Napoli deal finally done -- just one year rather than 3

[Moonlight J]

awful time to get a red flag on a physical

[mgwiz22]

awful time to get a red flag on a physical

And apparently for a lot less money but I assume that $5 million is only the guaranteed money.

[Davros]

And apparently for a lot less money but I assume that $5 million is only the guaranteed money.

Reportedly the contract climbs up to $13 million if he stays off the DL.

http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2013/01/17/source-mike-napoli-red-sox-reach-agreement/

[TS Garp]

He's going to be seriously motivated this year.

[DJBeasties]

Really good contract for Boston.

[pjs24]

He's going to be seriously motivated this year.

Players are motivated every year. I don't think his stats are going to be markedly different than if he had the 3/$39 that was originally agreed to.

[Grinch]

One would think that not crouching down behind the plate should help him stay in the lineup

[TS Garp]

Players are motivated every year. I don't think his stats are going to be markedly different than if he had the 3/$39 that was originally agreed to.

I know people can cite players in contract years performing poorly, but I totally disagree that players' motivation levels (and, in turn, readiness and focus levels) are the same year to year.

[pjs24]

I know people can cite players in contract years performing poorly, but I totally disagree that players' motivation levels (and, in turn, readiness and focus levels) are the same year to year.

I just think it's MASSIVELY overstated. Why wouldn't Napoli have been motivated to have 2011's year in 2012? Like I said, I just think any effects on either said are grossly overstated by those who fervently believe in those things.