Baldelli signs; Smoltz on deck

Not bad for a New England native (Cumberland, R.I.), though not exactly the biggest Sox fan growing up.

"It seems like almost every offseason we are looking for a young, really talented righthanded-hitting outfielder to complement the core of outfielders that we have," general manager Theo Epstein said. "Rocco obviously is talented enough to start for any club, but due to circumstances the last couple of years and the evolution of his career, it seemed like the right time and the right fit where he could help us out as an extra outfielder, but be a pretty dynamic one."

So while the Yankees (and even the Rays) have been signing some of the biggest names on the free agent market, the Red Sox have stuck more to bargain signings after their failed pursuit of Mark Teixeira. They've been giving contracts for $5 million instead of $150 million. But unlike those $100 million signees, the newest Sox come with a few questions, including exactly how often they'll be on the field.

After agreeing to terms with pitcher Brad Penny and catcher Josh Bard - both coming off injury-marred seasons - the Sox have added Baldelli and pitcher John Smoltz. Baldelli, 27, has battled well-publicized health issues, and Smoltz is coming off shoulder surgery that will likely delay his arrival at Fenway Park until May.

Only the signing of Baldelli is official. Smoltz's deal - first reported by the Associated Press - is likely to be announced in the coming days. So the oft-rumored marriage between Baldelli and the Sox is now official, with the word "optimism" repeated throughout his press conference.

Neither Baldelli nor Smoltz is a sure thing, and they'll be paid accordingly, with incentive-laden contracts. Between the two deals, there are more than $10 million in bonuses.

Baldelli will get a $500,000 base salary, with another $1.75 million if he remains on the active roster all season, according to a baseball source. He has other bonuses (worth $5.25 million) that could bring the contract to $7.5 million if he reaches 600 plate appearances, though that is unlikely.

Smoltz, who has pitched only for the Braves during his 20-year career, will earn a $5 million guarantee with $5 million in bonuses.