Tek Tock by Jared Carrabis
The clock is ticking on the captain


Red Sox Nation looks on as Varitek's deadline looms.

This past week we have seen the most movement in the Varitek situation since he declined arbitration earlier in the offseason. WEEI.com first broke the story that the Red Sox had offered Varitek a two-year deal. The contract included $5 million for the 2009 season. In 2010, the contract was equipped with a $5 million team option and a $3 million player option. If you read in between the lines, this boils down to a two-year, $8 million offer to Varitek likely with incentives that could boost his pay a little higher. Had Varitek accepted arbitration, he would have made more money in 2009 than the total sum of money he would earn by accepting this two-year deal.

Since this news broke earlier this week, there have been many follow up stories to try and piece together the details. The Boston Globe originally reported that Jason Varitek has until Saturday to make his decision regarding his future here in Boston. The Globe also reports that the offer was made last week but wasn’t leaked until later meaning that Varitek has had 7-10 days to put some serious thought into his return. Taking a pay cut to remain with a team that the fans believe belongs to him will be a must if he is to retake the wheel of the Boston Red Sox.

Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe has been hot on this case all offseason long. On Tuesday, the Globe columnist suggested that rather than the two-year deal offered by Boston, Varitek may prefer taking his career one year at a time from now until retirement. CBSSports.com reported on Tuesday that Varitek’s deadline was not Saturday but rather one day sooner on Friday. Later in the day, Mazz admitted that the details of the deadline were a bit up in the air but even if the deadline is on Friday, don’t be surprised if Red Sox Nation is kept in the dark until Saturday anyway.

If an agreement cannot be reached, the Red Sox are prepared to move forward without their captain. According to a source close with the Texas Rangers, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is reporting that Texas is still willing to trade Jarrod Saltalamacchia for Clay Buchholz straight up. It’s a move that in time may play out in favor of the Texas Rangers, but if Varitek does not return then something has to be done in the catching department.

In other news, Sean Casey has officially retired from Major League Baseball but will remain active in the baseball community by signing on with the MLB Network. Rightfully so. I mean, he is the mayor. Casey played twelve years in the bigs while playing the bulk of his career with the Cincinnati Reds. He certainly went out on top as he batted .332 for the Sox in 2008 in 199 at bats. Casey calls it a career after finishing up with a .302 career batting average with 130 career home runs (zero with the Red Sox).

Last but not least, some good news. WEEI.com is reporting that Mike Lowell is taking steps towards his return to the diamond. On Tuesday, the former World Series MVP took 50 swings off a tee. Lowell will not be participating in the World Baseball Classic to represent his country of Puerto Rico. Being the Opening Day starter at third base remains likely but as far as the usual amount of action in Spring Training, that amount of playing time remains uncertain. Baby steps, Mikey. Just be ready for Opening Day, that’s all we ask.

-Jared Carrabis

Published on January 28, 2009

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