Mike Napoli could be next Red Sox veteran traded

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BOSTON -- Shane Victorino was traded night as the sell-off of veterans heading for free agency began for the Red Sox.

Mike Napoli could well be next.

Napoli, like Victorino, was signed after the 2012 season and was part of the 2013 championship team. But also like Victorino, Napoli's deal is up at the end of this season and the Sox might want to get something in return for the final two months of the season.

"It's out of my control,'' shrugged Napoli, surrounded by reporters at his locker Tuesday afternoon. "I come here to work hard every day to get myself better and go out there and play hard and try to help us win that day. It's something I don't really think about. I come here and get my work in and do what I can.''

Napoli has had a forgettable season for the Sox, with a .208/.305/.376 slash line.

Of late, however, Napoli has performed better, with a .355/.412/.581 slash line in his last 10 games. In that span, he has five extra-base hits (four doubles and a homer).

Asked if he thought his recent uptick at the plate could increase his value and make it more likely that the Sox move him by Friday's 4 p.m. non-waivers trade deadline, Napoli said: "I have no idea. I'm just trying to get myself right. I'm feeling better and better every day. I've been putting some good at-bats together and playing some good defense.

"I'm just going to go out there and playing hard. Whatever happens, happens. Like I said, I'm going to come here and help us win every day.''

Still, Napoli made clear that his preference is to remain in Boston.

"I love this place,'' he said. "I bought a place here. I love the city and the people here. I really enjoy it. If that time comes (when I get traded), I'll touch on my thoughts then.''

Napoli added that the Red Sox haven't put him on alert that something could be happening.

He's been linked to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are looking for an upgrade over Pedro Alvarez at first. Napoli could conceivably platoon with the left-handed hitting Alvarez and also take over in late innings.

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