased in the NL, too. He will not be a starting outfielder for us on a regular basis, but will serve his role on this team in 2009.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 17, 2008 10:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's Felix Pie at 2X the price plus a roster spot

UZR/150 pretty much the same so defense is a wash. Gathright is what he is at this point; he’ll put the ball on the ground and hope to beat it out. His batting avg, and thus his OBP are going to be influenced by two or three balls bouncing here or there past an infielder. He has pretty limited upside if you ask me. The believer in me still thinks Pie can hack it and provide more to this team than JG including an XBH here or there. JG is definitely going to be an upgrade defensively in the latter innings over DeRosa, Fukudome, Soriano but Pie can do the same thing. I’m sure this has been hashed out in the JG thread but I think his roster spot is going to be a waste when the Cubs will effectively be selling low in Pie and Pie could have provided at least as much as Gathright will.

by uwbadger on Dec 17, 2008 11:55 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Wow...

Theriot and JG on one team…how could we be so lucky to have two guys SLG the shit out of the ball…actually JG is worse than RT.

by Glen Bishop on Dec 18, 2008 1:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pie only appeared in 43 games last year.

I don’t think Pie’s roster spot was that much of a spot. I agree, I would much, much rather take the chance on Pie, but he’s been absolutely horrible at the plate. At least we know Gathright gets on base more and can steal when he’s there. Pie hasn’t even been able to get on base.

I think the Gathright signing just proves that Pie is going to be moved before the season starts. Jimbo and/or Lou have given up on him.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 18, 2008 1:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Joey is going to be a starter.

I don’t think Baldelli would, either (at least to start).

That’s why Gathright precludes us from getting Baldelli.

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 17, 2008 10:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But, thanks for putting words into my mouth.

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 17, 2008 10:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm confused.

Precludes means “prevent”, right? So, “Joey prevents us from getting Baldelli”, right?

And I responded with, “I don’t understand why everyone thinks Joey is going to be a starter”. And then I argued why Joey will be a serviceable bench OF, but does not prevent us from getting a starting OF.

Am I missing something here?

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 17, 2008 11:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You responded to my comment on getting Gathright precluding us getting Baldelli.

With “I don’t understand why everyone thinks Gathright will be a starter.”

That intones that I said Gathright will be a starter. I was simply saying our 4th/5th OF spot seems to be already locked up.

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 18, 2008 7:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I have no idea what we are talking about at this point.

I won’t respond to anything you say, does that solve the problem? How are we supposed to dialogue in an online forum if we do not interpret and read words as they are written?

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 18, 2008 2:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Freak what you feel, man.

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 18, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

WAT.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 18, 2008 7:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wait...you don't actually think...

Baldelli would be a starter?

Come on now.

"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08

by Bildo1805 on Dec 18, 2008 7:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No way

the Cubs are picking up another right-handed bat. Lou would have a fit.

by Josh77 on Dec 17, 2008 10:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Let's just do everything that Lou wants...

by Glen Bishop on Dec 17, 2008 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, you have a point.

Unfortunately, that’s what Jim Hendry does.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 8:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I love me some Baldelli

by Cubinator on Dec 17, 2008 11:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

TWHS?

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 17, 2008 11:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

fail

BCB Works Miracles: It saved my English grade!

by Chanman25 on Dec 18, 2008 6:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would say a spring training invite

I know that some other team will offer him much more than that but he is just to much of an injury risk to sign to any sort deal. Perhaps one full of incentives or a club option after a year or two. This guys medical records make Bradley look like Cal Ripken Jr.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Dec 18, 2008 4:32 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I just don't see it...

The Cubs are looking for a LH bat. I don’t see why they’d be interested in taking a gamble on Baldelli, when even if he pans out he doesn’t address our needs.

As far as platoon partners for Fukudome, don’t we already have that guy in Reed Johnson?

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 8:04 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I can smell that...

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 18, 2008 8:08 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ugh

no thanks. I like my team to consist of players that will actually play.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Dec 18, 2008 8:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Really?

For those that have said Milton Bradley is risky because he can’t stay healthy, how on earth would Baldelli even merit even brief consideration? Set aside his illness, his consistent injuries at a young age scream stay far away. Torn ACL and elbow injuries in 2005, considerable hamstring injuries in 2007 and then the illness. All before the age of 30. No thanks.

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Dec 18, 2008 9:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think the suggested difference...

is that they’ve addressed his injury issues with the proper diagnosis. That said, I agree with you – the guy is brittle, and there’s no more likelihood that Baldelli plays 100+ games than there is that Bradley plays 100+ games.

The other argument is that Baldelli will be cheaper and not a headcase. That much is true. But given the fact that he’s still a big question mark in terms of injuries and he’s a RH hitter, he’s not a good fit.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 9:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the idea is that you're paying a lot less

for Baldelli than you would be for Bradley. Meh, I still prefer Abreu to both.

by Cubinator on Dec 19, 2008 1:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Moises son is now playing?

by N Oakley on Dec 19, 2008 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dear Santa...

I want the Twins to sign Baldelli (they need a RH bat anyway)…and trade us Kubel, and then we trade for McLouth, and we somehow dump Marquis and Dome, and sign RJ to a one year deal…and Reed can split time with Baldelli to keep Baldelli fresh!

by jbertram on Dec 18, 2008 9:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

If only you'd thought this through...

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 18, 2008 10:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

yeah, that’s a pretty out there scenario, so do we trade Reed to the Twins in the Kubel deal?

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Dec 18, 2008 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

how about

we just give the twins derosa and pie for span and call it an offseason.

bring up felix.

by kylejo on Dec 18, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why would they be even remotely interested in doing that?

by Wreckard on Dec 19, 2008 10:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

more importantly,

why would we?

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Dec 19, 2008 11:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Because Span is awesome

…and will be a huge star when he develops.

But one year of Derosa + an unproven young outfielder with falling stock wouldn’t be anywhere near enough to get him.

by Wreckard on Dec 19, 2008 11:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

because i think pie's value to another team

is higher in the minds of those outside the BCB universe. the guy still has not gotten his fair shot, and his minor league numbers do nothing to dispell his former status as an elite prospect. plus derosa has a lot of value.

oh and span, check out what he did as a 23-year-old in Triple A in 2007:

.267 .323 .355 .678 25sb 14cs 64% success rate, with 3 homers in 487 at bats.

Lets compare that to Pie as a 22-year-old in Triple A the same year:

.362 .410 .563 .973 in 229 at bats

As a 21-year-old his first year in Triple A in 2006:

.283 .341 .451 .792

Felix Pie didnt all of a sudden become bad at baseball, people just like to overreact to his numbers and while Cubs fans will over value their prospects, they’ll also under value them at the same time. I would not want to trade Pie, but as he will be traded, I’d like it to be in this trade. Pie and Derosa for Span is a pretty solid start, if the Cubs had to add to that, it wouldnt be a whole lot more.

bring up felix.

by kylejo on Dec 19, 2008 12:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The difference

…is that Span has proven he can succeed at the major league level. Pie has not.

Why would they trade a proven commodity, someone who looks like they will be an all-star for years to come, for a guy who plays the same position, has lower upside, and hasn’t proven that they can hit major league pitching?

You have to look at this deal from both sides; it makes zero sense for the Twins.

And besides, if Span were available, which he absolutely is not even in the most fertile of imaginations, he would fetch a king’s ransom. Much, much, much, much more than an unproven young outfielder with no options and a single year of a solid major league infielder.

There isn’t a team in baseball who wouldn’t be interested in him.

by Wreckard on Dec 19, 2008 12:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

proven commodity?

i think you are WAY overreacting here. lets look at the facts, we have 229 major league at bats for Felix Pie and its not like he’s completely flopped and hit below the Mendoza line.

Span has one major league season under his belt, how in the hell is he a proven commodity?

Also, Span does NOT have higher upside than Pie. He has little power upside at all, and has never made Baseball America’s top 100 prospects. Not sure where you are getting that.

Put it this way, one year ago today you would have told me I was crazy if we were to ship off Pie and Derosa for Span, after Pie just had a much better season at Triple A and at a younger age.

Span has proven he CAN hit major league pitching, but he is not proven, and has never until this year, been considered a better prospect than Pie.

Pie + DeRosa is one hell of a core for a trade for Span…especially when the Twins are looking to unload an outfielder….and happen to want DeRosa.

bring up felix.

by kylejo on Dec 19, 2008 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

OK then

While I’m not one of those people who thinks that Pie is worthless, I think you’re vastly overestimating his current value. Pie hasn’t shown even the slightest bit of success at the major league level, with a relatively large sample size. I’m not saying he’s a lost cause but his value certainly couldn’t be lower.

Span, in a similar sample size, has a high amount of success at the major league level.

But it’s irrelevant. If you really think that’s a “hell of a core” for a trade for Span I guess I won’t stop you. The fact is that Span isn’t available, and won’t be available. They Twins aren’t looking to spin an extra outfielder, they’re looking to trade Delmon Young specifically.

by Wreckard on Dec 19, 2008 3:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

"slightest bit of success at the major league level...

…with a relatively large sample size." that’s almost a contradiction, because the “slightest bit” cant really be “a relatively large sample size,” but in the second half 2008:

.300 .391 .450 .841

now, that was only in 23 plate appearances, but when he had a chance to play in the second half he played very well. in his 63 prior at bats:

.222 .286 .286 .571

every major leaguer can have a 63 at bat stretch like that. and its not like the guy was lenny harris-like in that stretch either. the fact is, the book is wide open on Pie, and one third of a season’s worth of half assed playing time as a 23-year-old isn’t going to change peoples opinions of his talent all that much. i think you’re “vastly” underestimating his value. and putting denard span on a pedestal, while ignoring the fact that the twins want DeRosa.

bring up felix.

by kylejo on Dec 19, 2008 5:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok dude

I mean, we can play the selective endpoints game all day, but when a ballclub is entertaining the notion that Joey Gathright is more valuable than a particular player, it’s a safe bet that player’s value isn’t perceived as very high.

Look, I like Pie. I think he can be a solid major leaguer and I wish we’d give him a chance to succeed. But if you can’t see how low his trade value is right now you aren’t just drinking the Kool-aid, you’re swimming in it.

I realize the Twins are rumored to be interested in Derosa. But the idea that they’d trade 5 cost-controlled years of a player coming off a great season for 1 year of Derosa and a young outfielder that we have clearly given up on is beyond far-fetched.

by Wreckard on Dec 20, 2008 12:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Shoulda seen Dr. Greg House

n/t

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Dec 18, 2008 11:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Rocco would be great addition to the Cubbies

Rocco has had a tough road so far, but I would love to see him revive his career in Chicago. I went to High School with him at Bishop Hendricken in Warwick, RI from 1996-2000. He is def a class act. He came up through the Drays system pretty fast after being drafted in the top 7 picks of the first round back in 2000.

He is very quick and with his latest misdiagnosis could be a great fit for the Cubs. There is a lot of talk around here in Rhode Island that Boston is taking a peek at him to be there 4th outfielder, but no contact has been made as of early this week.

He would be able to platoon with Fukudome and his incredible speed would be great in late inning situations. Hope he signs with the Cubbies or the Sox. Def a stand up guy and would only help with team chemistry.

by mossey12 on Dec 18, 2008 11:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

So wait a second Al

Milton Bradley is too much of an injury risk, but Rocco would be interesting to you?

How’s that work?

by Wreckard on Dec 18, 2008 12:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Because of the new info that suggests that Baldelli was misdiagnosed.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 18, 2008 12:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, but...

the diagnosis only accounts for his most recent illness. It doesn’t consider the fact that he was very injury prone long before the mysterious fatigue problem.

by SouthernCub on Dec 18, 2008 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

a good point

though Rocco is less apt to break his hand on somebody’s face

by Cubinator on Dec 19, 2008 1:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, no kidding

If I had a dime for every time Bradley assaulted someone I’d…

Oh wait. I wouldn’t have anything.

by Wreckard on Dec 19, 2008 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Injury prone

I really hate that label when referring to ballplayers who play the game all out, and take risks sometimes to try to insure a win for their team. Every injury Ken Griffey Jr. had in his early career was from making plays that other players thought were impossible.

Baldelli got hurt the same way. I personally would rather watch players play like that than “reliably” mediocre.

Not everyone is built like a fire hydrant the way Pete Rose was, and so sometimes when you make those kinds of plays, you will get hurt. It is sort of like skiing. Beginning skiers are not the ones who get the serious injuries. It is the advanced ones who take risks that novices would never build up enough speed for. Baseball affords the same level of risks.

Especially at the MLB level.

"I lof to hit de home ron!"

by Tekboy on Dec 18, 2008 6:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I really see no reason for a player to play in such a way...

…that getting to a ball in the outfield routinely incurs injury. I don’t think it’s helpful for the player or the team in the long run.

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Dec 19, 2008 11:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

True enough

But quite frankly, it doesn’t matter whether they are injured by playing hard or by loafing to their position like Fred McGriff. In a bottom line business, it doesn’t matter much.

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Dec 18, 2008 8:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs