According to MLB sources and first reported by Jon Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, an “unknown American League team” has claimed Halos first baseman/catcher Mike Napoli on waivers. The White Sox, Rays, or Tigers could be suitors.
The Angels have until Monday afternoon to either work out a deal and trade Napoli or they could pull him back and keep him for the remainder of the season. With virtually every Major Leaguer on waivers, it’s likely that Angels GM Tony Reagins is gauging interest for a potential move in the offseason. It’s also possible the claim was made to block Napoli from going to a playoff bound club.
As I have discussed here, Napoli is likely to be moved at some point for a few reasons.
Most Angel fans have believed for years all the Angels had to do was play Napoli everyday and he’d become a 30 HR 100 RBI force in the lineup. Napoli has gotten his chance playing in 112 of 129 games in 2010. Unfortunately for the Angels, the more Napoli has played, the more his OPS has decreased.
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