Jason Varitek, Red Sox Reach Agreement

Let me guess... at noon we'll hear Boras is on vacation in Hawaii giving him an extra five hours.

This guy I cannot stand, Masarotti.
The whole Boston press in this is terrible, if this was NY papers they would have said the truth, let this bum go.
Nevr have I've seen so much attention for a .220 hitter.
They seem to have brainwashed the people about 4-no-hitters, handles pitches, calls a good game, wears the"C".
When in reality he is a declining catcher, at the end of his career, who cannot hit anymore consistently.
K-Tek, is good right now at consistently striking out.

according to EsPn(the show) they were saying 8:30 Eastern time.

Cyyoung speaks the truth. Varitek is one of the worst catchers in baseball. Why is he getting all this attention? Why are the Sox even still interested in him?

Amazing.

Jason Varitek is NOT a big enough name to be jerking us all around like this.

If you focus on only his declining hitting stats, then some of you are right, he is not worth any attention. If you realize that baseball has other key aspects apart from hitting, then Varitek ranks up at the top of the list of MLB catchers. Also, don't forget who we should compare him to: other catchers. He has caught 4 no hitters, most ever. Is that because he was catching Hall of Famers? Sorry, but Nomo, Lowe, Bucholz, and Lester don't exactly fit that bill. Would you rather have anybody else mentoring a young catcher or pitcher right now?

On the other hand, this foolishness of sitting out is a little absurd. He is 36, not 21. If he sits out a year, then his BA will sink to unforgiveable levels.

I'll take Josh Bard he was Peavy's catcher when won Cy Young, did K-Tek have a pitcher win Cy Young?

Sorry reo, but I just don't agree. Varitek is no longer one of the top catchers in the game. If you look at this purely from a numbers standpoint, the Red Sox could probably use Kotteras/Bard/Wagner and put up similar numbers offensively and defensively as Tek. He was flat out bad last year. The Sox can use his leadership, game calling ability, and the fact that he is always prepared, but by no means should the team go crazy if he declines this offer. I understand he called 4 no hitters, but I'm not about to call him a savior because of 4 games. The Sox can use Tek, but to call him one of the games best is not accurate. He's just not that good anymore, as sad as it is to say.

Yes he did. Pedro. Beckett was very close in '07. Schilling has been close, lowe perhaps as well. Tek has caught some fantastic pitchers.

Um Tek was the catcher when Pedro won Cy Young in 1999 and 2000.

Tek was the full time catcher by 2000 when Pedro won the Cy Young.

I think cy young pitchers are mostly independent of their catcher, they are the exception, the catcher has more to do with young/inexperienced pitchers and managing the whole staff. You cant compare two catchers simply by the # of cy young awards their pitchers won.

"Sorry, but Nomo, Lowe, Bucholz, and Lester don't exactly fit that bill. Would you rather have anybody else mentoring a young catcher or pitcher right now?"

So Tek gets credit for Buchholz's no-no. Does he also get blame for his 6.75 ERA last year?

As a Sox fan who, against his better judgement, would like to see Tek return, the "4 no-hitter" argument is pretty bogus.

I think the Red Sox are making a mistake by wanting him back. The guy is on his spiral downward. They offered him arbitration, and if Tek and Boras were smart, they would have accepted it right there. That offer of arbitration is more than enough showing of "respect" to Tek... the guy hit .220... that's .220 for crying out loud!! His last "decent" season was in 2005. He's on his spiral downward and we all know it. He's not even that good defensively and he has a piss-poor arm.

And people overplay the whole "he calls a great game" aspect to the situation. The fact that he has one of the best pitching staffs in baseball (and this is coming from a Yankee fan) is a big reason why they do so good. Throw me or you behind the plate and we could probably call a good game when he has guys like Lester and Beckett throwing to him.

The guy is going to be what... 38? Cut him loose. As a Yankee fan, I hope he signs with the Red Sox.

It seems Varitek is simply a pitching coach on the field. Yes he has caught some no-hitters but wasn't he the same catcher who flashed the signs to Mike Timlin, Kyle Snyder, Brian Corey, David Pauley?
Watch an Angels game, their catchers look into the dugout on every pitch as Socia calls the pitch.
The point is, the Sox made him an offer that was based in large part due to what he has done, but if he doesnt accept it, let the new guy look into the dugout and let John Farrell call the game

Varitek is a fool if he sits out the year- his problem is Boras.

Im trying every so hard to not be angry with Variteks recent actions, his moves are mind numbing to me as a Red Sox fan. For a guy that was the poster player for the MLB, he is starting to look like a greedy player like everyone else. The offer is just and more then generous, as a matter a fact, its 3 times the amount it should be and it may even have a second year attached to it! It really makes no sense and its really hurting my feelings towards this image of him being our "captain"

Definition of Captain = One who commands, leads, or guides others. His actions are really not living up to his title

Varitek's problem is not Boras; it is the greedy mentality that made him think he should sign with Boras in the first place.

Deadline on Varitek is "Media creation"

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3872127

TAKEN FROM ESPN: "Summarizing the results of Lyflines' study … Using a method to "match" innings, he comes up with a 4.77 ERA with Varitek behind the plate, and 4.66 for other Red Sox catchers. Stripping Tim Wakefield from the study -- Varitek rarely catches Wakefield -- the numbers are 4.80 for Varitek, 4.63 for everyone else".

So to sum things up...your captain can't hit his weight or even catch up to an average fastball....is one of the WORST in MLB at throwing out runners...and now here is some statistical proof that his "simply amazing play calling" is just a Boston media creation to actually find something good to say about the guy.

Furthermore guys, let be real about the "play calling" bs. do any of you really think that only catchers have access to game film? lol A good pitcher will study hitters tendencies and view game film HIMSELF to prepare...get on the same page with his catcher...and if there is a call the pitcher doesn't agree with, he will shake off or meet at the mound to discuss it. So hanging on to his "oh so amazing play calling" has BEEN a total joke to everyone but Sox fans for some time now.

I usually never post on Boston threads because quite frankly, I couldn't care less about your team. However, since there are 765 toolshed Sox fans per day that litter the Yankees threads, I thought I would chime in with some reality and pour gas on YOUR flame for a change. Enjoy it!

Who cares who posts on what thread????? Seriously, outside of people making personal attacks, I think this might be the most annoying thing about some of the posters on here. Just because a thread is about a certain team doesn't mean you can't comment on it if you don't like them. As long as you bring a logical argument, it really shouldn't matter. So, I can't get mad at jjyankeesfan2 for posting on a Red Sox thread, because he's actually backing it up with some sort of statistical evidence to support his opinion. His last paragraph was a waste, but he's making a point and backing it up.

If this 2 year deal is accurate, I hope it's something very similar to what had been reported. If this isn't on the Red Sox terms, I'll be shocked and further impressed with Scott Boras' ability to create a market when EVERYONE knows it doesn't exist.

I don't see why sox fans or yankees fans can be upset by this. The sox get a good game manager and an overall well-liked clubhouse guy. On the other hand, the yankees will enjoy pitching to him because he's going to hit around .220 this year. Its win-win.

Unless he's agreed to be a platoon player or a backup, I don't like this.

I still think Theo is going to go after Salty or Montero. The "ideal situation" from Theo was to sign Varitek to tutor the young stud catcher of the future. What remains to be seen is when Theo will execute the trade and what players will be involved.

Jason Varitek and the Red Sox have agreed to a one-year contract with an option, the Globe's Tony Massarotti has confirmed.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/

It'll be interesting to see if it's a straight team or player option or if there is one of each in the contract.

Let the countdown on the Mauer sweepstakes begin...

Best part is, looks like he agreed on the Sox terms-- 5 million for the first year, w/ club option for '10 for 5 mill, or player option for 3 mill. Only difference may be some incentives on the '10 year that could increase the value.

Good decision, Tek.

Question, now that Tek is on board is he , hands down, the starting C, if healthy, for the next two years or do they still try and trade for one of the Texas C's?

The Sox terms??

How many other .200 hitting catchers get $5 million. This is highway robbery, but my team's not paying it so i'm fine with it. Just another hole is the Sox lineup.

"Just another hole is the Sox lineup."

and the other holes would be??...the sox have a, relatively, deep line-up. they can afford to bat him 8th. if he hits .240-.250, that's great...as long as he maintains solid defense (he's not great, but he is solid).

Yeah, JJ, I said something similar earlier in the thread. The 4 no hitters and game calling ability is all well and good, but it still doesn't change the fact that he couldn't hit or throw anyone out last year. Compared to the alternatives, I like having Tek back, but it's not like he's a savior. He's merely a place holder now until they find his replacement.

And to answer your question YanksFan78, I think the Sox will still trade for a young catcher...eventually. There's no desperation now, so they can wait until 1/2 way through the season when Texas is giving up 6 runs a game and get a deal that actually makes sense for both sides. Salty for Buchholz just doesn't make sense for Boston since Salty might not even be behind the plate in 4/5 years. I think the team is ready and willing to give up a big time talent, but it's got to be for more of a sure thing (in terms of getting a catcher that will stay a catcher). No sense in trading Buchholz or other top prospects for a catcher who projects to be a 1B/DH.

Dear Fellow Sox Fans, There is zero chance that Mauer is playing anywhere but Minn in 2010. New stadium = new contract for the hometown kid, guaranteed. For your own sakes let it go.

They remove the names and numbers too, then.

Boston Belongs to Me,

.240-.250??? You do realize this will be 2009 and not 2006.

oh and as for other holes while I'm admittedly not a avid watcher of the Sox Lowrie doesn't scare me one bit and Ellsbury stepped back this past year, how does he recover.

Also you've got questions as far as Ortiz' recovery from his injury as well as Lowell from his.

Don't get me wrong I like the Red Sox and your pitching is very good, but offensively you'll miss Manny.

(takes a step back and waits for the onslaught).

YanksFan: "Question, now that Tek is on board is he , hands down, the starting C, if healthy, for the next two years or do they still try and trade for one of the Texas C's?"

Not necessarily Texas, but yeah, I think they'll be looking to trade for a young catcher. Now at least they can take their time and not have to trade the whole freakin' farm system for someone's promising, but unproven backup.

Of course, if Posada can't come back strong, the Sox had better not wait TOO long or they'll have some pretty stiff competition in the catcher market.

Ok K-Tek is signed,
I think Sox use him in different way at least this year. Unless he comes out hitting like a major leaguer again, dont be surprised if they do more pinch-hitting for him, especially with men on base. Use him like a National League Pitcher, pinch-hit for him, plus substitute players in the line-up. Kotsay, Baldelli, even Bard, who is a switch hitter himself. I just dont think he will be used as he was once was. I hope he catches Wakefield more often now, since he is best catcher in baseball, should have the harder task. I see no trade now, just many K'S from the best catcher at this, Ladies and Gentlemen I give you, K-Tek.

Don't get me wrong I like the Red Sox and your pitching is very good, but offensively you'll miss Manny.

(takes a step back and waits for the onslaught).
______________________________

(wait for it, wait for it...) BOOM goes the dynamite!

Mr. Jorge "I played 51 games last year for 13 Million dollars" Posada is a MUCH better bet.

Yankees fans, your stupidity seriously knows no bounds.
______________________

Sigh...not to turn this into a Boston Vs Tek thing but if you really think Tek is a better C than Posada then I don't know what else to say. Now if Posada comes back and isn't capable of being an everyday C then that's another story. Even as a DH he still provides much more offense than Tek ever will.

that should've read Yanks.

Now the sox have thier field general back. This was better than getting a young unproven catcher for a prospect who would not know how handle the sox staff.

Boston Belongs: "as for varitek, that's why i said .240-.250 would be "great". i expect a line of .235/10hr/50rbi."

I agree on this. People have been describing Varitek as "spiraling downward", but to me his stats look more like damped oscillation. So this year should be better than last, but not as good as the one before.

"oh, and sorry red sox fans, but i think that at this point julio lugo is the starting shortstop."

I sort of agree here. This situation will be very much like Coco and Ellsbury last year. Lugo will get more starts at short, but Lowrie will get more starts overall as the infield supersub.

ortiz, unfortunately, reminds me of mo vaughn (at the end of his red sox tenure). prove me wrong big guy.

as for julio lugo. he is nothing like coco crisp was last year. lugo won't be that "team player". i can honestly see lugo pulling a "bartolo" (huffing, puffing, going back to guam (wherever he is from)) if he does not get the bulk of playing time. and the sox are hand-cuffed by his contract.

trust me, i don't want lugo to start, but he will.

Hey Kangaroo, I agree that C is not an offensive position. My comment was more directed towards "fapelboner". I think he's making a silly comparison between Posada and Tek. Posada was hurt while Tek's skill level is obviously in decline. If both players are healthy, then I think Posada gets the edge.

That being said, each players importance to their team is all relative. I assume that Boston fans would be more than happy is Tek hit .240/.340 and played adequate defense and handled the staff well (did I really say "handle the staff well"?). Posada has to perform above avg with his bat AND perform well behind the plate as well to make his contract justifiable.

RSD, you calling me a homer is one of the most hilarious things I've read on here. You've got a point, except if you read my statements and how I objectively stated that Varitek is no savior and that his game calling/4 no hitters is overrated. But good call.

And I think a .240 ave for Varitek is actually within reason. He had a terrible BABIP last year, so going on that alone should allow for an increase in his offensive numbers. Add in the fact that he was sick and going through a divorce through most of the season, I can see a .240 BA possible, but I'm not going to count on it. He's around to handle the pitching staff.

I'm not the least bit worried about Ellsbury, who hit .280 in his rookie season and played gold glove CF defense. Lowrie also played a couple months of the season with a broken bone in his hand, yet still had 46 rbi in 260 ABs and played solid D. The health of Ortiz and Lowell is definitely a concern, however. I've read Ortiz hasn't had any problems with his wrist this offseason, which is a good sign. Lowell, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Posada VS. Varitek since 2000

Posada
186HRS 955K'S 738RBI'S
Varitek
134HRS 894K'S 545RBI'S

Thats why you did not get Posada's contract.
Posada has steadily been bringing down his K'S last few years, while Varitek has been bringing his up.

So as it stands the Boston line up is:

Ellsbury
Pedroia
Youks
Ortiz
Bay
Lowell
Drew
Lowrie
Varitek

Would Ortiz be the #4 hitter or would Bay move there with Ortiz being the #5? Could they move Lowrie up to the #2 spot and slide everone back 1 spot? Still a decent make up of a line up but because of decline/age/health Bay, Pedroia and Youks are the only sure things really.

ha, the dominican team 3-4-5-6 hitters...

pujols-manny-a rod-ortiz...that is sick. i still have my money on the italian team, though. go lenny dinardo!!!!!!!
__________________________

I don't know what pitchers have signed on other than Pedro but the Dominican team might be the team to beat.

"Posada has steadily been bringing down his K'S last few years"

This is not true at all, not sure how you figured this.