Red Sox sign David Ross

[jacksonianmarch]

Napoli is a complete and total butcher behind the dish. After seeing what Salty brings you, I think they are angling for an upgrade defensively. Lavarnway showed that he can capably handle the catching duties. He might not be a Pudge Rodriguez back there, but he is worlds better than Salty. A good catcher is immeasurably important to your pitching staff, and I think the sox are seeing this now.

[BSN07]

No to Napoli behind the dish.

 

Ross's splits don't vary too much vs RHP and LHP. I think if it's a Ross and Lavs platoon it's more aimed at giving Ross a large chunk of the playing time and easing Lavs into being a C at the ML level this season, with hopes he's ready to take on the majority of the work next season. Ross then becomes more of a back up.

[SoxFanForsyth]

I think the Sox will sign Napoli, but not as a C, as a 1B.

 

He may get some time (10-15 games) behind the plate, but certainly not any substantial amount of time.

 

Lavarnway is going to hit at the MLB level. He's going to be below average defensively, but he's going to hit. Don't let that small sample at the end of 2012 fool you.

[wyo-sox]

I do not see the attraction to Napoli. Take away his one 2011 season and he's like a career .230 hitter (rough guess). What am I missing with him? I've heard he hits well at Fenway, but come on- what opposing player hasn't done that recently?

[SoxFanForsyth]

I do not see the attraction to Napoli. Take away his one 2011 season and he's like a career .230 hitter (rough guess). What am I missing with him? I've heard he hits well at Fenway, but come on- what opposing player hasn't done that recently?

 

Career OBP nearly .356.

 

Saw 4.41 pitches per plate appearance last year (career 4.27, Youk's career is 4.30, for reference).

 

.880 OPS since 2008.

 

Averages 25 HR for the past 4 years. 162 Game Average of HR in past 4 years is 35.

 

Basically - Sees a ton of pitches, works the pitch count well, gets on base at a well above average clip, has very good HR power, versatile in that he can play C or 1B, and will come at a price of around $11-12mm AAV for 2-3 years.

 

There's a ton to like in Napoli. He'd be a fantastic pickup for the Sox.

[wyo-sox]

cool. I need to learn how to read / value obp better

[Behindenemylines]

Napoli wants to be seen as a catcher first, and then seen as a DH-1B. Don't think the Sox need to bring in another catcher whose defense is questionable. Based on the SP struggle the last couple of seasons we need catching the game to be a strength.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Napoli wants to be seen as a catcher first, and then seen as a DH-1B. Don't think the Sox need to bring in another catcher whose defense is questionable. Based on the SP struggle the last couple of seasons we need catching the game to be a strength.

 

Yeah but according to Alex Speier, his position isn't going to be a deal breaker.

[SoxSport]

Napoli will hit in Fenway, though he prefers to catch. The Yankees want him to catch, apparently.

It will boil down to money. Plus he figures to catch some in Boston, too.

[NativeBostonian]

Napoli will hit in Fenway, though he prefers to catch. The Yankees want him to catch, apparently.

It will boil down to money. Plus he figures to catch some in Boston, too.

 

I was hoping the Yankees didn't want him. They always take the guys we are going after.

[BSN07]

I was hoping the Yankees didn't want him. They always take the guys we are going after.

 

If it's to catch they can have him.

[TutGadol]

Well ba bye to Naps. Ross is one of the best backup catchers in the league so I don't think they'll sign Naps to play solely at first.

[Station 13]

Well ba bye to Naps. Ross is one of the best backup catchers in the league so I don't think they'll sign Naps to play solely at first.

 

Why not?

[BSN07]

Well ba bye to Naps. Ross is one of the best backup catchers in the league so I don't think they'll sign Naps to play solely at first.

 

Why not?

 

Ya, it's plausible they sign him to be at 1B the majority of the time. He could also DH and serve as 3rd/emergency catcher.