Red Sox rumors: Boston interested in Mike Carp?

The Boston Red Sox could be interested in first baseman/outfielder Mike Carp, who was recently designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe adds that the Red Sox have discussed Carp internally, but as of yet no decision has been made whether to pursue him. Carp was designated by the Mariners to make room on their roster for recent acquisition Joe Saunders.

Carp was solid for the Mariners in 2011, hitting .276/.326/.466 with 17 doubles and 12 home runs over 313 plate appearances. However, the 26-year-old struggled to a batting line of .213/.312/.341 last year. Over parts of four seasons in the majors, Carp owns a career line of .255/.327/.413.

The Red Sox have reportedly been in the market for a left-handed bat that could potentially see time at first base and the outfield to spell Mike Napoli and Jonny Gomes. Both Napoli and Gomes bat from the right side and own superior numbers against left-handers.

Carp has been used primarily against right-handers throughout his career, hitting .241/.323/.398. However, he's actually produced better numbers - .300/.341/.462 with seven doubles and four home runs in 138 plate appearances - over fewer opportunities against southpaws.