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| MIKE GRIEPER |
So after the final out of Game 6 of the World Series,Grieper found himself on the field.There was Napoli,bottle of champagne in hand.
Grieper said on Thursday on WEEI radio that it was one of the greatest moments he has experienced in the 14 years he has been Mike's agent.
"I have a picture of him and I and his beard right after the World Series.We hugged it out and had a Jerry Maguire moment right there where we both celebrated his World Series championship.It's always great as a agent,as a fan of the game and a friend,to celebrate those kinds of moments with people you truly care about."
Now Napoli finds himself a 'Free Agent' again.
This offseason is much different than last according to Grieper.
Last year the question was 'How many games can Mike Napoli catch ?' as at that time he was still viewed as a catcher.
"This year,it is much different.Obviously,Mike's no longer a catcher.He's a first baseman,a power hitter,arguably the best first baseman on the free agent market this year.Interestingly enough,he's kind of flown a little under the radar with regards to his defensive prowess.He's done really well there.I'm kind of surprised he didn't become a finalist in the Gold Glove voting.Defensively,as a first baseman he's been fantastic.He got better as the season went on.This year is slightly different because were talking about a different position,a different sort of player and he has a different accolade under his belt than he did prior.He's a World Series champion this year,and a guy who's continued to hit for power.In fact he's one of 11 guys over the last six years to hit 20 or more home runs in each of those years.He's been healthy all year,too.He played the most games he's had at first base.He had a medical diagnosis last year,but it's of no concern as we move forward through the process.The guy had zero symptoms whatsoever,zero issues,and he was healthy.He's looking forward to 2014,wherever that destination may be."
Greiper confirmed that some teams asked about 'the hip condition' and others did not.
"Each organization employs a doctor that reviews players' files,they review their history,they review MRI's."
As the GM's meeting has just broken up we are in the 'early days' of the 2013 'Free Agent market'.The markets are only developing around each position.
So don't look for Napoli to make a "quick decision'.
"I've been in touch with a lot of teams that have expressed interest where Mike is a good fit for them,including the Red Sox.I've had ongoing talks with Ben Cherington and his staff.We're keeping the lines of communication open with the Red Sox and other teams as well."
"As a free agent,you have to determine what the market is.You have to determine various considerations as to what your client wants to do.And then you have to explain all that information to your client.More than anything,you have to make sure your client is happy,because ultimately,he's the boss.He's the final decision-maker as to where he ends up going.My job is to help guide him through that process,keeping him informed and making sure he's educated about all the various clubs that have been in touch."
Grieper knows though that most clubs have already 'done their homework' if they're interested in a player.
"Clubs know just about everything about your client if they're in pursuit of him - especially a guy like Mike Napoli,who is one of the top free agent hitters on the market,actually the top free agent power hitter in my mind,"Grieper said.
Ironically for the Red Sox the 'Ghosts of Crawford and Beckett' are still around.
Had the Red Sox not 'been so gun shy' after ridding themselves of the long-term contracts of Crawford and Beckett last winter, they may have made Napoli a better offer on discovering his 'hip condition'.
They could have kept the three year deal 'with some SPECIAL clauses based on number of games played...etc'
The Red Sox opted for the one year deal,giving Napoli time to prove he's healthy and also to improve at first base.
The Red Sox may now pay the price.
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