Despite role, Carp happy to still be with Red Sox

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- In a relatively small sample size of 216 at-bats last year, Mike Carp had several big hits and finished with an impressive OPS of .885.

In other words, he is probably deserving of more at-bats. The problem is that there is a logjam on the Red Sox at the positions the 27-year-old Carp plays.

Mike Napoli is entrenched as the first baseman. David Ortiz is the designated hitter. Daniel Nava and Jonny Gomes share left field.

Yet, Carp isn't complaining.

"This is where I want to be," Carp said. "I want to be able to contribute any way I can this year. So whatever role I have to be in, I'm happy to take that and go about my business every day."

There is always the chance he could be traded, given that he plays at positions of strength for the Red Sox.

"You can't help but hear [trade rumors]," said Carp. "My agent talks. Your buddies will say to you, 'You might be going somewhere else.' But this is the only place for me. To go out and compete with these guys on the field every day, that's all you can ask for."