Vs. righties, Napoli OPS's nearly .800 last year and in '07. In '08 he was over .950! This year he stinks. He consistently whacks lefties, although that has even iimproved over the last two years.
So, two questions can be asked.
1. Is this year an outlier year vs RH's? if so, he will return to very tolerable (or better) RH OPS over the next couple of year. If this year is the new norm, perhaps due to a more aggressive swing and approach, then it may be "let the buyer beware."
2. If he is a below average hitter vs. RH's, what is his worth (even considering his LH mashing) as a DH /1B? Here, Doc is right. He isn't worth $5M per.
3. If he is returns to near .800 OPS vs. RH's, what is his worth as a 1B/DH? here is is probably north of $5M.
But....Branyan plays into this equation. Resign Branyan as your principle DH, then it makes no sense to pay Napoli $5M per to platoon, assuming, of course, that Smoak is a 150 game 1B.
So....is a 29 year old (next year) Napoli worth more, perhaps as a 3-year player, than the 34 or 35 year old Branyan is as a two year player (assuming he won't sign for just one)?
Personally, I think I'll vote for Branyan right now.
Can we trade figgins for Napoli? please!
Moe
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