Red Sox deal with Napoli may fall apart

[-Lavigne43-]

What 40 man problem? They have only 39 on the roster so they were in no way impeded from adding Napoli on the schedule they discussed last week based on roster considerations.



Speculation, just like it's speculation that there's something wrong with the physical.

He tweeted this last night http://instagram.com/p/TIEYzWimt3/ so he is probably getting his physical today.

It definitely seems like they want to protect themselves from something with Napoli

[Soxfan85]

Because he has alot of injuries my best guess is they want to add insurance. When they signed JD Drew it was not accounced for 52 days!

It’s possible that the agreement could be nullified or that the sides are negotiating language that would offer the Red Sox contractual protection in case a preexisting condition should impact Napoli’s ability to perform. The Sox included such language in deals with both outfielder J.D. Drew and pitcher John Lackey.

The Red Sox did not announce Drew’s signing of a five-year, $70 million deal until 52 days after agent Scott Boras said an agreement had been reached on Dec. 7, 2006. During that time, the sides negotiated language that voided either one, or both, of the last two years of the contract if Drew’s problematic right shoulder caused him to miss a certain number of games

I think this is the likely reason.

[KmB728]

Seems like its just some minor details to finish, don't think it will fall through.

[Celtic AL]

i dont see this blowing up i think they will work somthing out. after all maybe the M's or rangers scared off

[j-bay]

@MikeSilvermanBB: Cherington: No comment on Napoli. #RedSox

[Soxfan85]

brianmacp Cherington acknowledged "working through some issues" with "a player," meaning Napoli. No timetable on resolution.

[-Lavigne43-]

As for Napoli, a report by Will Carroll of Sports Illustrated indicates the Sox are trying to reduce the deal from three to two years to protect against the deterioration of a physical situation (believe to be a hip). So far, no resolution. The Red Sox have kept communication with Nick Swisher and Adam LaRoche should the deal fall through.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basebal...ove_doesn.html

[bagwell368]

Yuck. Swisher is 4 years likely or major overpay for 3. LaRoche just had a career year right at the edge of his decline. He's probably the worst option.

Give Napoli the 3 years, cut the salary in the 3rd year and pay a fat series of bonuses if he's not on the DL and actively playing. It can't be that hard to solve.

[Bird Fan]

Who hear hates the direction Ben is taking....Bird Fan (raises hand slowly...lol)

[Bird Fan]

So far im not huge fan of Napoli, Drew, Dempster, Victor deals. All seem like a lot of, " what if, only if, should stay healthy, if healthy " deals.

All seem to be a reach. Seems like Ben wants clubhouse guys that just fit in. Not sure on their ability.

I just don't like them, short term or long.

[bagwell368]

So far im not huge fan of Napoli, Drew, Dempster, Victor deals. All seem like a lot of, " what if, only if, should stay healthy, if healthy " deals.

All seem to be a reach. Seems like Ben wants clubhouse guys that just fit in. Not sure on their ability.

I just don't like them, short term or long.

Look at this way. It's a lot like DA did with the Celts this off season. Get a couple of kids, buy some vets, leave some holes at the #4-5 - because there wasn't any viable available.

The difference is the Sox have a better idea and control over the short/mid term future of where they are going than the Celts.

Neither will win this year as currently built.

[Crucis]

Who hear hates the direction Ben is taking....Bird Fan (raises hand slowly...lol)

And what direction would you like him to take? Spending huge money on big names? Ben there, done that. Besides, the "big name" free agent talent that was available didn't come without risks. Clearly, the Sox don't want to commit huge money to risky players, after the debacle of the most recent "big name" signings.

So what would you have them do?

[Soxfan85]

I like the move the sox are doing with Napoli. They really want him here but to protect them selfs they want to give him 2 years. I don't know if the money would be the same 2yrs @ 39M. But if they can't agree on a reasonable deal that makes sense for both parties then Ben has to go to other plans.

Plan B would be Swisher which would require a draft pick which I don't want to give up on someone like him or 4 years if that's the deal the sox will offer him if Napoli falls through. If Swisher signs elsewhere then Ben has to focus his attentions to LaRoche. Plan C. I know the Indians said I believe they would go four years on Swisher.

But it looks like the Indians are front runners so I'm thinking now Ben will focus on LaRoche if the deal falls through

The sox could land him 3 yrs but give him more money.

Again thats how I'm looking at this if Napoli deal falls through

[AI4]

If Swisher/Laroche are Plan B, then just give Napoli the first 2 years at $13M per and make the 3rd year a low base salary with incentives based on PA's that can push it to $13M. Same deal, but Napoli has to stay healthy to earn his money and we protect ourselves from the "physical deterioration" that has us scared.

[bagwell368]

I like the move the sox are doing with Napoli. They really want him here but to protect them selfs they want to give him 2 years. I don't know if the money would be the same 2yrs @ 39M. But if they can't agree on a reasonable deal that makes sense for both parties then Ben has to go to other plans.

Plan B would be Swisher which would require a draft pick which I don't want to give up on someone like him or 4 years if that's the deal the sox will offer him if Napoli falls through. If Swisher signs elsewhere then Ben has to focus his attentions to LaRoche. Plan C. I know the Indians said I believe they would go four years on Swisher.

But it looks like the Indians are front runners so I'm thinking now Ben will focus on LaRoche if the deal falls through

The sox could land him 3 yrs but give him more money.

Again thats how I'm looking at this if Napoli deal falls through

Believe me, LaRoche is no comp for Napoli. He can't catch, he can't hit as well in Fenway, all he does better than Napoli is field 1B better. He's basically a #7 hitter - and don't be fooled by his 2012 season, it's an outlier.