Major League Baseball

Jays ship Napoli to Texas for Francisco

Published Jan. 25, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

The Toronto Blue Jays sent catcher Mike Napoli to the Texas Rangers for pitcher Frank Francisco and cash considerations, the Blue Jays confirmed Tuesday.

As I reported on Twitter earlier Tuesday, this makes it likely that the Rangers will not sign DH Vladimir Guerrero.

Napoli was just acquired by the Jays in a trade with the Angels Friday that sent outfielder Vernon Wells to the west coast. The Jays also got outfielder Juan Rivera in that trade.

"It's been a crazy couple of days," Napoli said. "I know the division well and the lineup they have, the type of players they have. "

Both players are headed to arbitration. Napoli asked for $6.1 million and the team countered with $5.3 million. Francisco asked for $4.875 million and the team offered $3.5 million.

Napoli, 29, would get his at-bats at catcher, first base and designated hitter. He has spent all 11 seasons of his professional career with the Angels. He posted .238 average with a career high 26 home runs and 68 RBI last season, splitting time between first base (70 games), and catcher (66 games). The 6-0, 215 lb., right-handed hitter has a career .251 average with 92 home runs and 249 RBI in parts of five Major League seasons.

"It was kind of weird to me. Obviously there was something going on," Napoli said. "It's great. I'm excited. I can't wait to get to spring training and try to win a job and help these guys win."

Francisco, 31, posted a 6-4 record with two saves and a 3.76 ERA in 56 relief appearances for Texas last season. The Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic native had a career high 25 saves in 2009 as the Rangers closer. In six Major League seasons, all with Texas, the 6-3, 250 lb. right-hander has recorded a 17-15 record with 32 saves and a 3.75 ERA, including 315 strikeouts and only 237 hits in 283.1IP.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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