Nava ready to hit leadoff if called upon

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Daniel Nava doesn't exactly remind you of Jacoby Ellsbury when it comes to footspeed. But his penchant for getting on base could make him a good fit to be Boston's leadoff man in 2014.

"I've got to get faster," quipped Nava. "No, I'm not going to change my approach. I think my approach is kind of similar to what a leadoff guy is."

In 2013, his breakout season to date, Nava posted a .385 on-base percentage.

"If that's where they want me to hit in the lineup, it's fine," Nava said. "As long as I'm in the lineup, I don't care if I hit ninth. It doesn't matter."

Manager John Farrell will continue to evaluate the leadoff situation during Spring Training before making a decision on who will replace Ellsbury. Nava and Shane Victorino are the leading candidates.