The Rays hope to begin talks with Rocco Baldelli regarding a new contract soon. Baldelli, who hit a solo homer in Game 5 of the World Series, played both right field and designated hitter for Tampa Bay in the second half of the season after returning from a mitochondrial disorder. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Rocco on and off the field," Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Thursday. "We do have a special relationship. To be a part of what he's gone through, and see him at the lowest of moments, I think, has created that personal relationship. I'm sure we'll talk in the next few days."