BOSTON -- The Red Sox have targeted Baltimore's Javy Lopez as their top target to help replace starting catcher Jason Varitek, industry sources indicated yesterday.

The Sox spoke to the Orioles yesterday, who confirmed that they would be willing to move Lopez, on the final year of a multi-year deal. Lopez is scheduled to make $8.5 million this year but has lost playing time to Ramon Hernandez and has asked to be dealt.

Lopez, who can become a free agent after this season, was disappointed that he wasn't traded before Monday's non-waiver trade deadline. According to a source, Lopez, like many players in the game, was placed on waivers Monday and is expected to clear this afternoon.

The Orioles aren't expected to ask for much in return for the 36-year-old Lopez. The catcher has approximately $2.7 million left on his 2006 salary, though the Orioles have indicated a willingness to absorb at least some of the remaining money in order to facilitate a deal. The more money the Red Sox pay, the less they'll have to surrender in terms of a prospect.

The right-handed hitting Lopez would likely become the team's top catcher over Doug Mirabelli, who came into last night hitting just .181. Lopez is hitting .265 with eight homers and 31 RBI in 76 games.

Never considered a top-flight receiver, Lopez still throws relatively well. Over the last two seasons, he has also seen action at first base and DH and would give the Sox another option at first base behind Kevin Youkilis. Currently, second baseman Mark Loretta is the team's primary backup at first.

Lopez spent his first 10 full seasons in Atlanta before signing a three-year deal with the Orioles after the 2003 season. A career .265 hitter, he enjoyed his best season in 2002, his final year with the Braves, when he hit .328 with 43 homers and 109 RBI.

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