[LSC9901]

The Red Sox are possibly still interested in bringing back All-Star catcher Jason Varitek. Varitek filed for free agency for the first time in 11 years at the end of the 2008 season.
According to MLBTradeRumors.com and other news sources, the Red Sox are expected to offer Jason Varitek arbitration.
In return, the ‘Sox would get two first round picks if the catcher was to sign with a different team. If the arbitration offer is accepted, Varitek would be wearing a Boston Red Sox jersey for at least one more season.
Scott Boras, Jason Varitek’s agent has expressed his concern with playing full-time. Varitek started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of starts recorded, except in 2006 when injuries played a role.
The Red Sox organization has not spoken a word to the Media or Varitek.

[Full Cougar]

Well I think he may be able to find another team, and the Sox may be better off with those draft picks. The only other thing though, is that Varitek is the captain. Besides that however I'm not sure how much he is contributing to that team anymore. In 2008 these were his stats-

GAMES- 131
AVG.- .220
HR- 13
RBIS- 43

OK, so he had a .220 batting average, which seems quite low. Although there are not too many great hitting catchers in the league, there may be better ones to use than Varitek. Kevin Cash may also be a better choice, he may have ahd less games than Varitek, but he batted .225.

Varitek may also help teams like the Diamonbacks who I think could use a veteran catcher. Their catcher is gone, and their other guys may be too young to take on a starting role yet. So Varitek could benefit some teams more than he could the Red Sox.

So one of the only problems I see here is the problem of captaincy, however the Red Sox may be able to part with that to possibly clear up some cap space and get those draft picks. Maybe they could offer him a contract though, see if he takes it, if not, then maybe don't try to much harder to get him.

[LSC9901]

I like Tek but if the Sox want to stay in contention they need to keep doing what they've been doing for the last few years ... the years they've won championships, get rid of aging players who are costing a fortune.They unloaded Martinez when everyone felt they should keep him. What is he doing for the Mets today. They let Manny go. They still did fine without him and the club house was a happier place. Jason is a good player but his days are numbered. Why wait until they are under pressure. Offer him a contract but be looking at the same time.

[Full Cougar]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I like Tek but if the Sox want to stay in contention they need to keep doing what they've been doing for the last few years ... the years they've won championships, get rid of aging players who are costing a fortune.They unloaded Martinez when everyone felt they should keep him. What is he doing for the Mets today. They let Manny go. They still did fine without him and the club house was a happier place. Jason is a good player but his days are numbered. Why wait until they are under pressure. Offer him a contract but be looking at the same time.

I agree with the last thing you said there. Offer him an average contract, if he accepts, keep him. However if he asks for more money then let him go, I'm not sure how deep the Red Sox organization is with catchers, but even a trip to the free agent pool should be able to find you a less expensive catcher who can still put up similar if not better numbers than what Varitek had in 2008.

It may be a good time for them also to start looking at younger catchers. Maybe get one from drafting or find one in a trade. However I don't think another expenisve veteran would be another good choice in this situation, just ask the Yankees.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Full Cougar

It may be a good time for them also to start looking at younger catchers. Maybe get one from drafting or find one in a trade. However I don't think another expenisve veteran would be another good choice in this situation, just ask the Yankees.

George and company have spent an unimaginable amount of money on useless veterans .... and for this I am thankful !!!

[Full Cougar]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

George and company have spent an unimaginable amount of money on useless veterans .... and for this I am thankful !!!

Its quite heart-breaking actually-

Randy Johnson
Carl Pavano
Jason Giambi
Jaret Wright
The list goes on, and on....

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by Full Cougar

Besides that however I'm not sure how much he is contributing to that team anymore. In 2008 these were his stats-

GAMES- 131
AVG.- .220
HR- 13
RBIS- 43

So one of the only problems I see here is the problem of captaincy

yes his batting stats suck ...... but i think youre missing a key point

On May 19th, 2008 Varitek caught his fourth no hitter, an MLB record
Jason Varitek - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

the man can call one hell of a game

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Full Cougar

Its quite heart-breaking actually-

Randy Johnson
Carl Pavano
Jason Giambi
Jaret Wright
The list goes on, and on....

I'll give him a wee bit of credit. In the early years he was able to buy the right people to win the WS. The last few years have been a disaster.

[Full Cougar]

Originally Posted by simple simon

yes his batting stats suck ...... but i think youre missing a key point

the man can call one hell of a game

You know what, thats a great point and I forgot about that. So that could be a reason they might want to keep him.

[Full Cougar]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I'll give him a wee bit of credit. In the early years he was able to buy the right people to win the WS. The last few years have been a disaster.

I think a lot of it can lie in the hands of a GM, the owner sometimes just writes the checks.