Napoli being targeted by the Rays?

by td32 on Jan 21, 2011 3:59 PM EST

Looks like AF is a busy man...

While the Rays are rumored to be talking with Johnny Damon and Vladimir Guerrero to fill their void at designated hitter, they also are targeting the Angels' Mike Napoli via trade, according to a source.

Napoli would fit for the Rays as a righthanded bat at first base and catcher, where he could split time with lefthanded-hitting Dan Johnson and John Jaso. Napoli, 29, hit a career-best 26 homers in 510 plate appearances as a catcher, first baseman and DH for the Angels last season

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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A bluff maybe?

Napoli would be a nice Rays type addition with his versatilty but anything but Vlad or Manny will leave many here hitting the grain and Kool Aid.

Feel better TD.

by sinkhole on Jan 21, 2011 4:03 PM EST reply actions

VS. Left handed pitchers:

Career: 485 PAs: .289/.393/.538

2010: 163 PAs: .305/.399/.567

2009: 109 PAs: .337/.422/.611

by bobr on Jan 21, 2011 4:09 PM EST reply actions

I think with most the major free agents off the market and the offseason winding down Friedman is seeing the Yankees weakness and attacking.

Maybe this was his plan all along to wait until the last weeks so the Rays would be overlooked.
Adding Damon, Manny/Vlad, and trading for Napoli and a closer. The Rays can definetly exceed 90 wins.
Maybe with the huge replenishing draft coming up hes thinking of unloading some of the system to get some big league league talent finally.
Even with Moore, Archer, Lee and last years high picks as untouchables they can still part with some of Torres, Cobb, Colome, Beckham, Barnese, W Rodriguez, and the numerous lower level tools guys and still be in good shape.
These moves would also make fans happy so all the negative feedback about not buying tickets may stop. He did recently go on the radio to explain himself since so many people were doubting him.

by 4moreyears on Jan 21, 2011 4:28 PM EST reply actions

Well, that was quick.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/01/blue-jays-to-acquire-mike-napoli.html

I think we should be aware by now of a clear rule of thumb guideline. If there is any buzz about a Rays’ deal or pursuit of a player but no absolute statement that the deal is finalized, it will not happen.

I think that is because the Rays will never let on to what they are doing so reporters and others, desperate for some clue, will dream up something that seems reasonable to them and claim it is in process. Meanwhile, the Rays are moving surreptitiously in some other direction.

Maybe it is the Rays who plant stories about players they are interested in so their division rivals will rush in to sign them first while the Rays pursue their real interests without interference.

by bobr on Jan 21, 2011 5:53 PM EST reply actions