Mike Napoli had the off-season he hoped for early on, agreeing in principle to a three-year, $39 million deal with the Boston Red Sox in December.
But the deal was pending a physical and that's when the Red Sox and Napoli discovered he had a hip issue, avascular necrosis (AVN), which kills bone tissue due to lack of blood supply.The deal was off, although the two sides remained interested in working something out. But other teams re-entered the picture, including the Texas Rangers, but Napoli ultimately felt the best fit was in Boston.He and the Red Sox settled on a one-year contract with a base salary of $5 million and an incentive package of $8 million that was officially announced Tuesday."It was definitely tough," Napoli said of choosing his off-season destination. "I had two great years in Texas, and I enjoyed my time there. But Boston was the best fit, they stuck with me through the off-season and through the whole thing, and it's a good fit with the role I'll have with the team."Napoli is expected to be the Red Sox's everyday first baseman, a position he played 26 games at for the Rangers in 2012 and 31 games at in 2011. Napoli has impressive offensive numbers at Fenway Park in his career, batting .306 with seven home runs, 17 RBIs and a 1.107 OPS [on-base plus slugging percentage] in 19 games."I enjoy the atmosphere and it's just a fun place for me to come and play," Napoli said. "I like hitting there with the short porch in right field. I just feel good playing there." -- Drew DavisonBriefly Reds: Cincinnati will host the 2015 All-Star game at Great American Ball Park, the city's first since 1988. Diamondbacks: Shortstop and former Texas A&M standout Cliff Pennington reached a two-year, $5 million deal with Arizona, ESPN reported. The D'backs acquired Pennington in a three-team deal with Oakland in October. Phillies: Philadelphia signed Delmon Young to a one-year deal for $750,000. The outfielder batted .267 with 27 doubles, 18 homers and 74 RBIs for Detroit last year. Blue Jays: Former Rangers infielder Mark DeRosa has agreed to a $775,000, one-year contract with Toronto. Mariners: Ken Griffey Jr. will be inducted into Seattle's Hall of Fame as its seventh member.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
