You hear it over and over during spring training that stats don’t matter. That’s easy to say, but it’s a little harder to believe when you actually get out and see players play.
Take Mike Napoli, for example. While expectations for the slugger were tempered after a hip issue surfaced, he has shown no ill effects through the beginning of spring training and, in fact, might end up being the best signing of the offseason.
Jackie Bradley Jr., on a similar note, has been tearing it up in big league camp and has many Red Sox fans salivating at the chance of seeing the youngster in the major leagues soon.
NESN.com’s Ricky Doyle joined NESN Nation’s Dan Duquette on the podcast Thursday to discuss some of the bright spots for the Sox so far in Florida, and how Napoli and Bradley might fit into the team’s big plans this season. The two also touched on the World Baseball Classic, where the Yankees could ultimately end up in the standings and much more.
Listen to the conversation in the player below, or subscribe on iTunes to download it there.