Rangers Re-Do: Frankie Francisco for Mike Napoli

Mike Napoli may help the Texas Rangers win some games this season, but right now he's a big pain in the butt. How's that? Because think of the team's landscape had general manager Jon Daniels not acquired Napoli from the Toronto Blue Jays on January 25 for reliever Frankie Francisco...

By Richie Whitt

March 23, 2011

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Mike Napoli may help the Texas Rangers win some games this season, but right now he's a big pain in the butt.

How's that?

Because think of the team's landscape had general manager Jon Daniels not acquired Napoli from the Toronto Blue Jays on January 25 for reliever Frankie Francisco. If that deal was never done:

*Neftali Feliz could move into the starting rotation.

*The Rangers would have a proven closer in Francisco.

*Michael Young might be satisfied to be the team's everyday designated hitter/platoon first baseman.

*There might even be room on the final roster for the hot-hitting Chris Davis.

I'm smelling a do-over.

Granted, Francisico is hurt in Toronto after missing the last five weeks and post-season in 2010 in Texas. Francisco was 6-4 with a 3.76 ERA and 2 saves in 56 appearances for the Rangers in 2010.

And, granted, manager Ron Washington has penciled in Napoli as his Opening Day starter at first base. He'll also play some catcher.

Still, until Young is traded for a reliable closer it feels like Napoli is creating more problems than he's fixing.

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