Is Mike Napoli a sleeper catcher?

[kemper5]

This is a guy who had a great Minor League Career including 29 HR's, 118 RBI in 2004 and 31 HR's, 99 RBI in 2005 and had 16 HR's and 42 RBI in limited time after being called up in 2006..Do you think he will play full time (450+ AB's) in 2008? What is he capable of Full Time 20 HR's, 75 RBI's?

[stevethumb]

i don't follow the junior circuit that much but he seems like an interesting C choice...his injuries last yr sapped his productivity and i would look for a 15-17 HR, 60 rbi, 3-5 SB, low BA season from him..approx value $10-12 somewhere in the cruiz, rhernandez range

[Some Guy 15]

I picked him up to fill in for an injured catcher last year ( dont remember who ) but I do remember he produced well for me until he got hurt. as someone who owns Bengi Molina in one league I would also like to know more about Napoli, does anyone think he wins the starting spot?

[number9]

Had him for part of last year. Usage pattern seemed like it was partially a team/manager decision to play two catchers part time (like it was in KC). Maybe things have changed this year, but I guess he's still an injury risk..

[jlm53089]

I think so, I got him very late in a mock, and I have a feeling he will be a solid option in a very good line up.

[acsguitar]

I don't see him as a sleeper. He seems like a nice choice

[The Artful Dodger]

Napoli's definitely a sleeper, but he has been for the last couple of seasons even though he'll project to be a late-round flier. He has a good power stroke to suggest he can be a 20, even 25 HR catcher in his prime. His plate discipline has been hit-and-miss. Napoli tends to strike out a good bit and in other PA's he can work counts patiently enough to draw a walk. Angels management have been hopeful he can take strides to improve his plate patience.

As far as playing time goes, I think Scioscia will opt to split time between Napoli and Mathis, with the bulk of the starts going to Napoli, but is the better of the two to nail down a 5-days-a-week job.

[JakeTrain72]

I don't consider him a sleeper, but he's going to be one of my preferred choices in the end game to fill in my C slot if I miss out on Posada/Johjima/Hernandez types.

[jfg]

How can he be an end game catcher? If you get a low average guy you have to build around that. It's tough to just insert a sub .250 hitter into your lineup.