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According to NESN.com, Red Sox C Jason Varitek will exercise his $3 million player option for 2010, meaning he will not be a free agent.
Original Post, 3:37 pm:
Rob Bradford of WEEI Radio in Boston says the Red Sox will not pick up the $5 million option on Varitek’s contract.
According to Bradford, “Varitek has five days to decide whether to exercise his one-year, $3 million player option for next season,” or become a free agent.
…pick it up, pick it up, pick it up… because, if he ends up being a free agent, i fear where this story might end up…
Last off season, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com said the Mets were divided on whether to sign Varitek, who ended up returning to Boston.
Yesterday, Marty Noble of MLB.com listed ‘veteran catcher,’ among Omar Minaya’s goals for this off season.
In 109 games this season, Varitek hit just .209 with 14 HR and 51 RBI, after hitting just .220 with 13 HR and 43 RBI in 2008.
To check out the full list of potential free-agent catchers this off season, which includes Rod Barajas, Benjie Molina, Yorvit Torrealba, and Ivan Rodriguez, go to MLB Trade Rumors.
Possible hitting revival in National League (is any of the other catchers available that much superior, Molina, maybe) and a clubhouse presence with great attitude that can mentor Thole
One year, with option and incentives
Barajas, Molina are both better. He’s over the hill. he’s finished. If he’s on the Mets, the Mets are in trouble.
Barajas, Molina, Olivo are all better. He’s over the hill. he’s finished. If he’s on the Mets, the Mets are in trouble.
Olivo or barajas for 2 million or so? That’s they way to go.
A one year deal with incentives can only happen if the Mets sign Holliday. With Wright, Beltran and Holliday in the middle of the lineup, Varitek’s anemic numbers can be camouflaged and his leadership and clubhouse presence will outweigh his negatives.
If we are unable to sign Holliday, we have to improve our offense wherever we can and then Molina becomes the more attractive option.
There would be no justification for Varitek on this team, not even as a back up. We need to find a backstop who can give us one good year, or until Thole is ready.
Varitek is essentially a switch hitting Brian Schneider at this point in his career…no thanks
I say, give him a one year deal and let him tutor Thule. That’s what the Yankees did with Girardi and Posada in 1996.
Sign Olivo or Molina or BArajas to a two year contract.
NO TO VARITEK. He’s done, people. Yes, he’s a great mentor, but so is Sandy Alomar! And guess what, Alomar doesn’t take up a roster spot or go in the lineup!
We have the people who can teach Thole…let’s get a guy who can call games until Thole is ready, ie Torrealba, Molina, etc.
let him come in – in spring training and coach … but we don’t need him behind the plate
OMAR!!! NO! I would rather have a guy that can hit and catch well(Molina), to tutor Josh Thole. Or if Thole is in the AAA, I like having a Molina who will be a good place holder, while having Omir as a back up.
I honestly think Torrealba is the best option out there (for the price…Molina will cost something because he is Molina). However, there’s the whole deal about how we rescinded an offer from him and he hates us. I think he’ll get over it if we apologize (in person, not publicly) and offer him what he’s worth (which isn’t much, lol).
I just don’t really want Molina unless he’s going to accept less than $5MM.
Molina/Olivo/BArajas are all better. We should sign one of them to a 2 year deal.
NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
What? You wanted Varitek?
sorry didnt read the post but saw people making excuses for why we should think about considering bringing in varitek and my head almost exploded.