Angels try Alberto Callaspo in the leadoff spot; Napoli remains an Angel
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Another day, another leadoff batter for the Angels, who will try Alberto Callaspo at the top of the order Monday night against the Seattle Mariners in Safeco Field.
The third baseman, acquired in a July 22 trade from Kansas City, will be the sixth different player the Angels have used in the leadoff spot this season, following Erick Aybar, Bobby Abreu, Maicer Izturis, Howie Kendrick and Reggie Willits.
The Angels are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles, a series in which they scored only one run, on a balk, on Friday night. The Angels were shut out Saturday and Sunday.
Mike Napoli, who reportedly was claimed on waivers by the Boston Red Sox, is not in Monday night’s lineup after sitting out Sunday’s game against the Orioles, but he was still on the lineup card.
According to WEEI.com, the Red Sox and Angels were unable to agree on a deal for Napoli before Monday’s deadline.
The Red Sox did not appear willing to part with a quality prospect in exchange for Napoli, the catcher/first baseman who leads the Angels with 21 home runs, and the Angels were more inclined to keep him for the rest of this season and try trading him over the winter, when they could get more in return.
--Mike DiGiovanna in Seattle