We’re all still waiting and wondering if Jason Varitek will sign with the Sox again for one more year. The topic has been talked to death the last week or so, ever since it was reported that Varitek had requested a meeting to ‘clear the air’, here. Dan Shaughnessy points speaks some of the wisdom of a potential deal between the Sox and Tek, here.
Personally, I would love to see the Sox and Tek come to an agreement that could help both of them out. I think the Sox could sign Varitek to a 1 year contract between 4-5 million. This would allow Varitek a year to ‘pull it together’ offensively and possibly sign a multi-year deal following the season. If he doesn’t ‘pull it together’ at least he was given the opportunity and the Sox would be able to look for a starting catcher for another year. However, I believe the best thing to do would be to sign him for 2 years under the agreement that it would be as a mentor to his replacement. Then, trade some of the young talent to get Teagardon, Saltamachia, or Montero to become the catch of the future. Tek does have the ‘intangibles’ and there is no denying that. However, they are not as valuable as Boras, his agent, believes they are.
Everyone saves face with this move. The Sox don’t owe Varitek anything. They paid him to do his job for years and he did it. However, it would be a gracious gesture. The kind that creates more fans and wins them some respect. Not really necessary, but still something a fan would love to see.
Curt Schilling chimed in with his thoughts regarding the future of Tek. Below are some quotes, but you can catch the entire interview here.
Do you think Jason Varitek would be interested in transitioning into a coaching role over the next couple of years for the Red Sox? It seems like it would be a perfect fit for him. - Chaz Michael Michaels
Answer: I do think he’ll be a manager someday.
Curt, is Varitek the type of person who out of loyalty, might not sign with the Yankees if given the chance, or does being a Red Sox for so long play nothing into the decision? – Justin
Answer: He is that type of person in my opinion. He wouldn’t. But that’s my opinion only. I’ve never asked him.
How much of the success of the rotation is because of Varitek, and how much of it is due to advance scouting and knowing how to pitch to the opposing teams hitters? - Yac
Answer: The advance scouting is done FOR Jason and FOR John Farrell. Advance scouting is what the pitching coach usually uses on a team to address the staff before the series, hoping pitchers pay attention and listen. Here it’s to put together the book for Jason to translate to the staff in real time.
(pic from b3blogger)
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2 comments:
This is a joke! Varitek is not just past his prime, but is done offensively. Boston made it without Jason before he came to town and they will make it long after he retires.
He's greedy and its bitten him in the butt this time. Forget about him!
sorry, this is jake, not anonymous for the previous comment.
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