Baldelli

To say the 2008 season was bittersweet for Rocco Baldelli would be a major understatement.

The Tampa Bay Ray and Rhode Island native knew his promising major-league career was in jeopardy during spring training. He finished the year playing in the World Series.

“In a way, it was probably the worst year of my entire life, and it ended up being one of the best years,” said Baldelli, who is back home in Cumberland. “Obviously, [with] everything I had to deal with at the beginning, I was thinking my career was over and not really knowing what would happen next with it. That was really tough for me to deal with. But it ended up being unbelievable. It was one of the most special moments of my life just being able to be a part of it.”

Now he’s focusing on his future as a free agent. His situation is unique.

Because the Rays reached the World Series, there hasn’t been much time for management to figure out what the plan is for Baldelli. The sides have had discussions, but nothing concrete at this point.

“This is the first time I’ve gone through free agency,” said the Rays’ former first-round draft pick. “I’m not sure of anything. I’m sure we’ll continue to have discussions, but this is all new to me.”

Despite his health issues with a mitochondrial disorder that leaves him severely fatigued, Baldelli is being considered for employment by a half-dozen other major-league teams, including the Red Sox. His ability to be a right-handed bat off the bench could help Boston. He could be used as the fourth outfielder.

The move actually makes sense for the Red Sox given the fact Baldelli doesn’t expect to play every day and realizes his current role as a platoon guy. The 27-year-old was once a building block for the Rays and earlier in 2008 — due to Baldelli’s health issues — Tampa decided to buy out his $6-million option for 2009 with a $4-million settlement.

He’ll probably be able to fetch a deal for 2009 in the range of $1 to $2 million per season.

“I’m not in a situation to be that picky about where I’m going to be playing next year,” he said. “There’s probably a select group of teams I can work with and fit my type of situation.”

There was a time a few seasons ago when Baldelli was on the DL when the Rays played at Fenway Park. He didn’t have to make the trip to Boston, but he did and tried to do it quietly only to be unsuccessful. He was sitting in the visitors’ dugout when a NESN TV camera spotted him and Red Sox broadcasters Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy began to talk about Baldelli.

After the game, his cell phone was flooded with text messages and voice mails from family and friends in Rhode Island.

Now that he’s a seasoned veteran, he believes he can play anywhere, including in front of the hometown fans.

“I would be just fine playing there,” he said. “I don’t have strong feelings one way or another about playing there.”

There aren’t too many teams in need of a DH, but that’s also a role he can fill at a high level. He could probably play close to 100 games in that position.

Not only did he make an inspirational and remarkable return to the lineup, but he produced in key situations for the Rays, especially in the postseason. Baldelli helped Tampa beat the White Sox, and Red Sox before the Rays eventually lost to the Phillies in the World Series. Even in the Fall Classic he played well in every aspect in the three games he played.

Overall he went 4-for-20 with 4 runs scored, 2 home runs, 6 RBI, 10 total bases, 3 walks and 5 strikeouts in eight postseason games. He even made the cover of Sports Illustrated last Monday in a fantastic photograph colliding with Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz at home plate.

“That was pretty cool, dude,” he said. “That doesn’t happen every day.”

Baldelli plans on relaxing at home this offseason and will have his swing ready to go for the spring.

Baldelli spent last winter traveling the country in search of a specific diagnosis for his mitochondrial disorder, but now says that he can control it with medication, diet and rest.

jmcdonal@projo.com