Mike Napoli | Los Angeles Angels Fan Blog

Napoli Makes #3 of the Best Catchers of 2010

Only two catchers’ from the June top five list have remained into July. One of them moved up to number one and the other is almost off the list falling to number five. The three new entries come as a little bit of a surprise since one of them is just filling in for an injured starter. I’m sure by next month this list will change once again.

3. Mike Napoli, Los Angeles Angels: Another newcomer to the list is Napoli. Napoli has his time to shine with Kendry Morales on the DL for an extended amount of time. Napoli is technically a catcher, but with Morales down Napoli is also filling in at first base and he is doing a heck of a job. Napoli is considered as an everyday player for the first time in his career. He is on pace to have the most at bats in a season for his career. Napoli’s production numbers are through the roof. Napoli has 17 home runs, 43 RBI’s and a .261 average. Napoli has the best production numbers for a catcher so far this season, but his average brings him down to the third best catcher so far in July. Napoli definitely has potential to make it to number one by the end of the season.

Click here to read the full article – By Eric Heyer of Sports Fan Blog Network

July 21, 2010 Posted by homerunheyer | Angels News, Los Angeles Angels, MLB, Mike Napoli | Angels, catchers, Mike Napoli, MLB | No Comments Yet

Napoli is likely going to start Game 2 for Angels

Scioscia opts for more offense as the series goes on.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia preaches defense-first when it comes to choosing a catcher. But it will be Mike Napoli’s more potent bat in the lineup for at least the next two games against the Red Sox.

Jeff Mathis started Game 1 with John Lackey on the mound. Lackey’s starts might be the only post-season work Mathis gets.

Scioscia said Napoli will catch Jered Weaver in tonight’s Game 2. Scott Kazmir is scheduled to start Game 3 Sunday in Fenway Park. Napoli has been behind the plate for five of Kazmir’s six starts since he was acquired from Tampa Bay.

“Mike has worked well with Jered recently,” Scioscia said of Napoli who caught six of Weaver’s final eight starts of the regular season. “And Nap has a good rapport going with Kaz.”

Scioscia said his decisions on which catcher to use in the playoffs are “made with the same criteria” as they are during the regular season and he is no more swayed by Napoli’s offensive potential now than he was then.

Click here to read the full article – By BILL PLUNKETT of Ocregister.com

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