If you thought that Boston's addition of veteran catcher David Ross on a two-year deal would put a stop to rumors of the Red Sox targeting Mike Napoli, you probably wouldn't have been alone. But you would have been wrong, apparently.
Red Sox still have Napoli on radar
Boston may see Napoli as a solution at first base rather than a fourth option at catcher.
Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE
The addition of a third catcher to Boston’s 40-man roster has not dissuaded Ben Cherington and company from keeping the 31-year-old Napoli on their radar, per Rob Bradford of WEEI. The Red Sox reportedly view the veteran slugger as an option in their search for a first baseman.
Napoli has played 133 games at first over the past three seasons, but it is unclear whether he would acquiesce to play the position on a daily basis. The only season Napoli made more starts at first than behind the plate was for the Angels in 2009 when Kendrys Morales went down with his freak season-ending injury.
After a stellar 2011, Napoli struggled some at the dish this season, hitting .227/.343/.469 with 24 home runs and 56 RBI in 108 games. The veteran backstop and first baseman made $9.6 million last season, and was one of a few surprise choices not to receive a qualifying offer.
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