Varitek Should Get 5 years/$100 million

Ok - so maybe not that much, but he's probably going to get paid.

So 36 year old, Scott Boras client, former Lake Brantley Patriot (that's where he went to high school), and all star-catcher Jason Varitek is up for free agency at the conclusion of this season. Usually at the end of a contract, players will put up career numbers in order to get paid in their next (and in his case, final) contract; see the 2007 Jorge Posada for a good example of this. Jason Varitek didn't disappoint in his contract year, putting up an impressive .220 batting average while driving in a cool 43 runs. Oh, he also attempted to steal one base, but didn't quite make it. Usually subpar offense is okay for a catcher (although subpar doesn't begin to describe this) as long as they have great defense, but he wasn't anything impressive behind the dish this year either.

Here's the big question - if it was anyone but the Red Sox captain - would you think about offering him a multi-year deal for big money? Of course you wouldn't. There are far better options out there if you are looking for an over-the-hill catcher (see Ivan Rodriguez) and they would probably come a shade cheaper than Varitek.

The front office of the Pink Hat Red Sox nation has a history of handling contract issues with no regard for emotional attachment (see Nomar for example) and I really hope that is what happens here. Realistically, this guy deserves a 1 or 2 year deal without big money becuase he will probably end up backing up whoever else you have. With Boras as his agent, he'll probably end up being over-valued and demanding 3-4 years with larger cash and a garunteed Metamucil endorsement.

Bottom line, the guys numbers have been down the past 3 years so it isn't just a fluke that he sucked this year. If you're going to sign him - it should most likely be for a situation where he won't be catching every day.

Also - Jason, please stop wearing the C on your jersey. I know you're the captain, but I find it annoying.

Comments

[MF Voorhees]

With due respect, I think you're way off here. You're right about Varitek's hitting, not just this year but last year too.

Yet you drastically underestimate his defensive value. It's not about errors (which I agree with you, he had too many this year). A decade of Red Sox pitchers owe some of their success to Varitek's expertise about opposing hitters. Where else could MATT CLEMENT nearly START in an Allstar game?

[Jack]

I agree, Varitek has helped many a young and/or mediocre pitcher over-achieve through the years. The only reason he's been able to do this is because he's been around for so long and has developed the knowledge. Look - eventually they'll have to have life after Varitek and the next guy will do just as much for pitchers once they have experience as well. Dioner Navarro with the Rays is stepping up now in the same way, but only because he has the experience.

Whoever Boston has next will be just as good as Varitek with the pitchers in a couple of years.