Mike Napoli

Mike Napoli (ankle) has done some straight-line running with minimal discomfort and expects to be ready for spring training next month.

Napoli suffered stretched ligaments in the ankle during Game 6 of the World Series, though X-rays came back negative. “The ankle felt pretty good,” Napoli said. “I ran with a sled to put a little weight behind it and it came out pretty good. I think it’s just me trusting it again.” The catcher admitted that he’ll have to “work through some pain,” but it doesn’t sound like the injury will be much of an issue going forward.

Mike Napoli requested $11.5 million and was offered $8.3 million by the Rangers when arbitration figures were exchanged Tuesday.

Napoli is in line for a huge raise from his $5.8 million salary in 2011 after batting .320/.414/.631 with 30 home runs, 75 RBI and a 1.046 OPS last season. The Rangers have already ruled out signing the 30-year-old to a contract extension this offseason, so they’ll have to bridge the gap on a one-year deal to prevent a hearing next month.

Mike Napoli said Wednesday that his left ankle, which he injured during the World Series, is feeling better.

Napoli wasn’t able to finish a light jogging session 10 days ago because of lingering discomfort. “But it’s getting stronger,” he told ESPN Dallas. “There was no reason for me to push it, but it’s getting stable. Dr. Meister looked at it (earlier in the offseason) and we’re on track. I’ll be ready for spring training.” Draft him with confidence this year.

The Rangers have ruled out signing catcher Mike Napoli to a long-term deal this winter.

“We love Mike and we?re not closing the door on anything,” Rangers GM Jon Daniels said Wednesday, “but right now we are focused on a one-year deal.” Napoli is eligible for arbitration this winter for the final time. If he comes to close to replicating his 2011 numbers next season, the 30-year-old backstop will be in line for a major payday on the open market. The Rangers could also reopen talks midseason.