January 13, 2012
Have we seen the end of the Varitek era?
by Jared Carrabis/
Catcher Jason Varitek. (photo: Getty Images)
July 30, 1997 — the day prior to MLB’s trade deadline. That was the last time that Boston Red Sox played a regular-season game without Jason Varitek (right) as a part of their organization.
In a career that has spanned 1,546 games, all with the Red Sox, only eight players in Boston’s illustrious history have worn the uniform longer than Varitek. Of those eight players, half of them have their number retired by the team, and six of them are enshrined in baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
To last as long as Varitek has in a city such as Boston is a testament to not only his skill level but also his dedication to honing his craft. But the burning question that Red Sox fans find themselves asking is simple: Have we seen the end of the Varitek era in Boston?
With the recent free-agent addition of former Red Sox farmhand Kelly Shoppach, it’s evident that Varitek’s chances of landing a spot on Boston’s 25-man roster have dwindled drastically. Set to turn 40 the second week of the regular season, it’s understandable that teams aren’t exactly knocking down the backstop’s door to attain his services.
The Cubs reportedly have shown interest in the former Georgia Tech star, but my guess is that Theo Epstein wants Varitek for the same reason that the Red Sox do. Not for his bat — or for his rapidly declining defensive skills — but for his intangibles.
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington has expressed interest in keeping Varitek “in some way,” but that way remains to be seen. Varitek still can prove to be valuable to this team for years to come, but many believe that it won’t be with a bat or a glove.
QUOTE/UNQUOTE
They said:
“We believe he’s definitely capable of closing and capable of pitching in the ninth inning for us.” — Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington on reliever Mark Melancon’s role with Boston
Jared says:
The Red Sox went an unforeseen 77-1 when leading after eight innings, but were unable to punch a ticket to the playoffs. With the subtraction of Jonathan Papelbon, the Red Sox can’t afford to throw an unproven closer into the fire that is the AL East. Although Melancon may have the “stuff” to be closer material, let’s hold off on handing him the keys to the closer’s role until he proves himself against Robinson Cano, Jose Bautista and Evan Longoria.
The notes
With opposing base stealers running circles in front of their catchers in recent years, the Red Sox signed free-agent catcher Kelly Shoppach to a one-year, $1.35 million deal last month. A second-round draft pick by Boston in 2001, Shoppach had been traded to Cleveland for outfielder Coco Crisp before the 2006 season.
Shoppach led the American League in 2011, throwing out 41 percent of attempted base stealers. The 31-year-old’s one-year pact with the Sox also includes $400,000 in incentives. …
With Jonathan Papelbon in Philadelphia and Daniel Bard expected to be headed to the rotation, the Red Sox sent infielder Jed Lowrie and right-hander Kyle Weiland to the Astros in exchange for right-handed reliever Mark Melancon.
A 26-year-old righty out of the University of Arizona, Melancon logged a 2.78 ERA and 1.224 WHIP over 74⅓ innings in his first full season in the big leagues last year. Melancon was 20-for-25 in save attempts in 2011 and turned in a groundball rate of 56.7 percent. Plus, he won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2016 season. …
The Red Sox inked veteran Nick Punto to a two-year, $3 million deal that includes $500,000 in incentives. Punto, 34, posted a batting line of .278/.388/.421 in 166 plate appearances last season with the Cardinals. In his 11 seasons in the majors, Punto has played second base, shortstop, third base and all three outfield positions. His defensive versatility, ability to get on base and gritty style of play likely will make him a clubhouse favorite and often utilized option for manager Bobby Valentine.
Tweet Jared
Each month, Jared poses a question to Red Sox Nation on Twitter. Follow and reply to @Jared_Carrabis and we’ll print the best responses. This month’s question:
Two part question to all of you: How many of you feel that Jason Varitek will return to the #RedSox, and do you actually WANT him to?
@K_Hood: @Jared_Carrabis I would love it if Tek returned. Maybe not starter, but mentor & leader to the young catchers. He’s the captain!
@ThatBaseballGuy: @Jared_Carrabis won’t be back and I’m ok with him moving on due to lavarnway. I’m more bummed wake may not return
@NEsportsnut: @Jared_Carrabis Love him! But no and no. His time is up
@scottc1981: @Jared_Carrabis id love to see him made into a coach he clearly has a talent for developing talent but I don’t want him on my 25 man roster
@MikeCapp: @Jared_Carrabis For a reasonable $ Jason Varitek would be a great part of the #RedSox. He was #35 among C in hits & 1 in 5 was a HR.
@JustinMoffatt: @Jared_Carrabis 1) I dont think he will. 2) I am ready to move on. 3) I dont see how having Wake around can hurt at all
@mwk89: @Jared_Carrabis I think maybe they’ll find some kind of role for him, but I don’t see him actually back in uniform
@Red_SoxThoughts: @Jared_Carrabis I have a bad feeling he may, but I do not want him back.
About Jared
Jared Carrabis, a Saugus, Mass., native, is the creator and editor of SoxSpace, voted Best Red Sox Blog twice (2009 and ’11) and named Best Overall New England Sports Blog in 2011. Carrabis was elected the Massachusetts Governor of Red Sox Nation, and he wrote the book “One Fan’s Story: If This Hat Could Talk.”
Connect with Jared
twitter.com/jared_carrabis
facebook.com/SoxSpaceNews
baseballjournal.com/SoxSpace
jcarrabis@baseballjournal.com
This article originally appeared in the January-February 2012 issue of New England Baseball Journal.
