That's Napoli between the T and the A They sent reliever Frank Francisco (who is more than likely going to go to arbitration) and cash to the Toronto Blue Jays for Mike Napoli.
Napoli, of course, was only with Toronto for several days. He was part of the booty had from the California Angels for Vernon Wells' bloated contract.
Napoli is just 29 years old, and he won't be 30 until Oct. 31. He, too, is going to arbitration.
He's a mixed bag. He had his worst hitting season last year with a .238 average. Still, he boosted 24 doubles and 26 home runs while striking out 137 times.
Still, in 2008 and 2009, he hit .272 and .273 with decent power numbers from the catching position. He is what he is. At best, he hits .270 hits 25 doubles and 25 home runs and strikes out 120 times.
And he has a creepy beard.
Otherwise, it's a great move. It first tells us that the Rangers are extremely comfortable with Alexii Ogando, Arthur Rhodes, Darren O'Day and Darren Oliver in the late innings.
I think it also means Neftali Feliz is the closer.
Furthermore, with Michael Young as your DH/utility man, Napoli can share time at first base, catcher and DH. Two kind of super-utility men. Tons of flexibility and an added right handed bat that could help maximize his talent considering he's had injury issues previously.
It provides added pop to the line-up without spending a ton of money to some overpaid, wash-up former slugger.
Not an awful move.
