He started the game with a solo homer in the fifth inning that tied the game at 1-1. In the seventh, he hit another solo shot to put the Red Sox up 2-1. Those home runs were number nine and number ten on the season for Varitek. Those power numbers are impressive considering he hit just 13 homers last year and hasn’t hit more than 20 since 2005.

Varitek’s night really heated up in the bottom half of the seventh inning. After Josh Beckett was obviously disappointed by the home plate umpire, Varitek came to Beckett’s defense and ended up getting ejected from the game. Red Sox manager Terry Francona joined the argument and he was subsequently ejected.

Oddly enough, the Twins lost their catcher and manager in the top half of the seventh. Catcher Mike Redmond got a quick ejection and then manager Rod Gardenhire was also ejected after a short argument.

Following the two Varitek homers and the four total ejections, the Red Sox were able to hold on to a 3-1 victory over the Twins.

Here is the Jason Varitek video showing his two homers and his ejection:

Post from: Knuckle Curve

According to multiple reports, the contract is worth $5 million. There’s an option year for a second season that would cost the Red Sox $5 million. If they turn down the option year, Varitek will have a $3 million player option.

The 36-year-old catcher is coming off of an underwhelming season. In 2008, he hit just .220 with 13 homers and 43 RBIs. His batting average represented a career-low and his RBIs were a low since the 2001 season in which he only played 51 games.

Varitek has been a staple on the Red Sox for much of the last decade. He played one game in 1997 before slowly moving his way into the starting catcher position for Boston. During his tenure, he has set an MLB record for most no-hitters caught.

While he’ll likely remain an important part of the team in 2009, Varitek will need to hit better to solidify his spot in the everyday lineup for the Red Sox.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

-With the Angels turning their attention to Sabathia, some baseball insiders are wondering if the team has given up on the idea of re-signing Mark Teixeira. If that’s the case, Teixeira will likely end up either with the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees. However, don’t overlook his hometown Baltimore Orioles or the Washington Nationals.

-Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek reportedly got a one-year offer from Boston. If that’s true, that may be a sign that the Red Sox are looking to move on without him. There are rumors that the Red Sox may be looking to trade for one of the many young catchers in the Texas Rangers system if Varitek signs elsewhere.

-Andy Pettitte to the Houston Astros has been rumored. However, the latest rumor has Pettitte considering the Los Angeles Dodgers. If Joe Torre in LA, it’s certainly possible that he can convince Pettitte to give the West Coast a chance.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

The Rays got off to a good start with postseason hero BJ Upton hitting a home run to put the team up 1-0. But with the game tied 2-2, Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek hit a solo shot in the top of the sixth inning to put Boston up for good as they went on to win 4-2.

Now in Game 7, all the pressure is on the upstart Rays. The good news is that they will have the game at home. The bad news is that the Red Sox have a huge experience advantage and will be much better equipped to deal with the added pressure.

Game 7 of the American League Championship Series will take place on Sunday night and will feature Jon Lester of the Red Sox going against Matt Garza of the Rays. The winner of the game will advance to play the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2008 World Series.

Here is a video showing the highlights of Game 6 and previewing of Game 7:

Post from: Knuckle Curve