If you can't beat 'em...

Sign away their players. Boston, out-hustled for first in the American League East by the Tampa Bay Rays and then again in the ALCS, will sign former Rays outfielder Rocco Baldelli. He'll play a backup role.

The Red Sox have been looking for a right-handed hitting fourth outfielder this offseason but their interest in Baldelli was tempered by the mitochondrial disorder from which the Cumberland, R.I., product was believed to have suffered. The disease causes a person to tire more easily and recover more slowly.

A re-evaluation this offseason determined Baldelli suffers from a less serious and more treatable form of channelopathy.

Hard to call Baldelli a difference-maker for the BoSox, but if he's healthy, he's pretty good. His loss won't break the Rays, who were without his services save for a month of games last season.

Fantasy Impact: He's a sleeper. Baldelli is considered a talent, but his health issues hold him back. Don't draft him, but don't leave him off your radar, either.