Mike Napoli, despite avascular necrosis in hip, signs with Red Sox
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“There were certainly possibilities and attractive opportunities and we certainly did seek those opportunities, but at the end of the day, he wanted to be with the Boston Red Sox and be their first baseman.”
And Cherington said, “Throughout the process, our intent was to sign Mike Napoli.”
Napoli likes the way the Red Sox have put things together.
“The pieces are there to do big things if everyone stays healthy,” he said. “It’s going to be a great ball club. Excited to get into the clubhouse.
“I played with [John] Lackey, Koji Uehara. I’ve talked to a lot of guys on the baseball field. I’m excited to be a part of this team.”
Napoli loves hitting at Fenway Park, where in 19 career games he has batted .306 with 7 home runs, 17 RBIs, a .710 slugging percentage, and a 1.107 OPS.
“Can’t put my finger on it,” Napoli said. “Just a good feel. I love playing there.”
He will forgo the 25 he wore as a Ranger the last two years and wear No. 12 in Boston.
“New start,” he said. “It’s my childhood number.”
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Red Sox manager John Farrell watched a throwing session by Daniel Bard in Mississippi Sunday and was very impressed with the mechanical and mental approach the righthander showed.
“He looked very good,” said Farrell, who was joined by pitching coach Juan Nieves for the session. “His arm slot is back to a normal position. He shows the power he previously had as a reliever. His mind-set is more clear and his approach is more simplified.”
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To make room on the roster for Napoli, the Sox designated pitcher Chris Carpenter for assignment. Carpenter was the player the Sox received from the Cubs as compensation for allowing Theo Epstein to join Chicago as team president.
Nick Cafardo can be reached at cafardo@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickcafardo.
