Rangers send Francisco to Toronto for Napoli

According to multiple reports first started by FOXsport.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Rangers have traded long-time reliever Frank Francisco to Toronto for utility-man Mike Napoli, who was a Blue Jay for all of a week, acquired by the Canadian club in the Vernon Wells deal.

Rosenthal also tweeted that this deal probably shows that Vlad Guerrero won't be back in Texas either, as Napoli is expected to split time between C, 1B and DH.



Rosenthal's initial tweet:

Source: #BlueJays set to trade Napoli to #Rangers for F. Francisco. No Guerrero to Texas. Napoli ABs at C, 1B, DH. #MLB

I've always been a huge Francisco guy, as he's been an anchor in the back half of that Ranger bullpen dating back to that first serious playoff run in 2004, working the seventh inning before Akinori Otsuka and Francisco Cordero.

That being said, Francisco is going to be 32 on Sept. 11, and the Rangers have a wealth of talent in the bullpen and in the minors as well. Napoli, on the other hand, is a career .251 hitter, and that number was brought down due to a relatively ineffective 2010. In the previous two seasons, he hit .272 and .273, respectively.

With all the talent the Rangers have stockpiled in the pitching ranks, I like this move. Sure, it sends a fan favorite away, but at the same time why not see what you can get out of Napoli, who can more than make up for whatever he may or may not lack at the plate with his versatility. The ability to play C, 1B and DH will be a huge plus for this Rangers' club, especially with Michael Young available to fill in at the other IF positions.

This should also free Mikey up from having to play too much 1B, although if the club decides Mitch Moreland should play everyday at AAA, then that could definitely change.

Not to mention, Napoli has had a penchant for being tough on the Rangers. I know I never wanted to see him up in a crucial situation when he was with LAA.

What do you think? Like the move?