Beard Is Back!

Mike Napoli tweeted last night that the beard is back. Napoli & the Red Sox agree on a 2 year, $32 million contract to bring the power-hitting 1B back to the Red Sox. Nap supposedly turned down 3 years & $45 million from the Rangers in order to return to Beantown, a place he loves to play. In essence, Napoli & the Red Sox fill-out the original 3 year contract from last year with Napoli getting a raise of $3 mil per year. Given his history of heating up in September & in the playoffs, Nap was a great re-signing. He fits this team. Ben Cherington has his Christmas shopping done pretty early this year. Nap's signing takes the pressure off to get a big outfield bat, although I would still love to see Giancarlo Stanton in a 4-for-1 deal to come to Boston. John Farrell has indicated that he would like Stephen Drew back, so that is still up in the air. But a great week for Ben with the signings of Pierzynski, Mujica & Napoli.