LA Angels all-time roster — Backup catcher: Mike Napoli (2006-2010)
Despite his numerous trips into Mike Scioscia’s doghouse due to perceived defensive shortcomings, Mike Napoli was one of the better catchers the Angels had, even if he was consistently removed from the lineup.
At a position where the Angels were typically lacking anything resembling offense, Napoli was quite the producer with the bat. He hit double-digit home runs in each of his five seasons in California, including getting over 20 three times. Eventually, his offense forced him into the lineup, as Scioscia had him split time at first base and behind the plate.
Defensively, Napoli was not nearly as bad as Scioscia thought. While he may not have had the strongest arm behind the plate, or make anyone forget about defensive catchers like Bob Boone, Napoli was about league average as a catcher. In fact, at least in regards to range factor, he was closer to being average there than he has been at first base in his career.
While Napoli would continue to show improvement with the glove, and his bat gave the Angels an offensive element they were otherwise lacking, he was eventually sent out of town, traded to the Blue Jays for Vernon Wells. As Napoli went on to be an All-Star and a solid first baseman/designated hitter, Wells was a complete bust in California. That’s one trade they would like to have back.
Mike Napoli was a solid player, and a better fielder than many wanted to give him credit for. As it would turn out, he was one of the best catchers, if not the best offensively, in Angels history.
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