FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Barring any unforeseen developments, it appears infielder Nick Green and first baseman/outfielder Chris Carter have secured the final two spots on the Red Sox' 25-man roster.

Club officials told Green and Carter that their chances of breaking camp with the team were looking good, though things could change if, for example, another player is claimed on waivers.

The strong-armed and versatile Green has had an excellent spring, batting .345 with a pair of home runs. He will serve as the utility infielder until Julio Lugo returns from a knee injury, likely during the first week of the season.

"Things could happen," Green said. "So, that's why I don't want to get ahead of myself. They said I was looking good. Something can happen, so hopefully it doesn't for my sake."

Carter, who has hit .359 with a team-best six home runs this spring, made his major league debut late last year with the Red Sox. He has been perhaps the Sox' best hitter this spring, for what that's worth, but his glove, despite a near-maniacal work ethic, remains a concern.

Twice in his career with other organizations, Carter has been informed he did not make the club on the final day of spring training.

"I had flashbacks to that today," Carter said. "I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I didn't know who was going to get picked. I feel like I still need to keep going. I really do.

"I'm in a better situation than I was yesterday. They've been honest. They said, 'We're going to let you know when we know.' I think Tito and Theo [Epstein], they were honest the whole time. I just appreciate it."

Carter has apparently beat out Jeff Bailey for the final spot, which is vacated because Mark Kotsay will join the Red Sox roughly one month into season, after he's recovered from offseason back surgery. Bailey's locker was empty this morning, and his official status remains unclear. Before leaving, Carter said, Bailey hugged and congratulated him.

"He really is a class act," Carter said. "I feel really happy for myself. When I think about that, I wanted us both to make it. It really would have been awesome."

This morning, without getting specific, Francona said he had spoken with a few players about their status.

"There’s been some guys talked to unofficially, just on kind of where we stand, but nothing’s been done officially anywhere," he said. "We’ll give some guys some heads up. We tried to at least talk to guys and tell them where we stand on some things."