Varitek to Announce Retirement on Thursday

[a700hitter]

Jason Varitek to announce retirement on Thursday

Globe Staff February 27, 2012 04:59 PM

 

By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

 

Jason Varitek, a two-time World Series champion and the captain of the Red Sox from 1997-2011, will announce his retirement on Thursday in Fort Myers sources told the Globe today.

 

Varitek is expected to stay with the organization in some capacity.

 

A member of the Red Sox from 1997-2011, Varitek hit .256 with 193 home runs and 757 RBIs. He was a three-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner.

 

Only Carl Yastrzemski (23 seasons), Ted Williams (19) and Jim Rice (16) had longer tenures with the Red Sox without playing for another team.

 

Varitek played in 63 postseason games in his career, helping the Red Sox to the 2004 and 2007 World Series titles.

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2012/02/varitek_to_anno.html

[Dojji]

It didn't end pretty, but much respect for 'Tek.

[The Boomer]

Props and I'm glad he didn't try to extend the embarrassment. Now get him on a bus to Portland!

[VA Sox Fan]

He was one of my favorite players over the years.

 

A little hard to watch him play in the end. Always liked him, always will.

[Gringo]

Sad news, but that's life, isn't it?

 

Tek will be a Red Sox legend for all time, he was the anchor of the ball club throughout an incredible period in the club's history, all the wild ups and downs.

 

He was a no nonsense, lunchpail type of player, a modest guy, and when at his best, one of the finest to play his position.

 

Tip of the hat to Jason Varitek, he will be missed.

 

Time marches on....

[VA Sox Fan]

Sad news, but that's life, isn't it?

 

Tek will be a Red Sox legend for all time, he was the anchor of the ball club throughout an incredible period in the club's history, all the wild ups and downs.

 

He was a no nonsense, lunchpail type of player, a modest guy, and when at his best, one of the finest to play his position.

 

Tip of the hat to Jason Varitek, he will be missed.

 

Time marches on....

 

Well said!

[Bellhorn04]

Props to Jason and hey, why not some props for Dan Duquette for stealing VTek and D-Lowe from Seattle. One of the best moves in the organization's history.

[VA Sox Fan]

Props to Jason and hey' date=' why not some props for Dan Duquette for stealing VTek and D-Lowe from Seattle. One of the best moves in the organization's history.[/quote']

 

Yeah, exactly! For Slocumb...

[Bellhorn04]

Yeah' date=' exactly! For Slocumb...[/quote']

 

They traded for Slocumb because the bullpen was blowing saves at a ridiculous rate and Piniella was losing his marbles. The previous closer, Norm Charlton, had an ERA of 7.27 for the year.

[a700hitter]

They traded for Slocumb because the bullpen was blowing saves at a ridiculous rate and Piniella was losing his marbles. The previous closer' date=' Norm Charlton, had an ERA of 7.27 for the year.[/quote']Slocumb didn't help that situation for Piniella too much.

[Spitball]

Tek smashing A-Rods face in 2004 ranks with Bobby Orr's flying horizontal celebration after scoring the Stanley Cup winning goal ("The Goal") in 1970. Both were classic moments and remain classic images in Boston lore.

 

I will miss Varitek and appreciate his class and loyalty to the Red Sox.

[VA Sox Fan]

Tek smashing A-Rods face in 2004 ranks with Bobby Orr's flying horizontal celebration after scoring the Stanley Cup winning goal ("The Goal") in 1970. Both were classic moments and remain classic images in Boston lore.

 

I will miss Varitek and appreciate his class and loyalty to the Red Sox.

 

Another good post about Tek!

[jacksonianmarch]

I hated Varitek as a Yankee fan. He never really seemed to come up with the big hit, but he was the unquestioned leader, a non-idiot of a bunch of idiots. I think the sox lack of leadership last yr had a lot to do with him having a lesser role, and now that he's gone, it will take an even bigger drop. I find it funny that Tek and Posada effectively mirrored each other across the diamond for 15+ seasons. It will be sad to see both of them in the stands...

 

I guess the next question becomes, do the sox retire his number? I know they have their rules and all, but he was the captain of the team that broke the curse and another title winner. Plus, he was a solid defender and manager of a pitching staff that carried them during their golden years. I think the sox should definitely do that

[redsoxfan3]

I hated Varitek as a Yankee fan. He never really seemed to come up with the big hit' date=' but he was the unquestioned leader, a non-idiot of a bunch of idiots. [b']I think the sox lack of leadership last yr had a lot to do with him having a lesser role, and now that he's gone, it will take an even bigger drop.[/b] I find it funny that Tek and Posada effectively mirrored each other across the diamond for 15+ seasons. It will be sad to see both of them in the stands...

 

I guess the next question becomes, do the sox retire his number? I know they have their rules and all, but he was the captain of the team that broke the curse and another title winner. Plus, he was a solid defender and manager of a pitching staff that carried them during their golden years. I think the sox should definitely do that

 

I do not agree with you here. What makes you think that? I respect Varitek and he was always one of my favorites, but the C on his jersey was overrated. He deserved to be the captain of this team, but just because he is gone does not mean the leadership on this team will take "an even bigger drop." Pedroia is a natural leader. The players know what they did wrong last year and they are moving in the right direction to fix it. I think the lack of leadership last year was due to Francona not being able to control what goes on in the clubhouse and players not really listening to him. Bobby V is coming in with a new style and some new rules. He is going to do everything in his power to make sure this team is heading in the right direction. I think there actually might be more leadership in the clubhouse this year than there was last year. Lester is a guy that seems like he has learned from his mistakes last year. He will play a big leadership role for this team and the pitching staff. Pedroia is going to be a great leader once again for this team. If you are doing something that you shouldn't be doing, Pedroia will not hesitate to say something. Ortiz learned a lot from last year. Gonzalez will lead by example. Ellsbury will lead by example. This team has a lot of guys that are capable of leading. I think overall that this team is better off this year with new coaches, some new players, and some new rules. I think it is a stretch to say that leadership will take a drop. Correct me if I am misinterpreting what you are saying.

[VA Sox Fan]

I do not agree with you here. What makes you think that? I respect Varitek and he was always one of my favorites' date=' but the C on his jersey was overrated. He deserved to be the captain of this team, but just because he is gone does not mean the leadership on this team will take "an even bigger drop." Pedroia is a natural leader. The players know what they did wrong last year and they are moving in the right direction to fix it. I think the lack of leadership last year was due to Francona not being able to control what goes on in the clubhouse and players not really listening to him. Bobby V is coming in with a new style and some new rules. He is going to do everything in his power to make sure this team is heading in the right direction. I think there actually might be more leadership in the clubhouse this year than there was last year. Lester is a guy that seems like he has learned from his mistakes last year. He will play a big leadership role for this team and the pitching staff. Pedroia is going to be a great leader once again for this team. If you are doing something that you shouldn't be doing, Pedroia will not hesitate to say something. Ortiz learned a lot from last year. Gonzalez will lead by example. Ellsbury will lead by example. This team has a lot of guys that are capable of leading. I think overall that this team is better off this year with new coaches, some new players, and some new rules. I think it is a stretch to say that leadership will take a drop. Correct me if I am misinterpreting what you are saying.[/quote']

 

Allow me jacko. Because he can be one of those types of NYY fan. Not a bad guy but the dark side is always there when he needs it.

[jacksonianmarch]

A change in manager doesnt do much when you have guaranteed contracts and guys making tens of millions of dollars on a yearly basis. It has to come from within. Varitek was a natural born leader who didnt take s*** from anyone, let alone the most offensively feared and highest paid player in the game (at that time). Guys like him don't grow on trees. NO matter what, you lose leadership when a guy of his caliber retires. The question is, who will step up and fill those shoes of the crusty old veteran who has seen it all and lived to tell about it?

[redsoxfan3]

A change in manager doesnt do much when you have guaranteed contracts and guys making tens of millions of dollars on a yearly basis. It has to come from within. Varitek was a natural born leader who didnt take s*** from anyone' date=' let alone the most offensively feared and highest paid player in the game (at that time). Guys like him don't grow on trees. NO matter what, you lose leadership when a guy of his caliber retires. The question is, who will step up and fill those shoes of the crusty old veteran who has seen it all and lived to tell about it?[/quote']

 

I understand your perspective. I still think that a new manager will be good for this organization. It might not mean that this team will automatically change their ways in the clubhouse, but if anything I think it will help. I do agree with you about Varitek. He was a great leader, a great player, and a great teammate during his prime. My argument is that there was no leadership from him last year anyways, so I think it is a stretch to say that there will be a dropoff in leadership this year since he is retiring. I do know where you are coming from though. I know he was well-respected in the clubhouse and a lot of guys will miss him. I guess I am just more optimistic in terms that a few players will emerge as leaders in the clubhouse this year. It is just my opinion and there are no facts to back that up.

[SoxSport]

Great career. Hope he's in the bullpen coaching this year. They can use his experience.

[BSN07]

Jacko, I believe Tek would qualify for his # being retired per the Red Sox "rules" when it comes to retiring #'s. I believe it's 10 years with the team(check) and a WS title(check). Now it's really on the ownership if they want to do it or not. I would be ok with it. Someone from those championship teams should be retired. I believe with this season it gives Ortiz 10. So he might be looking at having his # retired down the road. I would be ok with him getting his # retired as well.

[BSN07]

Great career. Hope he's in the bullpen coaching this year. They can use his experience.

 

Thanks for everything you gave the Red Sox franchise Tek! You are a class act.

 

 

I would love to see him on the coaching staff. I'm not sure he is going to want to go straight into coaching. SOme players need time away from the game to get over the fact they aren't out there playing. They say the 2-3 years after retirement are the hardest.

[a700hitter]

He's the team's best catcher since Fisk, and he stayed with the Sox for his entire career. No one blocked the plate better than Tek in any era. His left leg must be made of concrete. Guys would hit that left leg sliding in and not only wouldn't the get to the plate but they would spin away from the plate after contact.

[Dojji]

Thanks for everything you gave the Red Sox franchise Tek! You are a class act.

 

 

I would love to see him on the coaching staff. I'm not sure he is going to want to go straight into coaching. SOme players need time away from the game to get over the fact they aren't out there playing. They say the 2-3 years after retirement are the hardest.

 

Fact: Tek just retired

 

Fact 2: Valentine is considered a short term solution as manager.

 

Things that make you go "hmm.."

 

I donno if I'd make him the manager right after Bobby V, but when Bobby V goes it'll open up a spot that could be used to make Tek the bench coach. He'd be one heck of a bench coach right now.

[Dojji]

A change in manager doesnt do much when you have guaranteed contracts and guys making tens of millions of dollars on a yearly basis. It has to come from within. Varitek was a natural born leader who didnt take s*** from anyone' date=' let alone the most offensively feared and highest paid player in the game (at that time). Guys like him don't grow on trees. NO matter what, you lose leadership when a guy of his caliber retires. The question is, who will step up and fill those shoes of the crusty old veteran who has seen it all and lived to tell about it?[/quote']

 

While possible, I think that the real problem is that the Sox were kind of stuck between floors generationally last year. Tek wasn't on the field much but was still the titular leader, so when younger players like Ellsbury and Pedroia tried to take over the team the older generation wasn't listening. If V is any kind of manager he'll give more weight to the young voices and with Tek out of the picture that should sort itself out.

[a700hitter]

While possible' date=' I think that the real problem is that the Sox were kind of stuck between floors generationally last year. Tek wasn't on the field much but was still the titular leader, so when younger players like Ellsbury and Pedroia tried to take over the team the older generation wasn't listening. If V is any kind of manager he'll give more weight to the young voices and with Tek out of the picture that should sort itself out.[/quote']Where did you read this? Unless one of the beat writers or someone connected with the team observed this, it is baseless supposition.

[a700hitter]

Fact: Tek just retired

 

Fact 2: Valentine is considered a short term solution as manager.

 

Things that make you go "hmm.."

 

I donno if I'd make him the manager right after Bobby V, but when Bobby V goes it'll open up a spot that could be used to make Tek the bench coach. He'd be one heck of a bench coach right now.

Did the FO make any sort of statement leading you to believe that Bobby V is a short term solution? He was in Texas and NY for 7 seasons each. If he has success in Boston, why would his tenure be any shorter?

[The Boomer]

Fact: Tek just retired

 

Fact 2: Valentine is considered a short term solution as manager.

 

Things that make you go "hmm.."

 

I donno if I'd make him the manager right after Bobby V, but when Bobby V goes it'll open up a spot that could be used to make Tek the bench coach. He'd be one heck of a bench coach right now.

 

I question if Tek could be effective as a manager if there are players on the team from his on-field days. At least he would be more effective IMHO if he came on after all the current players had moved on.

[Dojji]

Not convinced that's a big deal. When Girardi came to the Yankees there were still players there from his playing days -- Mo springs to mind almost immediately, and IIRC Jeter was in harness by the time he was done as well. Doesn't seem to have hurt them that badly.

[Dojji]

Did the FO make any sort of statement leading you to believe that Bobby V is a short term solution? He was in Texas and NY for 7 seasons each. If he has success in Boston' date=' why would his tenure be any shorter?[/quote']

 

I don't think this team is going to to more than go into the first round of the playoffs this year. With the Rays putting up a good showing they may not make it at all. I don't think the leash is going to be long if we put up a paltry showing for a third year running. I think this team is flawed right now in a way you can't solve by writing a check, and those flaws are going to fall on the manager whether they should or not. Heck, I'll probably wind up defending Valentine a lot, but that doesn't change things.

 

I think a transition is starting in this team that, if it doesn't go perfectly, could shake the whole team foundation and turn everything upside down. I've even heard rumblings of Henry selling the team, although I wouldn't put any stock in that.

 

The point being times are changing, we aren't necessarily perennial contenders right now having not made the playoffs in 2 years, and if that doesn't change soon -- and pretty dramatically -- we could reach a point where you have to make some real hard decisions. We cut ourself off at the knees in the long term with moves like trading Masterson for V-Mart, which were moves that sacrificed long term performance for short term gain, and now we're at the point where we're starting to pay for those moves in a lack of immediate depth and a moribund roster. If people are looking at Valentine to solve that, no, he won't be around long.

[The Boomer]

Not convinced that's a big deal. When Girardi came to the Yankees there were still players there from his playing days -- Mo springs to mind almost immediately' date=' and IIRC Jeter was in harness by the time he was done as well. Doesn't seem to have hurt them that badly.[/quote']

 

True, maybe I'm over-analyzing. But I would think it's the exception, probably mostly because you need to pay your dues in the minors, which I would expect Tek to have to do as well.

[seabeachfred]

Did the FO make any sort of statement leading you to believe that Bobby V is a short term solution? He was in Texas and NY for 7 seasons each. If he has success in Boston' date=' why would his tenure be any shorter?[/quote']

 

Once again Ted I would like to know where this short term solution nonsense comes from? The FO has nothing about such a scenario and I can you and all others this....if he is successful and wins a title of some kind, Division, League or WS, he will not be a short ter solution. The only short term solutions could be some of those prima donnas who fell to the depths last season.