Don’t Expect The Los Angeles Angels To Jump Back In For Mike Napoli

The Red Sox and Mike Napoli agreed to terms earlier in the month on a three year contract. The problem is, he hasn’t officially signed the deal because he has some issues regarding his hip. The Sox are trying to add some additional language to the contract in order to protect themselves if he is injured so now he’s apparently talking to other teams, and the Red Sox are talking to other players. Got that? Good. Don’t expect the Angels to jump in for the ex Halo slugger.

Sep 28, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter

(25) bats during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Rangers Ballpark. The Angels beat the Rangers 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The previous regime traded Napoli and Juan Rivera to the Blue Jays for Vernon Wells. The Jays then flipped him to the Rangers for Frank Francisco. Let’s just say the only side it worked for was Texas, where Napoli helped win two pennants for them. The Angels aren’t that “mystery team” in pursuit of Napoli’s services.

They have nowhere to play him. Catcher? Chris Iannetta is there who they just re-signed this off-season First? That Albert Pujols guy who’s apparently pretty good. DH? Mark Trumbo. The Angels aren’t going to play video game baseball and get him.

If they still had a need for a bat, and didn’t sign Josh Hamilton, and didn’t just acquire Jason Vargas in a trade for a hitter, could they go after him? Maybe. He could rotate among the three spots I had talked about, however there’s just no spot for him.

The Angels are a very sneaky team and make moves when you least expect it. However, reuniting with Mike Napoli will not be one of them.