Varitek Wants Another Deal With The Sox…
The venerable Jason Varitek, who is forever emblazoned in Red Sox folklore as the catcher who helped guide two World Series teams wants another four years with the Red Sox.
Does he deserve considering he’s 36? Jorge Posada, around the same age, got a massive extension; however, does Varirek deserve it? Especially very few catchers stay in the position into their 40’s?
Despite my thoughts, Varitek is no ordinary catcher.
Posada already has his — a $52.4 million, four-year deal that was finalized on Nov. 29 with New York after his best season even though he’s 36 years old.
Varitek turns 36 on April 11 and would like Boston to give him a deal by then to take effect after his current $40 million, four-year pact runs out after this season.
So did he watch with interest when Posada got his lucrative contract?
“Four-year deal?” Varitek said Saturday with a laugh. “Yeah, of course.”
With no outstanding prospect close to being ready for the majors, a new multiyear deal seems to make sense for the player Boston obtained from Seattle in 1997. Both sides would prefer to get it done before the season, although Varitek was allowed to become a free agent before signing his last contract.
“There haven’t been steps toward it so far as my knowledge. Yes, we’ll be extremely open to seeing what can be done,” said Varitek, who is represented by tough bargainer Scott Boras. “Once spring training’s over, you want things done with.”
Boston manager Terry Francona isn’t doing much to downplay Varitek’s value.
The catcher is a very hard worker, the team’s captain and a leader, Francona said.
I’m not sure if the Red Sox will jump at signing Varitek for another four years; however, it may be contingent on whether he’ll agree to a smaller contract, or if Boston has another position player available in the pipeline.
November 12th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
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