The Red Sox signed Lyle Overbay in the hopes that he can be a solid backup to Mike Napoli. He apparently isn’t the only option the club considered, though.
The Sox have also discussed the Mariners’ Mike Carp as a potential backup, according to The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo. Carp was designated for assignment last week.
Carp hit .213 in 164 at-bats last season, and is a career .255 hitter in 545 at-bats. The 26-year-old is a left-handed hitter and has the ability to play both first base and the outfield, which is something that would certainly be an asset to the Red Sox. Napoli, of course, figures to be Boston’s everyday first baseman, but his hip condition makes the need for a solid backup that much greater. Plus, a left-handed bat capable of playing the outfield could spell Jonny Gomes from time to time when the Sox face right-handers.
Carp hit .276 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs in 79 games in 2011.
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Photo via Wikipedia/Mike Carp
