Sox still pursuing Tek

[example1]

Oh geee and Kottaras played 2 games in September!

 

I wasn't the one saying that experience was such an important factor. You were, so why bring up Brown if you believe it?

 

Brown can provide better defense, and he can actually throw runners out, that's what you want from a backup.

 

Great. Whatever. The point is that there are internal options to fill the position if need-be.

 

If Tek is going to retire unless he gets his way then he should just go ahead and do it. The Sox will be okay with Brown/Kottaras and Bard. If they can somehow get Salty with Bowden + then great, otherwise approach it again at midseason and next year.

[jacksonianmarch]

I think you run into the question of whether the offensive improvement is worth the decline in "intangibles" and gamecalling. Thats really the only area that Tek is considered to be good in. His O sucks and his defense isnt that great considering he isnt the best at blocking balls and has a noodle for an arm. But you do run into the concern of the pitchers not trusting the decision making of the rookie catchers. And example, I highly doubt that the sox would go with an all rookie platoon. Highly doubt it to a massive degree. You typically dont just toss a rookie into the fire like that. I would fully expect Bard and Kottaras to platoon but Bard would play in at least 90 games.

[example1]

I think you run into the question of whether the offensive improvement is worth the decline in "intangibles" and gamecalling. Thats really the only area that Tek is considered to be good in. His O sucks and his defense isnt that great considering he isnt the best at blocking balls and has a noodle for an arm. But you do run into the concern of the pitchers not trusting the decision making of the rookie catchers. And example' date=' I highly doubt that the sox would go with an all rookie platoon. Highly doubt it to a massive degree. You typically dont just toss a rookie into the fire like that. I would fully expect Bard and Kottaras to platoon but Bard would play in at least 90 games.[/quote']

 

I think this is pretty right-on, though I actually think Tek is very good at blocking balls. His arm sucks, but having watched many games last year it appeared like Tek did a superior job of allowing pitchers to throw pitches in tough places in any situation. Dice-K, Beckett, Lester... these guys throw hard and throw stuff with a lot of movement. Allowing them to feel confident throwing a curve in the dirt with a man on 3rd is a pretty important thing. Tek isn't the only guy who can do it, but he can definitely do it.

[BoSox21]

I'd say the Red Sox thinking is right along the line of Jacko's, otherwise they just simply wouldn't have picked up Bard off the scrap heap and would've walked away from Varitek a long time ago. But Bard is a pretty good defensive catcher and is known to handle pitchers well.

[soxfan17881]

You know what? I'm just sick of thinking about this at all. I want Tek to s*** or get off the pot so there can be some other focus, one way or the other.

 

The story this morning on the Globe's site has Tek sitting out rather than take $5 million (as in there are no other suitors right now.) The whole thing is just stupid at this point.

[riverside sluggers]

This is the year that Tek is showing he is a true Scott Boras client

 

*Well I uh didnt know that any team who signs me, would have to give up a draft pick

 

*I didnt accept arbitration because I wasnt guaranteed a spot on the team next year

 

*This offer has hurt me so much that I might sit out the season or retire altogether

[italstallianion]

Yeah, he's certainly not winning over any of the Fenway Faithful...

[TheKilo]

You know what? I'm just sick of thinking about this at all. I want Tek to s*** or get off the pot so there can be some other focus, one way or the other.

 

The story this morning on the Globe's site has Tek sitting out rather than take $5 million (as in there are no other suitors right now.) The whole thing is just stupid at this point.

 

Please read the thread. This was discussed yesterday.

 

New information out from Massarotti says Varitek is considering retiring or sitting out the season with the current offer on the table.

 

I also saw that trade talks are being reopened for Saltalamacchia and Miguel Montero, that from mlbtraderumors.com.

 

I think the Sox are giving up on Varitek, letting him walk away. I also think they're confident he won't go elsewhere. Seems like one of the top pitching prospects is about to move, but I think both of those guys would be worthy of trading one of Bowden or Buchholz for. Specifically, I think trading Buchholz may be a decent risk to take.

[Dojji]

Kinda sad really. I know what Tek has declined into now, but I also know what he was at his peak and what that meant to the Sox.

 

Godspeed, Jason. You will be missed.

[mtbykr]

Well the deadline came and went on the East and West coast with no news. This was expected, but still feels strange knowing Tek won't be calling pitches this year

[italstallianion]

Take care dude. I appreciate what you've done for the club but I wish it didn't have to end like this.

[mvp 78]

This is the year that Tek is showing he is a true Scott Boras client

 

Actually, he's shown that he's a true Boras client ever since he left Georgia Tech.

[BoSox21]

lol @ people believing the deadline is set in stone

[riverside sluggers]

http://soxblog.projo.com/2009/01/varitek-update.html

Guys its not a done deal that he's not coming back

 

Actually' date=' he's shown that he's a true Boras client ever since he left Georgia Tech.[/quote']

 

I meant in terms of propaganda, those 2 quotes and the pitiful retirement threat reeks of Boras

[Dojji]

lol @ people believing the deadline is set in stone

 

Actually Theo tends to follow through when he says "we're going this far and no further."

 

Name me one recent deadline Theo made that wasn't actually a deadline.

[italstallianion]

Yeah, if Theo didn't budge w/ Teixeira I doubt he'll budge with Varitek.

[das11209]

Tek should platoon. He's just not that good anymore.

 

Should is right. Tito kept playing Belhorne and Millar - what would he do with the Sox captain? Also - if he askes Tek to play - I wonder if Tek would say - 'Tito I suck - why don't you let the kids play just so the team can get a win.'

[riverside sluggers]

Again, there is no official deadline

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3872127&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

[BoSox21]

Actually Theo tends to follow through when he says "we're going this far and no further."

 

Name me one recent deadline Theo made that wasn't actually a deadline.

 

If the Sox really believe Varitek gets them $5 million closer to a championship in 2009, why would they stick to today as a hard deadline? Even if he signed the day P&Cs report, what's the difference? He knows the staff and I'm sure he's been keeping in shape.

 

I know Stark is now reporting there never was a deadline but the entire news of a deadline seemed like fluff from the beginning.

[soxfan17881]

MLB Home Plate (XM) is reporting that a source with contacts in the Boras camp contends that the deal (2 years) is imminent.

[Dojji]

I'm gonna sit on the fence until I actually hear he's signed. Remember that a Teixeira to Boston deal was "imminent" several times

[soxfan17881]

I'm gonna sit on the fence until I actually hear he's signed. Remember that a Teixeira to Boston deal was "imminent" several times

 

Agreed.

 

Now their saying the ESPN is reporting it as well.

[Papelbon58]

mlbtraderumors.com and Jon Heyman say 2 year agreement has been reached

[diony]

2 years? Boras did it again.

[BoSox21]

if its 2/8, its what wouldve happened anyway with Tek's player option for 2010

[Papelbon58]

From Massarotti

 

Varitek will earn $5MM in 2009, with the club holding a $5MM option for 2010. If the Red Sox do not pick up that option, Varitek has the choice of remaining with the club on a $3MM deal. In '10, he can earn another $2MM in incentives based on playing time, beginning at 80 games started. Thus, the potential total value of the deal increases from $8-$10MM to $10-$12MM. The incentives apply to both the team and player options for 2010.

[BoSox21]

So Heyman and Mazz are conflicting on whether its a one or two year deal?

 

I guess this means Bard is either gone or Pawtucket bound

[Dojji]

1 an an option. That was always the standard that I'd be OK with the Return of Tek.

 

Not thrilled with incentives based on games played in the second year because THAT provides Tito what you might call a moral incentive to make sure "his guy" gets his money.

[BoSox21]

meh, its 2 mil

[soxfan17881]

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg189/rassmuss1/blog/tekSigns.jpg

 

*1 year with mutual options