I agree JJ doesn't matter at all. Lose him.
Schilling had a pretty good year in 2006 IIRC. 15-7, 3's ERA, something like that. What was his issue? Beckett didn't have a good year by any means, but it all culminated when Varitek went down. I think you're severely underestimating Varitek's effect on our pitchers. His presence behind the plate is huge for them. It's a comfort thing. BTW yes, Varitek is far ahead of (most of) the rest of baseball in calling games. If it wasn't evident to people during that period in '06, I guess it won't be evident to you guys at all.