The semi sibling rivalry between Mathis and Napoli has existed for a few seasons. Mathis would break to the majors first, but Napoli's power would give him the edge. The two catchers, who just so happen to be roommates, and close friends, also have spent the last few years competing for starts. Mathis has always been identified as the better defensive catcher, while Napoli provided more offense. That all changed in the in the 2009 post-season when Mathis's bat became electric. Crushing game changing doubles in the ALDS and ALCS, which did all the arguing Mathis needed to edge out Napoli. Both catchers came into Spring Training, looking good. But it would be Mathis who would ultimately see more playing time at the start of the season, with Napoli becoming the designated catcher for Scott Kazmir.
Unfortunately for the Angels the hot bat of Mathis will sit on the DL for a few weeks. DiGiovanna said "[he] broke a bone in his right wrist Monday night and will be out for six to eight weeks." This is a blow to the Angels' offense, Mathis has already hit his first home run of the year, driven in three runs, scored five times, stolen the base twice and has a batting average of .324. Napoli hasn't had much of an opportunity to impact the offense with his 22 at bats over 8 games, but in years prior Napoli has been known to get streaky and last year carried much of the Halo offense when Guerrero and Hunter were injured.
The odd man out is Bobby Wilson, who has only one at bat this far. Wilson is said to have the goods to be in the majors, but he hasn't had a shot yet. With Mathis' prolonged stay on the DL, could see Wilson getting even a few more starts, to rest Napoli.
The injury couldn't have happened at a worse time for Mathis, but for Napoli its an opportunity he wants. Its his time to shine.
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