This offseason, the Angels never mentioned that they wanted to trade Mike Napoli. Napoli never had any interest in being traded and never mentioned wanting to be traded to another team. But today the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to trading Vernon Wells and Mike Napoli. It has been speculated that Juan Rivera could be headed to Toronto with Napoli. Vernon Wells has waived his no-trade clause, and underwent a physical today in Anaheim. It looks like the Wells will take over centerfield and Torii Hunter will take over right, mainly because Wells has a slightly higher fielding percentage. The Angels will have to pay Wells' remaining $44 million until 2014, $23 million in 2011 alone. Napoli can be behind the plate and be at first base for the Blue Jays, but would have to share time with other players. Mike Napoli fit in well at first base after Kendry Morales was injured with a broken leg. With the Angels, Napoli shared catching time with Jeff Mathis, as well as Hank Conger and Bobby Wilson. Napoli has a pretty bad percentage of picking off runners, at a 76% lifetime percentage of allowing runners go free. Napoli, who is 29, tried for arbitration this year after hitting 26 homeruns and asked for $6.1 million, while the Angels countered with $5.3 million. He has a .931 OPS against left-handed pitchers, which will go well with Adam Lind's ability to hit the lefties. Los Angeles would also like to have Juan Rivera go to Toronto to pay for his $5.25 million left on his contract. The Angels are also looking to bring back Vladimir Guerrero to Anaheim, possibly a short term deal in the outfield or back as the DH. I hope that Vernon Wells fits in the Angels lineup, and Mike Napoli performs well with the Blue Jays. I hope them the best in the 2011 season, and may draft Napoli as my catcher in the 2011 fantasy season. (He worked out well last season). Good luck on this trade that surprised many.
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