Jason Varitek is the captain of the Boston Red Sox. He wants to return to the team this season. The team pretty much wants him back. But neither could agree on the length of a deal, with Varitek stressing his loyalty to the team and knowledge of the pitching staff, but the Red Sox being very aware of his major regression last season.
Frankly, Varitek goofed when he rejected the team’s arbitration offer, thinking he could get more on the market. But that market never materialized for a 36-year-old catcher who batted just .220 last season. Plus teams would have to surrender a first-round draft pick if they sign Varitek. So it’s not too surprising that he is still unemployed.
But spring training is approaching, and as of now the Red Sox have Josh Bard - whom they acquired on Jan. 2 - as their only catcher with big-league experience. Would that not affect your futures betting on WagerWeb.com if Josh Bard is Boston’s Opening Day catcher?
Apparently Boston is coming to its senses, as it reportedly has added a second year to a contract offer for Varitek. According to the Boston Globe, Varitek could guarantee the second year of a contract through “reachable incentives,” such as games played or at-bats. This is the first legitimate movement in this stalemate for about three months, with Varitek always voicing his demand for a two-year contract.
Varitek, who turns 37 on April 11, appeared in 131 games for Boston last year, batting .220 with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs. He made $10 million last year, but even the Red Sox have a budget. And the team reportedly made it clear that it doesn’t see Varitek as a full-time catcher any longer. The Red Sox have been discussing trade options throughout the winter - most notably for Miguel Montero (Arizona) and Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Texas).
Varitek caught 131 games last year and has caught at least 125 games in eight of the last 10 seasons. He’ll be back in Beantown in 2009.
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