Apologize if this has been covered somewhere else, but just wondering aloud if Nelson Cruz was somebody the Sox may be looking at as an alternative as a true right handed power bat should Napoli sign elsewhere.
The Good:
Last 3 seasons have been pretty consistent, posting OPS + of 113, 104 and 123.
Career 1.033 OPS in the post season in 137 PAs
High ISO slg guy, posting .246, .200 and .246 in the past 3 seasons.
The Bad:
Age/PED concerns, is 33 and coming off the Biogenesis suspension.
Defensive concerns, although these could largely be masked in LF at Fenway at least.
WAR. Two seasons ago posted a 0.4 WAR, although he appears to be around a 2 win player career wise.
If they could ink him on a 2-3 year deal in the 10-12 million dollar range, I think his skillset and swing would fit fenway park well. Worst case if his defense declines to the point of no return after y1 or y2, he could be your built-in Ortiz replacement at DH due to injury or retirement.
Personally, I would rather have Napoli with Nava in LF, but this would make for a nice alternative and should be relatively affordable given the Biogenesis cloud over his head.
The Good:
Last 3 seasons have been pretty consistent, posting OPS + of 113, 104 and 123.
Career 1.033 OPS in the post season in 137 PAs
High ISO slg guy, posting .246, .200 and .246 in the past 3 seasons.
The Bad:
Age/PED concerns, is 33 and coming off the Biogenesis suspension.
Defensive concerns, although these could largely be masked in LF at Fenway at least.
WAR. Two seasons ago posted a 0.4 WAR, although he appears to be around a 2 win player career wise.
If they could ink him on a 2-3 year deal in the 10-12 million dollar range, I think his skillset and swing would fit fenway park well. Worst case if his defense declines to the point of no return after y1 or y2, he could be your built-in Ortiz replacement at DH due to injury or retirement.
Personally, I would rather have Napoli with Nava in LF, but this would make for a nice alternative and should be relatively affordable given the Biogenesis cloud over his head.