Rocco to Rock # 5: I love it

The signing of Rocco Baldelli became official today. The Red Sox 2009 roster is finally starting to fill out (save for the catching position).....but I think I'm more excited about the fact that Rocco will be sporting good old number five this season. The picture above just looks right doesn't it?

Nomar and Rocco have many similarities... in my opinion they kind of look alike, they both seem to have a special place in the hearts of Red Sox Nation (or in Nomar's case, "had"), both have not entirely lived up to their hype (I'll give Nomar his credit while in Boston, he was an amazing hitter and "interesting" fielder but he has simply not been the same player after leaving), and both seem to struggle staying healthy. There is also some kind of intrinsic value within having a good baseball-chant name, both Nomar and Rocco succeed in this area.

In regards to health, RSN is being told that the Red Sox have done thorough due diligence, yielding optimistic results. Baldelli was tested at MGH which resulted in news the Red Sox wanted to hear and encourage them to sign the 27 year old Cumberland native....I trust MGH and everything, but I still have guarded optimism in regards to his play this upcoming season. To expect a return to "the next Joe DiMaggio" would simply be asking too much, but adding value to a limited Red Sox bench could be a key role, especially down the stretch of a long season.

Solid number choice Rocco, go get em....

ITM Notes:

-Rocco was voted the winner of this year's Tony Conigliaro Award because of he's Italian and from Rhode Island....jokes (I think), it is actually presented to a major league player who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and courage that were trademarks of Tony C.

-ITM will be taking part in a baseball round table discussion at Fenway Park on Saturday, we'll be sure to share some pictures (if I can find my camera) and insight into topics discussed.