Baldelli plays in extended spring

OF Rocco Baldelli took the first steps of his comeback, going 1-for-5 as the DH in an extended spring game against the Phillies Thursday.

Baldelli ran “a little on the easy side’’ but said “Overall,  I felt good.’’

Baldelli, on the DL since spring training due to a rare condition that causes muscle fatigue in his legs, is scheduled to play again in a few days. There is no timetable for his return to the majors.

Comments

[Don]

Though Rocco has become the Lost Boy on the Rays roster....his possible return could be a boon for the team. If by some miracle he could regain some of his hitting form (as a DH), the team would certainly benefit. Historically, Rocco has always been warmly received at the Trop. Media idiots like Ron & Ian and also the BIG DOG have unfairly criticized Baldelli. They have forgotten that at one time, Rocco was the heart of time.

[Don]

oops, should have read 'heart of the team'.

[Edgar]

Let's see how long Baldelli stays healthy, it would not surprise me that he would be injured again. Sure he is important team based on his hitting but staying healthy, that is another issue. This is 4 years in a row this team relies on this guy. Pull the plug. The Rays need at RF that can hit like Jason Bay or Xavier Nady. I had seen enough of that meathead Jonny Gomes. He went to the Richie Sexson school of hitting(either HR or strikeout). I can deal with Hinske/Floyd at DH for the meantime. I don't mind a Justin Ruggiano sight.

[CharlieRay]

Justin Ruggiano AB 112 Avg 330, 4 HR, OBP 402, SLG 536, OPS 937
Johnny Gomes AB 86 Avg 209, 4 HR, OBP 310, SLG 407, OPS 717

I think it's time to make this team the best we can with the people we have. Let Ruggiano have his shot. I can't stand watching Gomes fail at the plate anymore. It would also be an improvement in the field.

[Bill]

It's about time people got on board with what I've said about Gomes for a very long time........and that is he is a one trick pony........homer or nothing with no defensive skills. Let me add that I LOVE how hard he plays and he does seem to be the first guy to celebrate with teammates when they win......but he is such a whiner when he isn't playing. He's not a 'valuable' player in the sense that he's a DH only, so that limits him to 16 teams and he's not good enough to be the regular DH on most teams.......he doesnt' hit for enough average to be a good DH......anyone can hit 25-30 homers if that is all they tried to do and then end up with a .215 batting average but I'd rather have a .250 hitter with 15-20 homers who can play defense and do the little things a team needs.

[Gene]

I lived in Boston in 1975 when Tony Conigliaro made it back in the middle of the season from his horrendous beanball/head injury. It was the spark that put the Red Sox over the top for their run to the World Series. Rocco can be that kind of influence and we lose nothing giving him the chance to see how he devolops. As much as I love JG's hustle, this team has progressed beyond needing just "character guys" and now can't afford to keep a roster spot for someone that cannot produce.