Jul 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli (12) hits an RBI double during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
#1 – Mike Napoli
The fact that the Red Sox didn’t trade Mike Napoli during the non-waiver trade deadline shocks me, I thought that once Shane Victorino was traded the next would surely be Napoli.
Napoli in his 3 seasons with Boston has been very up and down. During the World Series run in 2013, Napoli was one of the key pieces that helped that team get over the hump. The way he has hitting the ball to go along with his stellar defense made the Napoli signing look like a match made in heaven. Looking at the play of Napoli now in a way puts what he did in 2013 in the back of peoples minds.
This season for Napoli has been one to forget at the plate. He isn’t even batting his body weight. He currently sits at a .206 average with 13 homers and 39 RBI. He still plays great defense, and in all reality that might be the reason the Red Sox choose to keep him on the squad.
Would he have brought back a lot if the sox traded him? Probably not, however it would have freed up some money that the Red Sox owe him for the rest of the season and it might have brought back a young prospect.
Napoli would have helped a contender who was looking to sure up some of their defensive issues. The Red Sox should have parted ways with Napoli. He could still get traded in August so don’t be surprised if that does occur.
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