Red Sox Say Goodbye to Jason Varitek
November 24, 2008 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under Sports Rumors
Entering the baseball offseason, Jason Varitek’s agent said he was looking for a deal for his client similar to the 4-year, $52.4 million contract Jorge Posada of the New York Yankees got. The agent theorized that the two veteran catchers were about equal in value.
On Monday, the Boston Red Sox offered Varitek a 1-year contract worth less than Posada gets annually. With that move, the Red Sox were basically waving goodbye to their longtime catcher. With the two sides so far apart, it’s almost certain that Varitek will now sign elsewhere.
Although Varitek has two rings with the Red Sox and has caught more no-hitters than any catcher in history, Boston does have a few reasons to let him walk. First of all, his bat just isn’t what it used to be. In 2008, he hit just .220 and only had 43 RBIs in 131 runs. Additionally, at 36 years of age, Varitek’s career is coming to an end.
Red Sox fans should say their thanks to Jason Varitek and start preparing for a new catcher to be behind the plate in 2009.
I am just a fan that wants to voice my little opinion about you getting rid of the best catcher in baseball just because he had a bad hitting year!
It is really sad to see Jason not get resigned. I understand he had a horrible year batting,like I said, but it seems that’s ALL you’re looking at. He is possitively the best catcher behind the plate. It is actually a slap in the face to Jason to be offered so little when he is very close to the same stats as Jose Posada of the Yankees. That is what makes us fans upset because the Yankees don’t actually trade alot. If a player has an off year the manager plays them harder in the off season. THEN if they don’t show improvement….then say goodbye. It seems like bad season……good bye!!
I LOVE THE RED SOX but sometimes the decisions that are made……make no sense. I imagine your thinking what you do has the teams best interest at heart. I just feel you’re making a big BIG mistake getting rid of Varitek!!! Again….. Jason had a bad year. So that automatically means “Goodbye?”
Obviously, no matter what the out come with Jason (I personally) will be a fan. A SAD-SAD fan,
but a fan just the same!!!
Sincerely, Diana