No Need To Worry About Varitek. Really. Trust Me.

March 29th, 2008 by Zach Hayes

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 Filed under Jason Varitek
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4 Comments to “No Need To Worry About Varitek. Really. Trust Me.”

  • Tim Daloisio says:
    March 29, 2008 at 9:54 AM

    Well put. Its clear that Tek is on the decline, but the alternatives are non-existent and we could be in much worse shape at the position than we are. I do think that the succession plan at the catcher position has been the most glaring weakness of the player development program over the last few years.

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  • Craig says:
    March 29, 2008 at 2:43 PM

    Good catching is a scarce commodity right now and Tek, even though in decline, is still better than most (even offensively).
    And please, never again mention Josh Bard. That trade was the ultimate Theo panic move. /sigh

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  • LCBF says:
    March 30, 2008 at 6:11 AM

    I agree with everything you said regarding 2008. Our problem will be catching in 2009, not this year. Tek is likely to be looking for a four year deal and Theo is likely to be offering two. We saw what happened with Damon when Theo held his ground and I doubt if there will be much give from the Sox in terms of contract years.
    Our best hope for a future starting catcher is Mark Wagner but, Wagner is at Lancaster and two years away, not one. Kottaras might develop into an adequate one year stop gap but, that’s wishful thinking, his defense is clearly not major league ready and he projects as a backup not a starter.
    This year, the free agent market for catchers will also be thin. I believe Kenji Johjima is the only reasonable catcher free next year but, he’s also aging and will want a long contract.
    Theo might be forced into a trade which will cost us prospects as well as salary. Not a very good position to be in.

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  • Gerry says:
    March 30, 2008 at 3:16 PM

    Well done. Like LC says, the problem is not 2008. With his above average ST offensively, being in great shape, and in a contract year, (though, like Manny, this might not be a prime mover) his #’s should be as good or better than projected.
    Is Tek wanting a Posada-type contract? Maybe not, especially if Posada regresses. Would a not impossible .265 with 20HR and high OPS cause Theo to consider a 3-4 year contract at a compromise amount which would allow for Tek to move into a backup/mentoring role 3 – 4 years out? Probably, especially as many would like to see Tek move into Tito’s role when he decides to retire. This is a Gordion Knot type of problem, but Tek is so valuable now, and could remain so in various roles, long term, if Theo handles this right.

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