NASHVILLE -- The Red Sox view newly signed Mike Napoli as their starting first baseman, but could use someone as Napoli's backup.
On the current roster, the only other experienced first baseman is Jarrod Saltalamacchia, but manager John Farrell said the Sox don't want to have Saltalamacchia shift positions.
(Of course, there stands a good chance that Saltalamacchia could be dealt before spring training begins, as the Sox, with Napoli's signing and the addition of David Ross last month, now have a surplus of catching.)
The Sox had some discussions with James Loney, whom they obtained as part of their giant deal with the Dodgers last August. Loney lacks the power usually associated with the position, but fields his position superbly and might have made for a nice complement to Napoli, serving as a lefty pinch-hitter and defensive replacement.
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said the Sox spoke to Loney after the season about returning, but Loney signed last week with the Tampa Bay Rays, who envision him as their everyday first baseman.
There are some veteran first basemen on the free agent market who might make good fits for the Sox - Carlos Pena and Casey Kotchman among them -- but Cherington indicated the Sox have other ideas.
"At this point," said Cherington, "I'd say if we added anybody else who could play some first base, we probably would be looking for someone who could do some other things, too -- move around a little bit.''