Mike Napoli makes case for low batting average
Things in Oakland looked set for a climax in a good series against the Athletics for the Texas Rangers. Monday, 2 May, 2011, marked the last day of the tournament and Texan catcher, Mike Napoli, was not part of the line up.
The former Los Angeles Angels player has an awkward standing on the horizon. The player has an average batting figure of .245 and he has been ranked 76th in the American League with at least 50 appearances.
Nevertheless, that situation comes with a different statistic. Napoli has a slugging percentage of .673 and that is ranked third best in the league. His On Base percentage is .403 and that is ranked eighth in the American League. His On Base plus Slugging
figure of 1.077 is ranked the fourth best.
"It's kind of weird", Napoli said. "Some days I get in there and feel really good, and some days I feel off. But for the most part, I'm giving a tough at-bat while trying to adjust to my role".
The makeshift designated hitter is 12-for-49 with the bat. The hard hitter has earned 13 walks, nine extra base hits, six home runs and three doubles in his 18 game appearances from 28 fixtures.
The player has seen a walk in every 4.77 plate appearances. The catcher sees 4.52 pitches per plate appearances and that is considered the fourth best in the league.
"I've always kind of seen a lot of pitches", Napoli said. "Last year, I got away from that and realized it. But even in the Minor Leagues, I had a lot of walks. I think I have a better plan now rather than going up there and wasting an at-bat without a plan".
The Rangers are aiming for another playoff bid, this season. Napoli’s strong display on the plate will help their cause, as the team looks to dispel the competition in the American League West.
With stiff competition from the Angels, the team has the tough task to move beyond the contest to cement a major role in the post season.
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