Buzz: Varitek Undecided, but Mets lack Interest
Yesterday, NESN.com said Jason Varitek would exercise the option in his contract, keeping him on the Red Sox next season.
Last night, however, the Boston Globe reported Varitek had not yet made an official decision, as he is still discussing his options with his agent.
Nevertheless, Joel Sherman of the New York Post quotes two Mets officials who say the team is looking for a catcher who can catch at least 100 games, ‘and they are unsure if Varitek’s body can hold up to a regular grind.”
Last month, Marty Noble of MLB.com said free-agent catchers Bengie Molina and Rod Barajas are likely to be on Omar Minaya’s wish list, as he looks for a veteran catcher.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, Molina is looking for a two-year deal from the Giants, and a team from the American League is interested.
Meanwhile, Barajas hit just .226, but with 19 HR and 71 RBI, in 125 games for the Blue Jays this season – he hit .267 against left-handed pitching, while Omir Santos hit .283 against righties.
…like sherman, i believe the Mets are looking for a veteran catcher who can split time with Omir Santos… i keep reading and hearing how the Mets see an oppprtunity to get 20 to 30 home runs from the catcher position next season, which i assume means, say, five to 10 from santos, and 15 or so from a free agent, which would have to be molina or barajas, because Ivan Rodriguez, Ramon Hernandez, and the rest of the free-agent catchers will not reach that total…
That said, in a post to MLB Trade Rumors, Tim Dierkes took a look at six catchers who could be available in trade, including Indians C Kelly Shoppach, Royals C John Buck and Pirates C Ryan Doumit.
