Blogs

Jason Varitek

Catcher
Position
C
Bats
S
Throws
R
 
  • Height: 6-2
  • Weight: 230 lbs
  • Born: Apr 11, 1972

  • Debut: September 24, 1997

SEASON

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Newsbreakers

November 12, 2009

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.

November 11, 2009

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.

November 11, 2009

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.

November 10, 2009

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.

November 10, 2009

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.

November 10, 2009

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.

November 9, 2009

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.

September 19, 2009

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.

September 1, 2009

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.

August 24, 2009

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.

August 21, 2009

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.

August 20, 2009

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.

August 18, 2009

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.

July 26, 2009

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.

July 4, 2009

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.

June 28, 2009

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.

June 24, 2009

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.

May 28, 2009

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.

May 23, 2009

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.

May 20, 2009

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.

May 7, 2009

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.

May 4, 2009

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.

May 2, 2009

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.

April 30, 2009

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.

April 27, 2009

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.

April 25, 2009

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.

April 22, 2009

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.

April 12, 2009

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.

April 9, 2009

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.

April 7, 2009

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.

March 31, 2009

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.

March 20, 2009

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.

February 13, 2009

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.

February 6, 2009

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.

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.

January 30, 2009

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.

January 30, 2009

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.

January 29, 2009

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.

January 27, 2009

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.

January 27, 2009

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.

January 26, 2009

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.

January 25, 2009

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.

January 24, 2009

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.

January 22, 2009

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.

January 18, 2009

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.

January 16, 2009

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.

January 8, 2009

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.

January 6, 2009

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.

January 4, 2009

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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