Red Sox Sign Varitek

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1952658

 

The Boston Red Sox are close to re-signing catcher Jason Varitek.

 

The catcher has agreed in principle to a four-year, $40 million contract, but there are details to be worked out, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports.

 

Scott Boras, Varitek's agent, had told other teams he would not discuss Varitek until negotiations with Boston had been exhausted because the catcher wants to return to the Red Sox.

[Yanksin2010]

Thats not too surprising, at least not to me.

[yagmaster]

Very, very, very good. The Red Sox have done a great job this offseason.

[YanksHater213]

Good. This needed to be done.

[Soxfan1]

Now all we need is a utility man.

[schillingouttheks]

is it just me or does 10mil/year seem a little high for him?

 

elaborate please.

[element1151]

My Checklist

Resign doug Miraballi DONE

Resign Tek Done

Sign a good pitchers done (Matt Clement, David wells)

Sign a good shortstop(Edgar Renteria) Done

 

Guess what guys. My checklist is all done.

 

What about resign Pedro, that was on there.

[DOrtiz4prez]

Originally posted by schillingouttheks@Dec 23 2004, 08:25 PM

is it just me or does 10mil/year seem a little high for him?

 

elaborate please.

Yeah, it's a little high but if it's to get Varitek and we can afford it I say go for it. I'd rather have him and pay a little extra than not.

[ahhchon]

Originally posted by schillingouttheks@Dec 23 2004, 08:25 PM

is it just me or does 10mil/year seem a little high for him?

 

elaborate please.

it's insanely high. we're going to regret it. tek is not a great hitter, he's not even an above average hitter. he's an average hitter that is boston's "goldenboy" as zenny likes to put it. he's being insanely overpaid.

 

john

[stocker323]

I agree that it is a little high, but if Theo keeps pulling out these bargain deals for players then we won't have too many overpaid players, and I think that we need to overpay for the players that we most need. It's not just Varitek's hitting. It's the whole package. The leadership, the defense, how he helps the pitching staff, overall knowledge of the game. The play that most sticks out to me was in Game 3 of the 2003 ALDS, when Byrnes didn't touch the plate, and how Varitek was immediately alert and got the ball and tagged. These are the things that makes Varitek worth re-signing.

[BoSox Rule]

That was such a simple, yet awesome post that says everything you need to know.

[ahhchon]

Originally posted by stocker323@Dec 23 2004, 10:13 PM

I agree that it is a little high, but if Theo keeps pulling out these bargain deals for players then we won't have too many overpaid players, and I think that we need to overpay for the players that we most need. It's not just Varitek's hitting. It's the whole package. The leadership, the defense, how he helps the pitching staff, overall knowledge of the game. The play that most sticks out to me was in Game 3 of the 2003 ALDS, when Byrnes didn't touch the plate, and how Varitek was immediately alert and got the ball and tagged. These are the things that makes Varitek worth re-signing.

indeed, i do love tek and he is the man but 10 mill a year is too much, a 4 year contract is too long. i would have done 3 years 10 per without much worries. but at 4 years i wouldn't have topped 8 per. but then again what's 8 mill to the sox owners.

 

of all the things you stated about tek, the one thing i don't agree with is leadership. i just don't feel that baseball has leaders (sorry mr robinson). you can't pump a guy up to throw harder, you can't pump a guy up to hit better. baseball is a sport where you are born / practice insanely hard to get the skills you have. it's not like basketball or football where adrenalin can make you better.

 

john

[PHILLIES Kick ASS]

O f***, Soxs got there f***ing team leader back, JUST GREAT

 

 

GO PHILLIES

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Originally posted by ahhchon@Dec 23 2004, 10:05 PM

it's insanely high. we're going to regret it. tek is not a great hitter, he's not even an above average hitter. he's an average hitter that is boston's "goldenboy" as zenny likes to put it. he's being insanely overpaid.

 

john

As a catcher he is a good hitter. How many other catchers are out there that are better? Varitek is in the top 5. Plus its not the hitting or the stats. He makes the pitchers better and calls a great game. Plus, you know all the players were happy when they saw him re-sign and he gives the team a push. Much of baseball is emotion and motivation which Varitek certainly brings to the table. I hope he kicks A-Rods ass again this year.

[schillingouttheks]

Originally posted by SchillingIsTheNatural@Dec 24 2004, 12:22 AM

I hope he kicks A-Rods ass again this year.

makes you think what would have happened if he ended up goin to the MFY.

[ahhchon]

Originally posted by SchillingIsTheNatural@Dec 24 2004, 12:22 AM

As a catcher he is a good hitter. How many other catchers are out there that are better? Varitek is in the top 5. Plus its not the hitting or the stats. He makes the pitchers better and calls a great game. Plus, you know all the players were happy when they saw him re-sign and he gives the team a push. Much of baseball is emotion and motivation which Varitek certainly brings to the table. I hope he kicks A-Rods ass again this year.

ltes compare tek and kendall:

 

tek struck out THREE TIMES more than jason kendall in 2004, that's rediculous.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlbpa/players/5562...er&type=Batting

 

just look at those splits. NOW THAT is a good hitting catcher. consistantly having a good OBP against teams with good pitching, not just teams with bad pitching.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlbpa/players/5921...er&type=Batting

 

look at teks splits. he consistantly has good - very good OBP against teams with poor pitching, but once facing teams like NYY, OAK, SEA, ATL his OBP drops dramatically.

 

don't get me wrong, i love tek, but 10 mills a year is overpaying no matter how you look at it. he's an above average catcher that is overrated by boston/sox fans. it's a good sign, but at 10 mill i think it's too much. but if that's all that is going to be on the market (decent that is) for the next few years then i'll take what we can get, especially if it's tek.

 

hopefully shoppach will not be a bust and will be ready to take the role of starting catcher when and if tek gets too worn to play.

 

john

[RedSoxRooter]

Here is one thing to keep in mind john. You may be right that he isn't worth 10 million/x4 years, but....... and it's a big but....... actually a couple of buts...

 

A) He's probably at the top of all free agent catchers this year.

B.) Red Sox fans wanted him back.

C) Overpaying by a couple of million on a 4 year deal is a drop in the bucket to Henry. (Kim anyone?)

D) It adds Shoppach to the list of trade bait prospects we have (sorry Zen, but it should be apparent that Shop and Hanley are as good as gone).

E) And this is the biggest of them all. Theo was dealing with Boras - who originally wanted 5 years/65 Million and a no-trade clause. Theo knocked BORAS(!!) down to 4 years/40 million and no no-trade clause.

 

Yeah, it's overpaying. But for some reason I'm very happy he's back. And Boras can suck my wang dang doodle. (and that aint no Korean pitcher)

[BoSox Rule]

I'm so happy he's back.

 

And, he was named team captain!

[sarasoxfan]

The Night Before Fenway

By Doug Lamont | December 24, 2004

 

'Twas the year after Grady, the Sox were a mess, They'd just blown the pennant, to the Yankees, no less.

 

The bunting was hung at Fenway with care,

 

In hopes that the playoffs soon would be there.

 

The faithful were nestled all snug in their seats,

 

With visions of pennants; could the Yankees be beat?

 

And Manny in his kerchief, and Pedro in his cap,

 

Had just woken up from their long winter's nap.

 

When out on the field there arose such a clatter,

 

The fans leapt to their feet to see what was the matter.

 

Back from the beer stands, they ran like a flash,

 

Out on the diamond there was a loud crash.

 

The lights on the Green Monster made Fenway glow,

 

Gave a luster of mid-day to the ball field below.

 

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

 

But Tek punching out A-Rod, the fans stood and cheered.

 

With a broken down shortstop, not lively nor quick,

 

The Sox traded Nomar, the fans had a fit.

 

More rapid than eagles, Terry's team had game,

 

And he whistled and shouted, and called them by name.

 

Now Cowboy, now Schilling, now Manny and Trot,

 

On Papi, on Mueller, on Damon, you're hot.

 

To the top of the bleachers, to the top of the Wall,

 

Now hit away, hit away, hit away all.

 

Like Pedro's fastball that toward Posada's head flies,

 

When Manny connects, the ball heads for the skies.

 

So up from the dugout, the Red Sox, they flew,

 

It was Opening Day, with a new manager too.

 

And then in a twinkling, the Sox took the field,

 

Spinning his knuckler was pitcher Wakefield.

 

He was dressed all in red, from his head to his toes,

 

After five shutout innings, in came D-Lowe.

 

A bundle of Skoal he had jammed in his face,

 

He pitched two no-hit innings to keep up the pace.

 

Damon's hair -- how it grew, his face was so hairy,

 

Schilling's blood-covered ankle, that proved to be scary.

 

Millar's beard on his chin was as thick as a brick,

 

At the start of the year, he could not hit a lick.

 

But Francona stuck with him, in spite of it all,

 

By the end of July he was hammering the ball.

 

Ortiz had a broad face, and a massive round belly,

 

That shook when he smashed one, like a bowl full of jelly.

 

Manny was Manny, a right jolly old soul,

 

How cool was Bellhorn's homer that hit New York's foul pole.

 

A wink of Pedro's eye, and a point to his head,

 

Gave Zimmer and the Yankees something to dread.

 

Zim was incensed, he soon charged the mound,

 

He looked like a fool, as his head hit the ground.

 

But that was last season, and this year was new,

 

Schilling rode into town, to join last year's crew.

 

Down three games to nothing, and trailing the Yanks,

 

Then Roberts stole second, the Red Sox were cranked.

 

Then Papi went crazy in games four and five,

 

It was back to New York, and the Sox were alive.

 

Schilling pitched awesome the following night,

 

The Yankees were choking, a beautiful sight.

 

We all know the story of famous Game Seven,

 

The Sox bombed the Yankees, the Nation was in Heaven.

 

As for the Series, there's not much to tell,

 

The Cards were not ready to answer the bell.

 

The Sox were on fire, and came with their broom,

 

A clean Series sweep, gone were decades of gloom.

 

Mientkiewicz's catch of Foulke's underhanded throw,

 

Wrapped up the Series and touched off a show.

 

The Sox stormed the field as New England was thrilled,

 

The fans flocked to Kenmore, the streets were soon filled.

 

The party continued right through the parade,

 

Millions showed up, Sox fans had it made.

 

The Sox sprang to their duck boats, to the fans gave a whistle,

 

And away they all rode like the down of a thistle.

 

But we heard them exclaim, as they drove out of sight,

[Sizzlin22]

Originally posted by BoSox Rule@Dec 24 2004, 01:31 PM

I'm so happy he's back.

 

And, he was named team captain!

He's not gonna have that stupid C on his jerse is he? Keep that in hockey please.

[CalvnHobs6]

God I hope not.

I'm ecstatic he's the captain. According to his teammates, he means more to the organization than anyone else. He's the first captain since Rice in 89, and he'll be the captain for the next four years. Hopefully there won't be any power struggles, but I think Tek is hugely respected, and I can't wait to see Boras proved correct (ew, I know) and see Tek become the next Fisk. Only better. We'll follow you anywhere Captain Tek.

[BoSox Rule]

Yeah, the C will be there. Look at http://www.mlb.com

[Sizzlin22]

I ahte that crapkeep that in hockey and only in hockey. Wasn't Trot named Captain two years ago by ecuse me for swearing Grady Little?

[stocker323]

The C may have only been there for the press conference. Jeter is a captain and he doesn't have one on his jersey. The only captains I know that have C on their jersey are Sosa and Sweeney, but I'm not sure if Sosa's a captain anymore.

[Sizzlin22]

Originally posted by stocker323@Dec 24 2004, 05:14 PM

The C may have only been there for the press conference. Jeter is a captain and he doesn't have one on his jersey. The only captains I know that have C on their jersey are Sosa and Sweeney, but I'm not sure if Sosa's a captain anymore.

Jeter dosen't have one because "it's the immortal pinstripes" Do you know $tienbriener pays a ifne every game fornot having the rawlings symbol on the Yankee jersey I wonder what that has totaled up to over the years.

[elsrbueno]

Originally posted by stocker323@Dec 24 2004, 05:14 PM

The C may have only been there for the press conference. Jeter is a captain and he doesn't have one on his jersey. The only captains I know that have C on their jersey are Sosa and Sweeney, but I'm not sure if Sosa's a captain anymore.

Barry Larkin had the "C" in Cincinnati I believe

 

Like many others, I love having Tek on the Red Sox. I'm glad he's back, and like I've said before, $10 mil IS overpaying him.

[stocker323]

Originally posted by elsrbueno+Dec 24 2004, 07:49 PM-->

QUOTE (elsrbueno @ Dec 24 2004, 07:49 PM)

[schillingouttheks]

Originally posted by sarasoxfan@Dec 24 2004, 03:08 PM

The Night Before Fenway

By Doug Lamont | December 24, 2004

 

'Twas the year after Grady, the Sox were a mess, They'd just blown the pennant, to the Yankees, no less.

 

The bunting was hung at Fenway with care,

 

In hopes that the playoffs soon would be there.

 

The faithful were nestled all snug in their seats,

 

With visions of pennants; could the Yankees be beat?

 

And Manny in his kerchief, and Pedro in his cap,

 

Had just woken up from their long winter's nap.

 

When out on the field there arose such a clatter,

 

The fans leapt to their feet to see what was the matter.

 

Back from the beer stands, they ran like a flash,

 

Out on the diamond there was a loud crash.

 

The lights on the Green Monster made Fenway glow,

 

Gave a luster of mid-day to the ball field below.

 

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

 

But Tek punching out A-Rod, the fans stood and cheered.

 

With a broken down shortstop, not lively nor quick,

 

The Sox traded Nomar, the fans had a fit.

 

More rapid than eagles, Terry's team had game,

 

And he whistled and shouted, and called them by name.

 

Now Cowboy, now Schilling, now Manny and Trot,

 

On Papi, on Mueller, on Damon, you're hot.

 

To the top of the bleachers, to the top of the Wall,

 

Now hit away, hit away, hit away all.

 

Like Pedro's fastball that toward Posada's head flies,

 

When Manny connects, the ball heads for the skies.

 

So up from the dugout, the Red Sox, they flew,

 

It was Opening Day, with a new manager too.

 

And then in a twinkling, the Sox took the field,

 

Spinning his knuckler was pitcher Wakefield.

 

He was dressed all in red, from his head to his toes,

 

After five shutout innings, in came D-Lowe.

 

A bundle of Skoal he had jammed in his face,

 

He pitched two no-hit innings to keep up the pace.

 

Damon's hair -- how it grew, his face was so hairy,

 

Schilling's blood-covered ankle, that proved to be scary.

 

Millar's beard on his chin was as thick as a brick,

 

At the start of the year, he could not hit a lick.

 

But Francona stuck with him, in spite of it all,

 

By the end of July he was hammering the ball.

 

Ortiz had a broad face, and a massive round belly,

 

That shook when he smashed one, like a bowl full of jelly.

 

Manny was Manny, a right jolly old soul,

 

How cool was Bellhorn's homer that hit New York's foul pole.

 

A wink of Pedro's eye, and a point to his head,

 

Gave Zimmer and the Yankees something to dread.

 

Zim was incensed, he soon charged the mound,

 

He looked like a fool, as his head hit the ground.

 

But that was last season, and this year was new,

 

Schilling rode into town, to join last year's crew.

 

Down three games to nothing, and trailing the Yanks,

 

Then Roberts stole second, the Red Sox were cranked.

 

Then Papi went crazy in games four and five,

 

It was back to New York, and the Sox were alive.

 

Schilling pitched awesome the following night,

 

The Yankees were choking, a beautiful sight.

 

We all know the story of famous Game Seven,

 

The Sox bombed the Yankees, the Nation was in Heaven.

 

As for the Series, there's not much to tell,

 

The Cards were not ready to answer the bell.

 

The Sox were on fire, and came with their broom,

 

A clean Series sweep, gone were decades of gloom.

 

Mientkiewicz's catch of Foulke's underhanded throw,

 

Wrapped up the Series and touched off a show.

 

The Sox stormed the field as New England was thrilled,

 

The fans flocked to Kenmore, the streets were soon filled.

 

The party continued right through the parade,

 

Millions showed up, Sox fans had it made.

 

The Sox sprang to their duck boats, to the fans gave a whistle,

 

And away they all rode like the down of a thistle.

 

But we heard them exclaim, as they drove out of sight,

beautiful, i cried while reading...i may have to print that.

[ahhchon]

wow, named captain, what an honor. like many others i hope the C isn't worn on the field. it's really just silly imo. a captain in baseball is more of an honor that a position or role. a captain isn't anymore important to his team than a captain in other sports.

 

good signing, expensive but good non the less. tek will not be the next fisk, fisk was a damn immortal.

 

john

[yeszir]

I dont like the idea of captain. It's only the what, 3rd time since 1923 (I think thats right) that the sox have had a captain. Sure, Tek can be the leader, but I prefer it to be unofficial and unspoken.

 

This recognizes him as captain, making it too official and weird for me. Its too yankees-ish. He's like Derek Jeter now, and I dont like that. The Red Sox arent a team to have a captain. They're the idiots, remember? And while I'm glad we got Tek signed and gave the proverbial finger (kinda, not really) to Boras, I hope he isnt singled out too much by this, as captain intangibles is by yankees fans.