Jason Varitek

A few interesting tidbits came about via the Hot Stove, Cool Music charitable event on Saturday.  The Boston Herald’s Rob Bradford has the details.

• Brian Cashman admitted that he lost some power when the Hank and Hal regime took over.  He no longer has full authority to run everything, a sticking point when he signed on several years ago.  It would not be shocking to see Cashman move on when his term ends after the 2008 season.  He’s finishing up a three-year, $5.4MM deal.
• For what it’s worth, Theo Epstein seemed to indicate that the dragging Johan Santana talks are not holding up other moves for the Red Sox.  But really it’s hard to believe that Coco Crisp’s situation hasn’t been delayed.  Boston already lost the White Sox as a suitor, most likely.
• During Spring Training, Scott Boras plans to begin contract extension talks with the Red Sox for Jason Varitek.  Here’s a look at other free agent backstops the Sox could consider after the ’08 season.  Kenji Johjima could be an interesting signing.