Sox Take Gamble on Two

The Boston Red Sox might be going out on a limb with their two latest free agent acquisitions, but as a philosopher once said "Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?"

Boston has come to agreements on contracts with John Smoltz and Rocco Baldelli.

Here are the details of Smoltz's contract, according to ESPN:

Smoltz will earn a $5.5 million base salary with the Red Sox, and can earn up to $5 million in an incentive clause. The incentives include $125,000 for his first day on the active roster, $500,000 if he is on the active roster on the last day of the season, and up to $4.375 million for the number of days he is on the major league roster during the season. Miscellaneous bonuses would come into play if he wins comeback player of the year, the Cy Young or other such awards.

Signing Smoltz gives the Red Sox a rotation of six guys; Dice-K, Beckett, Brad Penny, Wakefield, and Jon Lester. The Smoltz signing may be a precursor to a deal with Texas for catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, as Clay Buchholz would seemingly become expendable.

Baldelli, a Rhode Island native, chose to remain closer to home by inking a deal with the BoSox. It was believed that the Reds and Pirates both had interest in the outfielder.

After trading away Coco Crisp, the Sox said they were looking to acquire a right handed outfielder to add some depth to their squad. Baldelli, if he can remain healthy, will likely spell oft injured J.D. Drew and Jason Bay.

Hope Springs Eternal

Yes, we titled this post the corniest post known to baseball blogging. Get over it, we did. Keep reading, we've got spring training updates.

Carlos Beltran says the Mets are the team to beat. Not the Phillies. Take that Jimmy Rollins. We're hoping that this playground bickering will lead to an intense rivalry for the NL East. Mets/Phillies fights would be great to see. Like the Yankee/Sox fights at the turn of the century.

Closer, starter, ace, pinch hitter. What's next in link for Cardinals righty Adam Wainright? Mathew Leach of MLB.com talks about the future of the Cardinals dominating starter.

Devil Rays closer Troy Percival will be taking it easy this spring, but he says he's back to where he wants to be.

Are the Indians thinking about life without a few CC's in their rotation? MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince takes a look at the Indian's chances without their ace in the hole.

Rocco Baldelli will be taking it easy this spring training and will likely start the season as the Ray's DH. Rotowire reports that team officials sat down with Baldelli and outlined a plan for his safe return to the outfield.