Fans of the Texas Rangers got pretty used to sayings like "Year of the Napoli" or "Napoli Ever After" in 2011. After coming via trade from the Angels via the Blue Jays as a part-time DH, part-time first baseman, part-time catcher, Mike Napoli eventually ended up being the everyday catcher and was the best hitter in baseball after the all-star break.
He also showed he could flash some leather behind the plate and call a good game, which was supposedly the reason the rival Angels let Napoli go after the 2010 season.
Since the 2011 season ended, the Rangers and Napoli have been in discussions to sign a long-term contract but now will likely just sign a one-year deal instead of going to arbitration and then revisit things later on before he hits the free agent market after the 2012 season.
Apparently there are no hard feelings, but the two sides have just been too far apart on a long-term deal.
"We love Mike and we're not closing the door on anything, but right now we are focused on a one-year deal," Rangers GM Jon Daniels told MLB.com.
