Sporting News staff reports
With the Angels carrying three catchers on their 25-man roster, the Los Angeles Times speculated the team could explore the option of trading one. Upset by his lack of playing time, No. 2 receiver Mike Napoli recently spoke with manager Mike Scioscia about his frustration.
The newspaper noted that Napoli’s bat (20 homers in 2008 and 2009) and salary ($3.6 million in 2010) make him attractive to other teams.
"You’re always looking at your club, your depth chart and other clubs’ needs," Scioscia told the newspaper. "Not that anyone is out there being shopped, but Tony (Reagins, Angels general manager) is constantly in contact with other GMs to see if there are things that can help us. That doesn’t mean anything is imminent, though."
Napoli told the Times that Scioscia cited Napoli’s defense for his reduced role. Starter Jeff Mathis is considered the better receiver, and he has gotten off to a hot start at the plate. No. 3 catcher Bobby Wilson rarely plays.
"It’s always the defensive part. I thought I made some strides in spring training," Napoli told the Times. "I guess I have to be better. … I haven’t played much. It caught me by surprise."
Napoli started Saturday’s Angels victory over Toronto. It was his fourth start season (in 12 games) and his second start in the past three days.
L.A. is the only big-league team to regularly carry three catchers.
Sporting News staff reports
With the Angels carrying three catchers on their 25-man roster, the Los Angeles Times speculated the team could explore the option of trading one. Upset by his lack of playing time, No. 2 receiver Mike Napoli recently spoke with manager Mike Scioscia about his frustration.
The newspaper noted that Napoli’s bat (20 homers in 2008 and 2009) and salary ($3.6 million in 2010) make him attractive to other teams.
"You’re always looking at your club, your depth chart and other clubs’ needs," Scioscia told the newspaper. "Not that anyone is out there being shopped, but Tony (Reagins, Angels general manager) is constantly in contact with other GMs to see if there are things that can help us. That doesn’t mean anything is imminent, though."
Napoli told the Times that Scioscia cited Napoli’s defense for his reduced role. Starter Jeff Mathis is considered the better receiver, and he has gotten off to a hot start at the plate. No. 3 catcher Bobby Wilson rarely plays.
"It’s always the defensive part. I thought I made some strides in spring training," Napoli told the Times. "I guess I have to be better. … I haven’t played much. It caught me by surprise."
Napoli started Saturday’s Angels victory over Toronto. It was his fourth start season (in 12 games) and his second start in the past three days.
L.A. is the only big-league team to regularly carry three catchers.