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| Red Sox captain Jason Varitek posted some startlingly bad numbers in 2009, according to WEEI. |
Our View: For starters, his caught stealing percentage of just 8.5 percent was the worst in the history of the American League (that being said, the stat has only been officially tracked since 1987). His second half OPS of .489 was the lowest in the AL since 2003, and his road batting average of .192 was the worst in the major leagues. Finally, against the "AL's best pitchers," considered by WEEI to be those with a 3.85 ERA or lower, Varitek hit an astounding .107. It's safe to say you are in the wrong business if you draft Varitek in any format this spring.
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| Updating a previous report, Jason Varitek has officially exercised his $3 million option to remain with the Red Sox for the 2010 season. |
Our View: Varitek can earn an extra $2 million with incentives, but those are based on playing time that he likely won't get. Victor Martinez will be the team's starting catcher moving forward and Tek would just be used to save Martinez's knees on occasion and catch Josh Beckett when he throws. With a .209 average, 14 homers and 51 RBI last season, he wasn't a fantasy-relevant backstop, and won't be considered one at all this season due to a probable continuous slide and less playing time.
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| Updating a previous report, MLB writer Bob Nightengale is reporting that Red Sox' catcher Jason Varitek will announce on Wednesday that he is accepting his $3 million option to return to the team. Varitek had until midnight to make his final decision. |
Our View: Interesting choice here for Tek. He will likely struggle for playing time next season with Victor Martinez on the team, but ultimately he decided he wanted to stay in Boston and he wanted his $3 million. His days of fantasy relevance look to be nearly over.
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| The Boston Herald is reporting that catcher Jason Varitek has until midnight on Wednesday to decide on his 2010 option with the Red Sox. Varitek will make $3 million if he exercises the option with the team. |
Our View: It will be interesting to see what Varitek decides here. He would likely see plenty of time on the bench next season if he stays in Boston, but he will likely take a decrease in pay if he tests the market. We will keep you updated on his decision.
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| Updating an earlier report, the Mets reportedly would not chase Jason Varitek if he does not remain with the Sox, according to the New York Post. He has a $3MM option for the 2010 campaign. |
Our View: The Mets need stability at catcher, as well as some leadership - but the club feel that he won't be able to play enough games behind the plate at 37 years old.
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| Jason Varitek and his agent Scott Boras are apparently mulling whether or not to vest the catcher's $3 million, 2010 option with the Red Sox, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. |
Our View: Declining the option would seem to be a preposterously bad decision on Varitek's part, as there is no way any team would be willing to pay him more than $3 million or give him anything more than a one-year deal. And even though he will be a back-up in Boston, he and his .209 2009 batting average and 12.9 caught stealing percentage would almost certainly be a back-up anywhere else. Expect him to stay in Boston for $3 million in 2010.
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| Joel Sherman of the New York Post speculates that if Jason Varitek declines his $3 million player option for 2010 with the Red Sox, the Mets may be interested in the veteran catcher's services. |
Our View: This would be a curious move by a Mets team that is already far too old. Varitek looked out of gas last season, and it's hard to imagine he wouldn't flounder offensively even more if he moved to the Amazins' cavernous Citi Field.
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| The Red Sox have declined their $5 million, 2010 team option on long-time catcher Jason Varitek, according to WEEI. Varitek now has five days to decide whether or not he will exercise his $3 million player option. |
Our View: Varitek, frankly, looked like a has-been last season, batting just .209 (including .157 after the All-Star break), and throwing out only 12.9 percent of would-be base stealers. At age 37, it looks like he should hang it up.
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| According to the Boston Globe, Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek is not in Saturday's lineup against the Orioles. |
Our View: This just looks to be the Boston shift. Tek gets the off day due to a surplus of bats and not enough places on the diamond to put them. Kevin Youkilis will play first, Mike Lowell mans the hot corner and Victor Martinez gets the start behind the plate.
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| Jason Varitek is out of Tuesday's lineup at Tampa Bay, according to the Providence Journal. |
Our View: Skipper Terry Francona is going with Victor Martinez at catcher with Jon Lester on the hill, as Francona liked the way the pair performed together last time. Varitek will likely catch Josh Beckett tomorrow.
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| Jason Varitek will get a day off on Monday in the Red Sox game against the White Sox. Victor Martinez will handle the catching duties for the team in Varitek's place. |
Our View: Tek is coming off a neck injury, and he played in two straight games over the weekend. It seems likely that he will see quite a bit of time on the bench as the season wears on, especially if he remains banged up.
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| Jason Varitek is not in the Red Sox's lineup for the fourth straight game on Friday, according to the Twitter page of beat writer Amalie Benjamin. Varitek is scheduled to start the following two games of the weekend series against the rival Yankees. |
Our View: Tek will get one more day off today before returning to the lineup tomorrow, assuming his neck is fine. With Victor Martinez in the fold, Varitek may see his playing time steadily decrease, especially if his health remains an issue.
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| Jason Varitek will miss his third straight game tonight at Toronto while dealing with a sore neck, according to the Providence Journal. |
Our View: Skipper Terry Francona noted that he could play if needed, but will hold him out and won't rush him back, especially with Victor Martinez hitting well. Varitek may undergo an MRI when the club returns to Boston Friday, and should remain held out of fantasy lineups until further notice.
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| Jason Varitek is out of tonight's lineup at Toronto while nursing a sore neck, according to Amalie Benjamin's twitter page. |
Our View: Victor Martinez will work behind the plate in his absence, and will bat third in the lineup. It is uncertain how many games Varitek may sit out with the ailment.
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| Jason Varitek is not in the Red Sox lineup on Sunday for their game against the Orioles. He will be replaced behind the plate by backup catcher George Kottaras. |
Our View: Terry Francona told the media that he would like to get Kottaras more conventional at-bats, so look for him to spell Varitek on a more regular basis. Tek will be back when the Sox resume play, but if you play in a daily league get him out today.
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| Jason Varitek hit his 12th home run of the season on Saturday, driving in both Sox runs, but Boston fell to Seattle 3-2. |
Our View: 'Tek is batting just .240 in 2009, but is only one home run off his 2008 total of 13, and has done so in 71 fewer games. He is a decent option at catcher because of his power.
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| Jason Varitek provided the only offense for the Red Sox on Sunday. He was 2-for-3 with a double and drove in the team's only run in a 2-1 loss to the Braves. |
Our View: Tek now has 30 RBI on the season, but is only batting .235. His best fantasy days are behind him.
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| Jason Varitek is dealing with pain in his left shoulder and neck, according to MLB.com. Skipper Terry Francona said, "The left side of his neck is a little stiff. Maybe the sixth or the seventh, he gets the hot stuff on it. He has been doing that for 11 or 12 days." |
Our View: Varitek is playing through the injury, but is not helping fantasy owners, as he is only hitting .196 this month with no homers.
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| Jason Varitek will catch Josh Beckett today at Minnesota after George Kottaras caught Daisuke Matsuzaka Wednesday, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: Varitek is only hitting .238 this season, but is a career .293 hitter against the Twins. He is worth using in AL-only leagues for today.
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| Jason Varitek is enjoying a power surge as he hit his fourth homer over a five-game span Friday against the Mets, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: Varitek has eight homers for the season, and needs one more to tie Jackie Jensen (170) for 12th on Boston's all-time list. He would be a solid fantasy option again if he could raise his .246 batting average a bit.
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| Jason Varitek had a huge night at the dish on Wednesday in the Red Sox' 8-3 win over Toronto. Varitek went 2-for-3 with two home runs, two runs, and two RBI in the game. |
Our View: Varitek has been quite a bit better in the power department this season than anyone would have expected. Still, he has had his share of struggles and is only hitting .243 on the year. As a catcher, he has decent value if he keeps hitting for power. If the power numbers aren't there, however, he is not much of a fantasy player.
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| Jason Varitek will ride the pine tonight against Cleveland as George Kottaras is slated to start behind the plate to catch Tim Wakefield's knuckleball, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: Varitek could use a day off, as he only has three hits over his last 18 at-bats (.166). He has been struggling to throw out base stealers as well.
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| Jason Varitek has been struggling behind the plate, as he leads the majors with 26 stolen bases allowed, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: The Rays' Carl Crawford swiped six bags against Varitek Sunday, but should remain Boston's starting catcher as primary backup George Kottaras has not fared much better gunning down runners.
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| Jason Varitek is not penciled into tonight's lineup against the Rays, according to the St. Petersburg Times. |
Our View: George Kottaras will start behind the plate in Varitek's place. Varitek may have been benched as he struck out twice in Friday's game against Tampa Bay.
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| Catcher Jason Varitek will get the night off on Thursday, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: This is simply a matter of the veteran getting some rest. Expect him back in the lineup on Saturday.
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| Jason Varitek will ride the pine tonight at Cleveland, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: George Kottaras will start behind the plate to catch Tim Wakefield's knuckleball. Varitek could use a break as he only has two hits over his last four games, with four strikeouts over the span.
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| Jason Varitek was 1-for-5 with a two-out grand slam off of A.J. Burnett in Saturday's 16-11 Boston victory. |
Our View: Varitek was supposed to struggle again this season, but he has already slugged four home runs. His batting average is a paltry .229, but he clearly is back to wielding a pretty big stick.
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| Jason Varitek will not start today against Minnesota as skipper Terry Francona wants George Kottaras to catch Tim Wakefield's knuckleball, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: Varitek has been a good source for power among fantasy catchers so far, as three of his nine hits were homers. Adjust your lineups accordingly for today.
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| Jason Varitek is showing better discipline at the plate this season, as he is yet to strike out over four games (15 at-bats) this season, according to the Boston Globe. He did not go four straight games without striking out during the 2008 campaign. |
Our View: Varitek has four hits so far, two of which were homers. He only hit 13 homers over 131 games last season.
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| Jason Varitek hit his second home run of the season Thursday in Boston's 4-3 loss to the Rays at Fenway Park. |
Our View: The home run was the veteran catcher's only hit in four trips. He's been slow out of the gates this season, with two hits in 12 at-bats, good for a .169 average.
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| The Red Sox opening day (take two) lineup on Tuesday features no surprises. Catcher Jason Varitek will be behind the plate and is at the bottom of the batting order, the Boston Globe confirms. |
Our View: We figured Jed Lowrie might hit ninth and get younger legs on the base paths for when Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia come up. Varitek no longer carries much fantasy value, and the fact that he's hitting ninth won't really hurt him.
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| Jason Varitek was 2-for-4 with a home run and three runs driven in on Tuesday. |
Our View: Varitek looked all but finished last season and it looked like retirement was looming for the Red Sox captain. But he has put together a decent spring and is showing the power stroke that eluded him last year. He has hit four home runs this spring and has driven in 15. Still, he's only hitting in the .220s and isn't much of a fantasy option any more.
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| Jason Varitek drove in four runs on a pair of hits, including a home run, as the Red Sox manhandled the Pirates 11-4. |
Our View: The veteran Varitek endured a tough 2008, batting a career-low .220 while hitting 13 home runs, the third-fewest in his career. With Josh Bard now in the mix in Boston, it remains to be seen how often the 36-year-old will play, but regardless he'll still offer some help in deeper leagues.
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| Skipper Terry Francona is pleased that Jason Varitek decided to re-sign with the Red Sox, according to the Boston Globe. Francona said, "Sometimes the business side drags out a little bit, and thankfully I do not have to be a big part of that business. But to have him back is great. It certainly makes our job a lot easier, and there are a lot pitchers that are probably thrilled that he is back. And again, I don't think he has to hit .300 for us to be successful. But I do think that there is going to be somewhat of a bounce-back year. But regardless, I think we have proven that if he does not hit, we can win, and if he does hit, that makes us a little bit of a special team." |
Our View: The 36-year-old vet could bounce back a bit, but will still likely only be productive enough to use as a No. 2 catcher in mixed leagues.
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| Jason Varitek has officially signed his 1-year deal with the Red Sox, according to the Associated Press. As expected, he will earn $5 million in 2009, with a $5 million option for 2010.
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Our View: The 36-year-old backstop is on the decline offensively, but should remain an asset to the pitching staff. Josh Bard looks to share the workload with him behind the plate in 2009. Varitek is notably the only major leaguer to catch four no-hitters in his career.
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| Jason Varitek has agreed to terms on a two-year deal to remain with the Red Sox, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. He will earn $5 million in 2009, and the club holds a $5 million option for 2010. |
Our View: The 36-year-old catcher is on the decline offensively, but should remain an asset to the pitching staff. Josh Bard looks to share the workload with him behind the plate in 2009.
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| Jayson Stark of ESPN.com reports that the Friday morning deadline that catcher Jason Varitek was given to take or leave a Boston contract offer does not exist, and he still has time to make a decision on whether or not to accept it. |
Our View: The Red Sox surely would like an answer sometime soon, though apparently not as soon as once thought. The team certainly needs another backstop, as Josh Bard is the only proven commodity on their roster.
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| Jason Varitek is thinking about sitting out the 2009 season or retiring rather than accepting Boston's most recent offer which has a deadline of Friday morning, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: It's hard to believe that Varitek would rather hang it up than take a contract that's not to his liking. He doesn't seem to have any suitors other than the Red Sox, so Boston certainly has the upper hand for negotiations.
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| The Boston Globe's Tony Massarotti provides us with a bit of clarification on the Jason Varitek deadline, which seems to switch days every time a different outlet reports on the situation. According to Massarotti, the actual stipulations set forth by the Red Sox would imply that the official deadline is on Friday, Jan. 30. However, it's possible discussions could extend into Saturday morning. |
Our View: Varitek has two options: 1) take a one-year deal worth $5 million in guaranteed money, or 2) take a one-year deal worth the same amount that comes with a dual option for 2010.
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| According to CBS Sports, Jason Varitek has until Friday to either accept or reject Boston's one-year, $5 million contract with options for 2010. |
Our View: A member of the Red Sox for all 11 years of his major-league career, Varitek had his least productive season in 2008. He hit just .220 last season, including .187 after the month of May. Varitek and agent Scott Boras took the gamble of not testing the arbitration waters, which may have rewarded Varitek $10 million next season.
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| The Red Sox will know the direction of their team behind the plate by Saturday, according to the Boston Herald. Saturday is the deadline that came with their contract offer which they gave him on Sunday. The contract would pay him $5 million for 2009 and carry a team option for $5 million in 2010 with a player option for $3 million. |
Our View: This deadline makes sense for the Red Sox for a couple of reasons. For one, they want Varitek back but only cheaply and secondly, they want to have a more concrete idea of their club before February 12th when the team's pitchers and catchers are required to report for spring training.
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| Jason Varitek has been offered a deal by the Red Sox, according to WEEI. However, the deal comes with a deadline, but the date hasn't been disclosed. The contract would pay him $5 million for 2009 and carry a team option for $5 million in 2010 with a player option for $3 million. |
Our View: This type of offer tends to indicate that the Red Sox won't be playing any games with Varitek's agent, Scott Boras. They want to retain their captain but avoid anymore headaches.
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| The Boston Red Sox and catcher Jason Varitek are still trying to work out details on a contract, reports the Boston Herald. |
Our View: As is the case with many Scott Boras clients, things are dragging out. However, it is said that the two sides are getting closer to a deal and exchanging offers.
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| Curt Schilling suggests that the Red Sox need to bring back Jason Varitek to ensure the success of their highly-paid pitching staff, according to MLB.com. He points out that when he has played with Varitek, the catcher knew the pitchers better than they knew themselves. |
Our View: Varitek remains a free-agent, but there does not appear to be much of a market for him. At this point, it seems a good bet that he will return to Boston.
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| NESN reports that Friday night's meeting between Jason Varitek and Red Sox owner John Henry was more about clearing the air rather than negotiating. The Red Sox had apparently not been returning Scott Boras' phone calls. Apparently, negotiations will re-open at some point this week. |
Our View: The Red Sox may not be returning phone calls because of the absurd amount of money that Boras publicly anticipated. The 36-year-old had been seeking $10 million per season, but that seems highly unlikely. As it stands, Josh Bard is the Red Sox Opening Day catcher. Varitek has been the captain of the Red Sox for the better part of this decade, and it seems they may benefit from re-signing the quickly aging vet. He was a disappointment at the dish last season as he only hit .220.
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| Jason Varitek is meeting one-on-one with Red Sox owner John Henry on Friday night, according to WEEI. |
Our View: Varitek doesn't have a lot of time left in his career, which was shown by his .220 average last season. There aren't many clubs still looking for catchers, so he and agent Scott Boras may need to take Boston's next offer. The Red Sox could always explore other options like trading for the Rangers' Jarrod Saltamacchia, who they've scouted this offseason.
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| Jason Varitek is still a target of the Red Sox even after the club signed Josh Bard, according to MLB.com. "Jason is still out there. As I said at the beginning of the offseason, he's been a really important guy here to this organization and by no means have we shut the door on him," GM Theo Epstein said. |
Our View: Varitek is not a bat to target this season no matter where he ends up as his efforts last year were very poor considering his .220 batting average and 122 K. He is nothing more than a lower level second catcher this season.
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| There has been very little interest on the market for Jason Varitek and the Boston Globe believes the Red Sox are the frontrunners to sign him. |
Our View: The Red Sox will continue to look at options at catcher, but they are reportedly working on a two-year deal to bring back Varitek.
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| The Providence Journal believes that Jason Varitek and the Red Sox are working on a deal that is believed to be for two years. |
Our View: Varitek and his agent, Scott Boras, were originally seeking a four-year deal worth $40 million but it is becoming apparent that the market will not provide that. The 36-year-old hit just .220 over 131 games last season.
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| The Boston Herald reports the Red Sox re-signing Jason Varitek is a longshot due to the team's hard feelings toward agent Scott Boras after the Mark Teixeira contract negotiations. |
Our View: The Red Sox will certainly add a catcher or two this offseason with George Kottaras the only notable option on their roster, but it sounds like Varitek will likely go elsewhere.
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| Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports states that the Mets are divided as to whether or not to pursue catcher Jason Varitek. Some club officials feel he would be a great asset to the pitching staff while others are turned off by his anemic .220 batting average of 2008. |
Our View: The Mets would need to move Brian Schneider to add Varitek, and the Washington Post indicated last week that the Mets and Red Sox discussed a trade involving Schneider. It is believed the Mets are open to trading Ramon Castro as well.
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| The Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox have offered Jason Varitek a contract. |
Our View: The details of the deal are not certain, but he very well may take it as a market for the veteran catcher has not developed.
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| Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald believes that Florida is a potential landing spot for Jason Varitek. The Tigers were also listed, but that seems unlikely now that they acquired Gerald Laird from Texas. |
Our View: The Marlins are in need of a solid veteran catcher, and Varitek would be a better option than Ivan Rodriguez, who the club was reportedly interested in bringing back. It depends on whether the Marlins will give in and offer Varitek a two-year deal at $20 million, as he desires.
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| SI.com reports that Jason Varitek declined the Red Sox’ offer of salary arbitration. The decision suggests that the catcher and agent Scott Boras believe they can find a better contract than a one-year deal in the $10-11 million range (the likely outcome of an arbitration hearing) by continuing to negotiate with all 30 clubs. |
Our View: He is coming off a career-worst offensive season in which he hit .220 with a .313 OBP and .672 OPS and the market for his services remains uncertain.
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| Jason Varitek is likely going to decline the Red Sox offer of arbitration, reports Jon Heyman of SI.com. |
Our View: Earlier speculation had Varitek accepting the offer because it would likely be worth more than $10 million. No matter what, he's a poor option for fantasy owners, unless he seriously improves on that .220 average.
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| Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek has been offered arbitration by the team, and FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports that he is likely to take arbitration. |
Our View: Varitek is of little use to fantasy owners outside of deeper AL-only leagues, as his .220 average last season is crippling to that statistical category.
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| Jason Varitek has been offered salary arbitration by the Red Sox, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: Varitek is a Type-A free agent, so the Red Sox would receive a first round pick and a sandwich pick in the 2009 draft if he declines the arbitration offer. He likely will, as he covets at least a two-year deal.
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| The Red Sox will reportedly offer Jason Varitek arbitration and it is highly unlikely that he will accept, according to the Boston Herald. |
Our View: Varitek was reportedly looking for at least a two-year deal. He's still a decent defensive option but his offense has really taken a downturn lately, as he hit just .220 in 2008 and only drove in 43 runs.
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| With the assumption Jason Varitek may not return to Boston, several clubs have offered catchers on the trading block, according to the Boston Herald. |
Our View: Brian Schneider, Miguel Montero, John Buck, Ramon Hernandez, Bengie Molina, Carlos Santana, Kelly Shoppach, Victor Martinez, Jesus Flores, Kenji Johjima, Jeff Clement, Yorvit Torrealba, were all reportedly being shopped to Boston, as well as the previously mentioned Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis. In return, clubs are likely asking for Justin Masterson, Clay Buchholz, or Lars Anderson.
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| Agent Scott Boras stated that Jason Varitek does not intend to be reduced to a backup role in 2009, according to the Hot Stove Blog on MLB.com. Boras added, "Varitek intends on being a full-time player for many years to come. He's in great shape. His defense, his game-calling skills, his leadership skills are extraordinary and at the highest level. There's no catcher that has a higher win-loss percentage starting a game than Jason Varitek. Any reports of anyone saying otherwise are inaccurate."
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Our View: Varitek is still among the best catchers in the majors, but his offensive skills are on the decline. Boras still hasn't held forrmal discussions with Boston GM Theo Epstein regarding Varitek.
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| Jason Varitek has denied reports that he received a one-year contract offer from the Red Sox, according to MLive.com. There is talk that the Detroit Tigers may have interest in the veteran backstop. |
Our View: Varitek is still one of the better defensive catchers in the league but his offense continues to slide each and every year.
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| Jason Varitek has been offered a one-year deal to remain with the Red Sox, according to the WEEI Sports Radio Network. |
Our View: Varitek is not likely going to sign, and it is clear that the Red Sox don't intend to offer the aging vet a long-term deal, and are preparing to move on without him.
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| The Red Sox are preparing to move on without free agent catcher Jason Varitek, according ESPN. |
Our View: There is belief that the Red Sox may be stating this for Varitek's agent (Scott Boras) to bring down his asking price of two years at $14 million.
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| The Dodgers inquired about catcher Jason Varitek, according to Jayson Stark of ESPN. |
Our View: The Dodgers turned away when Varitek's asking price (set by agent Scott Boras) was too high. If signed, the Dodgers would have likely moved Russell Martin to third base.
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| Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek is looking for a 2-4 year deal for around $10 million per season, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Varitek is 36-years-old, and the team certainly would not be paying for his offensive abilities, as he hit just .220 with a .313 OBP this year. Clearly, he has little value in mixed fantasy leagues.
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| The Red Sox might be close to offering Jason Varitek a two-year deal, according to Sports Illustrated. |
Our View: Varitek's offensive decline means that he probably won't have any fantasy value next season.
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| The Detroit News believes free agent Jason Varitek would be a plausible answer to Detroit's need for a veteran catcher to assist likely starter Dusty Ryan.
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Our View: The 36-year-old is on the decline and would not hold much fantasy value while splitting time with Ryan behind the plate in Detroit.
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| Jason Varitek would like to stay in Boston, if possible, according to the Boston Globe. His agent, Scott Boras, will want to get him signed to another multi-year contract. |
Our View: Boras would like to keep Varitek in Boston, because the Red Sox have shown a willingness to spend money. But with Varitek having the worst offensive year of his career in 2008, batting .220 in the regular season and declining further to .118 in the postseason. Boras' case for Varitek is that he brings defense and leadership. The former isn't included in most fantasy leagues, and the latter doesn't translate in any, so no matter where Varitek lands in the MLB, you should steer clear in 2009.
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| GM Theo Epstein commented on free agent catcher Jason Varitek, according to the Boston Globe. Epstein said, "He’s an important part of the organization. There’s no doubt about that. Obviously, he’s coming off a year that wasn’t hit best. But he’s important nonetheless. He’s a free agent, and we’ll be talking to him. We have an obligation to explore all of our options. We have to do that. We do that with every position. There’s not a lot of elite catching out there. At the same time, that changes the standards from what you’re looking for."
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Our View: Varitek's offensive numbers continued to decline this season with a .220 average and only 13 homers over 131 games, but the Red Sox pitching staff likes working with him and benefits from his veteran leadership and knowledge.
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| Boston's captain Jason Varitek went 0-for-4 in Game 7 of the ALCS and struck out three times as the Red Sox fell to the Rays 3-1. |
Our View: He finished the series hitting a pathetic .050. The 36-year-old had a poor regular season as well when he hit just .220.
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| Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek doesn't plan to hang 'em up any time soon, according to the Orange County Register. "I haven't even started to think about (managing). I want to play 10 more years," he said. |
Our View: At age 36 and hitting .220 this season, there is a better chance of Ralph Nader winning the 2008 Presidential election than there is of Varitek playing another decade.
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| Jason Varitek hit the 158th home run of his Red Sox career, and he passed Carlton Fisk for most home runs in franchise history by a catcher, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: That's nice for Varitek, who has had a good career, but he is certainly not someone fantasy owners should be relying on to contribute. He has just a .224 average and .314 on-base percentage on the season.
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| There is a good chance Jason Varitek will return to the Red Sox next year, despite his horrendous year offensively, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: Varitek has a .225 average and .316 batting average, with over 100 strikeouts. He is clearly not someone fantasy owners should have on their rosters.
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| Jason Varitek has scored 157 runs as a catcher with Boston and is only one shy of Carlton Fisk's team record, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: Varitek has scored five runs over his last three games, with three coming Friday at Toronto.
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| Jason Varitek socked his 10th homer of the season on Tuesday night. The shot is remarkable because Varitek has become the first Red Sox catcher to reach double-digit home runs in nine seasons, the Boston Globe reports. |
Our View: We also have to believe that Varitek holds the Red Sox record for catcher homers on Thursdays when there is a full moon.
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| Jason Varitek ended an 0-for-15 streak with a single against the Blue Jays Saturday, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: The struggling catcher is 5-for-33 (.152) in his last 11 games, and 32-for-199 (.161) in his last 62 games.
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| Jason Varitek was dropped to ninth in the batting order against Chicago Saturday, according to the Boston Globe. Manager Terry Francona noted that the move had nothing to do with the veteran catcher's slumping over the last two months. |
Our View: Varitek is batting just .170 (31-for-182) with two home runs over his last 56 games, but is currently on a four-game hitting streak, and went 1-for-4 with a run scored from the ninth spot in Saturday's win.
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| Jason Varitek said the irritation in his right eye has cleared up considerably, according to the Boston Globe. His eye was nearly swollen shut Sunday but reportedly looked normal Monday. |
Our View: He should be fine when play resumes after the break, but he remains a poor fantasy option, as he holds a .218 batting average with only 28 RBI and 20 runs scored over 78 games.
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| Jason Varitek got out of a 6-for-63 slump by going 2-for-4 with an RBI, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: Regardless of his All-Star berth, Varitek is now hitting just .220, and his OPS is a meager .660. There is no reason for him to be on a fantasy roster of any kind.
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| Jason Varitek is not in Tuesday's starting lineup, according to the Providence Journal. Kevin Cash will start in his place. |
Our View: Over his last 35 games, Varitek is hitting a meager .128. His extended slump should force fantasy owners to look for younger more productive players at the position.
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| Jason Varitek is slumping again. He is hitless in his last 17 at-bats and last night he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. According to the Boston Herald, he twice failed on hit-and-run attempts in the ninth inning, effectively snuffing out a potential game-tying rally.
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Our View: Varitek has three hits in his last 48 at-bats to go with 16 whiffs. His average is down to .216 and it may be time for the Sox to start looking for an alternative to their 36 year old catcher. Currently, he is irrelevant in most fantasy leagues.
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| Jason Varitek is 2-for-8 in his last two games after breaking an 0-for-24 slump, the worst of his career, reports the Boston Globe. |
Our View: A switch-hitter, Varitek is hitting .293 as a righty but just .216 left-handed. Unfortunately, 167 of his 209 at-bats have come from the left side of the plate, and he is hitting .230 on the season as a result.
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| Jason Varitek returned to the starting lineup after missing three games to strep throat.
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Our View: Varitek was available as a pinch-hitter and emergency catcher.
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| Catcher Jason Varitek, suffering from a case of strep throat, won't start tonight but will serve as the emergency catcher backing up Kevin Cash, notes the Providence Journal. Varitek isn't expected to start before Sunday, at the earliest.
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Our View: As usual, Cash will catch Tim Wakefield who starts on Saturday, so Varitek won't return to the starting lineup until Sunday, if then.
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| Jason Varitek will miss the Red Sox game on Thursday night because of strep throat, according to the Boston Herald. |
Our View: Kevin Cash, who has served as the personal caddy to knuckler Tim Wakefield, figures to play until Varitek is healthy enough to make a go of it.
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| Jason Varitek will sit out tonight's game against the Orioles, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Manager Terry Francona wants to give the veteran team captain a night off, and Kevin Cash will start at catcher. Varitek had three hits in his last game on May 31.
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| The Red Sox have announced catcher Jason Varitek will get another day of rest on Friday, according to CBSSports.com. |
Our View: Varitek had Thursday off as well as manager Terry Francona just wants to give the team camptain a rest. Kevin Cash will get the start behind the plate.
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| According to the Royals team website, Jose Guillen said no player or team wants a no-hitter pitched against them, but he was shining when talking about those involved.
"You never want to see a no-hitter go against you like that, but, unfortunately, that situation happened," Guillen said. "I give a lot of credit to the pitcher, but most of the credit I give to Jason Varitek ."
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Our View: Varitek, who caught Lester's no-hitter on Monday night, became the first in history to catch four no-hitters in his career. He was behind the plate for Clay Buchholz's no-hitter last September, for Derek Lowe's in '02 and for Hideo Nomo's in '01.
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| Jason Varitek hit his fifth home run of the year for the Red Sox as he has every so quietly pushed his season average up to .290. |
Our View: With two hits tonight, Varitek is hitting .360 in May as he has really turned around what was a terribly slow start to the season. It would be a shock to see Varitek maintain this average, but that doesn't mean he is devoid of value in mixed leagues.
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| Jason Varitek hit his fourth home run of the season on Wednesday afternoon but it wasn't enough as Boston lost 6-3 to division rival Baltimore. |
Our View: Varitek has seen action 34 times this year. The left-handed batter has 15 RBI and 10 runs scored in 110 at bats.
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| Jason Varitek will ride the pine tonight against the Tigers, according to the Boston Globe. Kevin Cash will start at catcher, and bat eighth against lefty Nate Robertson. |
Our View: Varitek is hitting .258 with three homers and 11 RBI over 27 games, and the Red Sox can afford to give the 35-year old rest on the bench.
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| The Providence Journal reports that Boston manager Terry Francona gave his flu report on Friday afternoon, and everyone in the clubhouse appears to be improving. The Red Sox skipper said catcher Jason Varitek spent Thursday’s game at Fenway in the bullpen and “tolerated” it. |
Our View: Varitek was available to pinch hit on Thursday and is expected to fill that same role tonight with Tim Wakefield on the mound. According to the report, Varitek looks beat up from the bug and will probably need a couple days to fully recuperate.
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| Jason Varitek, who has been slowed by a bout with the flu, was available to pinch-hit if needed last night against the Angels, according to The Boston Herald. Varitek hopes to return to action this weekend against the Rays. |
Our View: Varitek struck out 14 times over 61 at-bats, but still generated three homers and six runs. The veteran catcher will be a welcome addition back to the Red Sox, as well as your fantasy teams.
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| Jason Varitek has missed the last three games due to flu-like symptoms, and won't likely start at catcher on Wednesday, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Kevin Cash should make another start at catcher if Varitek cannot go. Varitek is hitting .262 over 61 at-bats with three homers, and Cash struck out three times against the Angels on Tuesday. Cash is not a worthy substitute.
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| Jason Varitek is scheduled to go home prior to Tuesday's game and rest, the Boston Globe reports. He has been dealing with the flu. Kevin Cash is listed as the starter. |
Our View: We imagine Varitek will be back within the next day or two. Fantasy owners in daily transaction leagues can feel free to use Cash, who isn't nearly as money as his surname would suggest.
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| Jason Varitek, who is dealing with the flu, could sit out Tuesday's game against the Angels, according to The Boston Herald. Manager Terry Francona commented that he may need another day of rest. Kevin Cash would make another start at catcher if needed. |
Our View: Varitek should be back soon, and fantasy owners shouldn't be concerned.
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| Jason Varitek will not start on Monday against the Rangers because he is dealing with the flu, the Boston Globe confirms. Kevin Cash will start in his place. |
Our View: The captain is presumably day-to-day, and most fantasy owners will still want to start him this week.
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| Jason Varitek will sit on Sunday in favor of Kevin Cash, according to the Providence Journal. Varitek has notably struck out 14 times over 61 at-bats so far. |
Our View: The veteran should benefit from a day off. Adjust your lineups accordingly.
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| Jason Varitek has not fared well against Chien-Ming Wang, tonight's opposing hurler for New York, according to MLB.com. Varitek only registered one hit over 19 career at-bats against Wang, who is currently 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA. |
Our View: Varitek is worth sitting tonight if you have a more favorable option at the position.
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| Catcher Jason Varitek went 2-for-4 today in Boston's 5-0 romp over the Oakland A's, hitting a homer in the ninth of Huston Street to complete the fun. Varitek finished with two runs scored, now touting a batting average of .250. |
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| Jason Varitek continues to get drafted before his true value. The veteran catcher will enter the regular season with declining numbers across the board. As well, the left-handed hitter struck out in 9 of his last 11 spring at-bats. There are too many options outside of Varitek that offer fantasy owners more upside. At some point managers need to put the catcher's reputation on hold. |
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| Jason Varitek went 0-for-4 for the second straight game against Oakland (with three more strikeouts) and remains hitless in the new season. Varitek only hit .255 in 2007 and his power numbers continue to decline, so hopefully he still has a little left in the tank. |
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| Jason Varitek had a tough day at the plate in the Red Sox season opener against Oakland as he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. That was a brutal start from one of the league's finest catchers. |
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| The Red Sox and major league baseball have ended a brief dispute over staff stipends, and the two-game series in Japan will happen. The Red Sox players had planned to boycott the trip. "They’re the basis of what takes care of us," Jason Varitek explains to the AP about the coaches and training staff. |
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| Kevin Cash will probably catch Sunday and Monday, Terry Francona told the AP. Jason Varitek caught 17 innings Friday and started Saturday. This is the logical way for Francona to play it - Varitek needs a break for Sunday, and Tim Wakefield (who Varitek almost never catches) is pitching Monday. |
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| Jason Varitek returned to the lineup on Monday after missing Sunday's game with a thumb injury, according to Boston Herald. He went 0-for-3 in his return. |
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| Jason Varitek injured his right thumb during Saturday's game and was held out of Sunday's contest as a result. "It's painful," Varitek told the Boston Globe. "Playing my position there's always something hurting." Nonetheless, X-rays were negative, and he should be back in the mix on Monday. |
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| Jason Varitek is getting a planned day off Friday, as expected with Tim Wakefield on the mound. Doug Mirabelli picks up the start in Varitek's place, as he likely will all year whenever Wakefield is the scheduled pitcher. |
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| Jason Varitek returned to action for the Red Sox on Monday after missing five weeks with torn cartilage in his left knee. He batted seventh and caught all 10 innings, which might mean he won't play Tuesday. Varitek was originally expected to catch just four or five innings in his first game back. |
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| The Red Sox activated Jason Varitek from the DL Sunday. Varitek has been sidelined since August 1 after needing surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. |
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| Jason Varitek is slated to catch five innings for Triple-A Pawtucket tonight on a rehab assignment, according to the Boston Globe. He then will play seven innings Saturday, rest Sunday and come off the disabled list Monday, assuming all goes well. Varitek is working his way back from knee surgery. |
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| Manager Terry Francona said Thursday that Jason Varitek may be only a week away from returning from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, according to the Boston Herald. Varitek initially was going to join the team in Seattle today, but the Sox decided it would benefit him more if he remained in Boston. "He thinks he’s about a week away from playing," Francona said. "Sept. 1 is going to be pretty damn close. Does he need (to go to) Triple A for a day or two? It will depend on how he feels." |
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| Jason Varitek, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, could rejoin the Red Sox within the next 10 days, according to the official team website. "He got some kneesavers, a little bit more fitted to his legs, and he's going to do some defensive drills and he'll meet us out there," manager Terry Francona said. "He took 100 swings yesterday, 50 from both sides of the plate." |
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| Jason Varitek, who is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his knee, is aiming to return on September 1, according to the Red Sox website. "I would say Sept. 1 is probably a fair assessment," manager Terry Francona said. "A couple of days either way might be close." |
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| Jason Varitek, who has been sidelined after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee, has begun throwing, according to the Red Sox website. "He's moving pretty well," said manager Terry Francona. "He's trying to do as much baseball as he can, like throwing, so, when he comes [back], he doesn't have to wait another week to do that stuff. He was throwing off a chair like the third day [after surgery]. He's trying to do as much of that stuff as possible. He has to get rid of all the swelling." |
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| Dr. Thomas Gill, who performed arthroscopic knee surgery on Jason Varitek on Thursday, said that the procedure was a success, according to the AP. Varitek is expected to return in early-to-mid September. He sustained the injury during the second inning of Tuesday's game. |
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| The Red Sox placed Jason Varitek on the disabled list Tuesday with left knee injury, according to the AP. He's expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks with the injury. Varitek will have arthroscopic surgery to repair cartilage damage in the knee. |
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| Jason Varitek will undergo testing on his twisted left knee today, according to the Boston Globe. "I'm hoping I'm just being a little overly cautious," manager Terry Francona said. "I think Tek fought me on it a little bit but I think it is the best thing to do. Obviously, he'll be examined but I'm just trying to be cautious for the long haul." He suffered the injury while running to second base in the second inning in Monday's game against Cleveland. |
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| Jason Varitek left Monday night's game in the third inning with a twisted left knee and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday, according to the AP. Varitek stayed in the game in the top of the third, but Doug Mirabelli pinch hit for him in the bottom of the inning and went in to catch in the fourth. |
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| Jason Varitek got a routine day off on Wednesday, according to the AP. Now that Tim Wakefield is on the disabled list, Varitek will be on a more traditional schedule of off-days, rather than every fifth day. |
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