Varitek’s Future
Jason Varitek’s numbers are down this year, but he has never really been a significant offensive producer during his career in Boston. He had the potential to be a great hitter from both sides of the plate, but never really put it all together. He is an excellent defensive catcher but he is pretty one dimensional at this point in his career.Because of this, I don’t think it’s vital to re-sign Varitek during the off-season. The problem is losing a catcher sets back the pitching staff about a year while you reprogram your the staff to work with a new receiver. A major issue is that in the minor leagues we don’t have anyone to fill in and the there isn’t a lot of quality catching around the league, which puts Tek in a better position when he approaches the negotiating table this winter.
September 4th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
http://www.thebosoxblog.com
Nobody to replace him, and with slapping that captains “C” with his last contract they’ve all but ensured him of staying around as long as he’d like. Plus a good number of Red Sox fans will flip their lid to see him go.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Varitek had 5 full seasons</a< where he was at least 20% better than the average hitter in the AL. While I agree the Sox would be foolish to commit to any long-term or big money deals, to say he “has never really been a significant offensive producer” is revisionist history.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:39 am
As far back as I can remember,
Jim Rice has never had anything positive to say about
Varitek…including the piece done on NESN’s Pre-Game Show
the other evening comparing Varitek with Carlton Fisk.
Rice is a Fisk homer and couldn’t find anything positive
to say that about the current Red Sox captain
during that segment either!!!
September 5th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Wait….Jim Rice has a blog?
September 6th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Yeeaahhh….you know Varitek has been a very important player for the Sox, but he’s no Carlton Fisk my friend.
Keep up the good work Jim Ed! See you in Cooperstown next July!
September 6th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
It sounds like Rice might not like Jason for personal reasons. Maybe he’s jealous of a player that is well liked and respected by his fellow teamates, opposing teamates, fans and the media! Just ask the pitching staff if Jason has little to do with their success. He has also broken most of Carlton Fisk’s previous records. As a side note…..In 2004 Jason had a .296 average with 18 homeruns and 73 RBI’s. They won the world Series that year. Jason had more RBI’s in the world series in 2007…..more than MVP Lowell, not to mention how he handled the pitching staff in both World Series wins. It sound like Mr Rice needs to do a little homework and put his personal feelings aside. Hey, Jim! Got rings??????
September 6th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
You’re right Christopher “my friend”, Varitek is better!!!
September 10th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Suggesting a slightly lighter bat for the catcher, relaxing his swing. He’s not chopping wood. He’s got to hone-in on the ball.
Papi is losing energy to his gut as did Mr.Schilling.
September 15th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I still think we’re in trouble if we lose Tek. I think he does a lot more for the team than we all know.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I’m just amzed that Jim Ed can’t see the value this man has to the Red Sox. It isn’t just all about the hitting. Let’s throw in the fact that Tek caught 4 no hitters (could’ve been 5 if shill hadn’t shook him off in Oakland) and Two World series wins. I think his value goes much deeper than just hitting. The bullpen is much better with him catching.
October 1st, 2008 at 9:56 am
Jim, you are right on this one. My problem is with the deep minor league system we have, go out and trade for a quality catcher. Maybe get a better hitting catcher in the off season and have Jason as back up. Jason is a quality person/ballplayer, but he can’t hit on a consistant basis. He’s been a valuable team member and should be given credit for what he brings to the table. However, we can do better.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:15 am
i agree it is time for varitek to go.he has had a good carer here with the sox but has become a liability now.either trade or work with one of our own catchers in the minors.we need a catcher who can at least hit 280 or better