Boston Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino confirmed
with Jim Bowden of ESPN that the team is hoping free agent first baseman/catcher
Mike Napoli signs with them.
Larry Luchino confirmed with us that they hope Mike Napoli signs with them but needs it to be at 3yr deal not 4 yr deal
— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) December 2, 2012
Bowden added that the Red Sox are looking for Napoli to sign
a three-year contract, not for the four years he is reportedly seeking.
The Red Sox signed catcher David Ross to a free agent deal earlier
this offseason. While Ross has been a career reserve behind the plate, Boston
has said he will be more than a backup next season. The team also has catchers Jarrod
Saltalamacchia and Ryan Lavarnway under contract for 2013.
For this reason Napoli would be viewed more as a first
baseman if he signs with the Red Sox. Boston has a void at first after trading
away slugger Adrian Gonzalez to the Los Angeles Dodgers last summer.
Last season for the Texas Rangers Napoli hit .227/.343/.469
with nine doubles, two triples and 24 home runs. The 31-year-old owns a career
line of .259/.356/.507.
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