The Boston Red Sox have officially announced the signing of 1B/C Mike Napoli to a one year, five million dollar contract. As has been well documented, Napoli and the Red Sox initially agreed on three years, 39 million dollars back in December, but restructured the contract due to health concerns over Napoli’s ailing hip. We are now learning that he is suffering from a condition called “avascular necrosis” , a disease caused by lack of blood flow to an area resulting in the death of bone tissue. This is the same condition that ended two-sport superstar Bo Jackson’s career prematurely. However, Brett Favre was diagnosed with the same condition, and we all know how that story played out. Napoli says he is symptom free, however. He also says he is comfortable at first base, and that playing in the field as opposed to catching will result in less wear and tear on his hips over the course of the season. To make room for Napoli, the Red Sox designated RHP Chris Carpenter (acquired as compensation from the Cubs for Theo Epstein) for assignment.

Napoli also took to twitter to express his feelings on becoming a member of the Red Sox:

Glad to be a member of the Boston Red Sox family #redsoxnation

— Mike Napoli (@MikeNapoli25) January 22, 2013