Before the Boston Baseball Writers’ Association dinner tonight in Boston, Theo Epstein and Terry Francona introduced the newest member of the Boston Red Sox, Rocco Baldelli.
Baldelli will No. 5, a number which hasn’t been worn in Boston since Nomar Garciaparra was traded. Baldelli talked about that and few other things at the press conference.
Baldelli on wearing Nomar Garciaparra’s and George Scott’s No. 5:
It was brought to my attention that obviously this has always been a special number in this town and I recognize that as much as anybody. It was brought to my attention that there was a possibility that I was going to be able to wear it. It being the number that I have worn my whole career. I accept it and I think it’s great and I am very happy about it.
Baldelli on childhood dream to play for Sox:
I’ve always said as much as anyone what it means to be a Red Sox fan and somewhat around the game. My family and friends are as crazy as any other Red Sox fan out there. I know the loyalty that these people here have for this team and it’s really an honor for me to be a part of it.
Baldelli on how he feels physically:
At this point I really couldn’t be happier with the way that I feel. I started working out this off-season earlier than any other off-season that I have. This is pretty much all I could ask for. I have been continuing to see and consult anyone that I need to and I think it’s going to be an on-going process for me and I am going to have to embrace and understand that there will always going to be something different that maybe able to help me and I am willing to do whatever I need to.
Baldelli on his durability:
Once I get to spring training and I start to get on my feet again, I am going to have a lot better idea of how I am feeling. I feel very good right now and the Sox have been helping me – consulting people to further help me feel any better than I already am. I anticipate being able to do more than I was doing last year and that’s pretty much it.
Baldelli on advantages of being home:
It’s tough to put my finger on that. Like I touched on earlier there’s a lot of reasons that this was the right team for me to go to. I think the most important reason is my family is that they get to come see me play all the time which is very important to me too and what makes them happy make me happy. I think that a big reason too.
Quotes courtesy of Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe.
Like I said this afternoon, I like the signing as it’s a low-risk, high reward proposition for both the Red Sox and Baldelli.
