Mike Napoli's Fantasy Baseball Value Increases

It’s been a very interesting year so far for Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim catcher Mike Napoli.

First he lost his job to Jeff Mathis, but then he got it back when Mathis broke his wrist. Now he might get his wish to be a full time position player, but not as a catcher.

Now Napoli qualifies as a fantasy first baseman.

With the news that 1B Kendry Morales is officially done for the year, it looks like the Angels’ best internal option at first base is Napoli.

With Mathis expected to return from the DL this weekend, Napoli will move over to first base on a full-time basis. Now Napoli is eligible as a catcher and as a first baseman, which helps his fantasy value tremendously.

As we all know, the problem with Napoli has always been playing time. Now he will get his shot to play everyday.

As a first baseman Napoli is a middle-tier fantasy option. But as a catcher Napoli could be a Top 10 fantasy producer. Napoli is a little off his HR per AB pace from years' past (19.1 to 16.6), but he still can give your team plenty of home runs from the catcher position.

The only reason I have Napoli in the Top 10 as opposed to the Top Five is because I fully expect the Angels to go out and acquire a first baseman at the trade deadline or sooner.

However, until that happens, ride Napoli’s newfound eligibility at first base.

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