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Francona using DH starts to keep Napoli fresh
- Updated: August 28, 2016
ARLINGTON — Mike Napoli was on his way to the field at Globe Life Park earlier this weekend when he overheard a reporter ask manager Terry Francona what the first baseman has brought to the Indians this year. Napoli stopped inside the visitors’ dugout, leaned in behind the media and waited for Francona’s response.
“Nothing,” Francona quipped. “Zero.”
Napoli threw his arms up and laughed.
“Oh, come on,” roared the first baseman. “Let me hear it!”
“He’s probably one of the worst guys I’ve ever been around,” Francona continued with a smirk.
Once the laughter died down, Francona went on to praise Napoli, not only for his play on the field, but his leadership behind the scenes. The manager said the first baseman has helped keep the team pulling in one direction and has led by example through his daily preparation. Francona has been repaying Napoli of late by carefully managing his playing time.
Sunday’s game in Texas marked the 10th time in the past 15 games that Napoli served as the designated hitter, with Carlos Santana handling the first-base duties. Cleveland signed Napoli to be its first baseman this year, but the 34-year-old veteran is approaching uncharted territory for games played and plate appearances in a single season.
Given the …
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