RADIO
TARGET: ~260
CURRENT ADP: 442
ANALYSIS: Location, location, location. The old real estate adage absolutely applies to sports, and one of the main beneficiaries of a change of scenery will be Mike Napoli. Napoli signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Indians and was told he will spend the majority of his time as the everyday first basemen, per Cleveland.com.
Napoli had a rough 2015 campaign. He batted .224 with 46 runs, 18 HR, and 50 RBI over 469 plate appearances with the Red Sox and Rangers along with some disturbing advanced statistics; his 15.5 LD% was his worst since his rookie season and his IFFB rate rose to 11.5%. That's code for he didn't make good contact.
If there's a sign for optimism (and the reason I included him as a sleeper), it's his second half performance. After an abysmal first half (.193 AVG) he responded with a .283 second half, punctuated by his trade to Texas. After the trade, Napoli hit .295 with five homers and 10 RBI across 35 games. Cleveland's president of operations Chris Antonetti credits mechanical adjustments made by Napoli that he believes will carry over to 2016.
The Indians have been desperate for some right-handed pop to balance their lineup for years now and while Napoli, 34, is not a long-term answer he should provide a boost in 2016. Progressive Field was middle of the pack for RHB (16th in SLG) but Napoli should see plenty of RBI opportunities batting sixth behind Jason Kipnis, Carlos Santana, and Yan Gomes.
Don't let Napoli's horrid first-half sway your decision. He makes for a great late-round selection for power.
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