RedSox meet half way in Napoli deal

Boston RedSox fans have something to cheer about this week after their team finally signed right-hander Mike Napoli to their roster, although not for the three-year deal they had hoped for.

Napoli, who spent last year at the Texas Rangers, has signed a one-year $5m contract that could rise to £13m if he achieves certain incentives. It is a contract far smaller than the one originally planned back in December, when the camps had agreed a three-year $39m deal to bring Napoli north.

So what happened over the past month that changed Boston’s mind on Napoli? Well, a physical examination in December showed Napoli has a hip issue that effectively halted contract negotiations until fully diagnosed. At 31 years old, Napoli’s body may struggle to recover from a hip problem if it turns bad and goes some way to explaining why the Rangers let him go at the end of last season.

The two sides, therefore, have met half way with a one-year deal.

The free agent has been searching for a new team all winter and realistically a one-year deal with Boston is the best thing for both camps. A saga that began 45 days ago finally comes to a close and should Napoli stay fit this year then the RedSox have a real slugger in their side heading into the 2013 season, which could make them a top tip with those who take advantage of the in-play bet offer from bet365.

He may have only once exceeded 500 plate appearances in a season but with one homer per 15.5 at-bats there is real potential Fenway Park could see some huge hits this year. What Napoli lacks in application he makes up for in power and should he gain confidence early in the season then Boston could be on target for a quick lead in the AL East.

His hip will be a defining factor and fans following updates on the bet365 sports betting news can only hope he steers clear of the medical room this spring, for with Napoli and lefty David Ortiz in Boston’s line-up they have a great chance of making the playoffs.