Rocco Baldelli reports to camp early
Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times reports that Rocco Baldelli has reported to Spring Training early. Baldelli has been hitting, shagging and running “almost all out” as he continues to work his way back from hamstring injuries that limited him to 35 games last season.
The Rays expect Baldelli to take it very slow throughout Spring Training by limiting his time in the field and have him hold back a little when running the bases with the goal of getting to opening day healthy.
A healthy Baldelli would be huge for the Rays, considering their neglect to get a true outfielder over the winter. If they hadn’t opted for the DH type of guy like Cliff Floyd, but instead put their sights on Brad Wilkerson, or someone like him, they would have more leash with Baldelli, allowing him to spend more games as their designated hitter.
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