Raul Ibanez, Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn Could Be Key Free Agent Pickups for Red Sox This Offseason
Mike Napoli. The free agent possibilities start with one player who could fill several holes for Boston. Napoli should be high on the Sox’ list for his ability to play both first base and catcher, where Boston could use a veteran presence to help Ryan Lavarnway develop. While the Sox want to go with Lavarnway and Jarrod Saltalamacchia behind the plate, neither have been able to provide the kind of regular offense to make the catcher’s job theirs. Lavarnway batted just .157 last year, with 24 hits in 46 games, and Saltalamacchia’s early-season surge fell to a .222 batting average overall and just eight home runs after the break. If Lavarnway and Saltalamacchia aren’t the future, Napoli could be. His career has blossomed since he was traded from the Angels to the Rangers, and he provides not only great ability behind the plate — a boost for any pitching staff — but also a strong bat. If the Red Sox aren’t done turning the team on its head, playing with the catcher role would do the trick. Short of that, Napoli — at 31 years old — could solve their hole at first base. (AP/Charlie Riedel) |





































