ABOUT MIKE NAPOLI
The Texas Rangers made a wise move signing Mike Napoli to a 1-year contract for $8.5 million.
The 35-year-old Napoli may have another good season remaining...
Or maybe not...
The short contract allows the Rangers to look elsewhere if Napoli struggles. That's also why the Tribe didn't meet Napoli's request for a multi-year deal. Napoli hit .239 (.800 OPS) with 34 HR and 101 RBI for the Tribe last season. His 34 HR were the most by a Tribe player since Travis Hafner hit 42 in 2006.
Carlos Santana also hit 34 HR last season, and Napoli's presence in the lineup probably helped take some pressure off Santana to produce.