Tek in Dodger Blue? - Talksox

BSN07 · 09-02-2008, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Gammons heard talk that Russell Martin could be switched permanently to third base. In that scenario, the Dodgers would sign a pitching-oriented catcher such as Jason Varitek.

Slow topic day, thought this seemed interesting.

I mean with LA's history of bringing in former Sox players, it has to be atleast considered.

Would Tek leave Boston if they don't offer gim what he/Boras wants? Or will Tek stay in Boston no matter what? With Favre wearing a Jets uni, anything is possible these days.

So if Tek leaves where do the Sox look? Big trade, someone in the system, or a FA stop gap? I could be wrong, but I don't remeber any long term good C becoming available via FA this off season.

jacksonianmarch · 09-02-2008, 05:21 PM

I have a feeling that Varitek is gone at the end of the yr. They havent publicly destroyed him yet, but they dont really need to. Tek's offensive numbers are just plain awful. Walks are down, power is down, average is down, runs are down, RBIs are down, etc. The signing of Ross, IMO was an indication that they are searching for his replacement. To be honest with you, Ross and Kottaras might end up being the sox platoon mates next yr and letting Tek walk may not be a bad idea.

BSN07 · 09-02-2008, 05:33 PM

If they cut ties, then I don't see an offering of Arb. So no picks.

I have to admit, I know little on Ross, can somone fill me in please.

TheKilo · 09-02-2008, 05:44 PM

I think Ross/Brown/Kottaras (or any combo of the three) can do the job

26 to 6 · 09-02-2008, 07:27 PM

I think Colletti would be foolish to sign Jason Varitek.

As for who the Red Sox would get to replace him, you guys can take Pudge, we'll be more than happy with the draft picks

I'm not sure what his Free Agent status would be, but I imagine he would at least qualify as a Type B free agent, if not A.

26 to 6 · 09-02-2008, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheKilo

I think Ross/Brown/Kottaras (or any combo of the three) can do the job

I don't. I think with the combinationof youth and veteran pitchers on that staff you need an experienced vet behind the plate. Any of those 3 would probably suffice as a backup, but I don't think either of those 3 would make a good starting catcher for the Red Sox. But hey, I'm all in favor of you guys trying it out.

das11209 · 09-02-2008, 07:47 PM

Thank God - sick and tired of Tek's out of zone fastball calling.

Jacoby_Ellsbury · 09-02-2008, 09:05 PM

Jeez... this is getting to be like the Browns/Broncos connection in the NFL.

Jacoby_Ellsbury · 09-02-2008, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheKilo

I think Ross/Brown/Kottaras (or any combo of the three) can do the job

Do we really want a catcher merry-go-round? That never works.

TheKilo · 09-02-2008, 11:28 PM

It's a moot point, the Sox will re-sign Varitek for two years, 22 million this offseason.

26 to 6 · 09-02-2008, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheKilo

It's a moot point, the Sox will re-sign Varitek for two years, 22 million this offseason.

Probably. But hey, that's even better than the proposed catching merry-go-round.

**Coco's Disciples** · 09-02-2008, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheKilo

It's a moot point, the Sox will re-sign Varitek for two years, 22 million this offseason.

My eyes burned at the prospect of this. Gonna go dunk my head in cold water.

Dojji · 09-03-2008, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 26 to 6

I don't. I think with the combinationof youth and veteran pitchers on that staff you need an experienced vet behind the plate. Any of those 3 would probably suffice as a backup, but I don't think either of those 3 would make a good starting catcher for the Red Sox. But hey, I'm all in favor of you guys trying it out.

Disagree. Most of our minor league pitchers have seen Brown and Kottaras before in the minors. That gives them a quasi-veteran status with those pitchers.

Will there be a learning experience if Dusty and George are our two catchers? Absolutely. But I doubt it's insurmountable, and both catchers seem to me to be qualified to at least hold the job down while we search for (Laird/Salty/Anderson) or develop (Wagner/Expo/Still) a new top catcher.

Some nifty advantages to going with Dusty and George, too. Nice lefty-righty platoon advantages -- we can play both catchers mostly in situations where they're comfortable. Also, both Dusty and george can handle the knuck (or at least Zink's knuck) so we can put either one opposite Wakefield. That might extend Wakefield's career by a year or two since we don't "have to keep the dang caddy on the roster!"

That, and it would be reasonable to expect both Kot and Brown to hit at a better-than-2009-Tek level in the the big leagues next year (although less so for Kot) so there's that to be considered.

VA Sox Fan · 09-03-2008, 09:22 AM

Everyone knows, I want him back on the Sox.

From Amalie Benjamin's live chat 8/29 in the Globe:

What is the general opinion among sportswriters on where Jason Varitek will end up next year? Do you think he'll accept a lowball offer from the Sox, or does the paycheck outweigh loyalty and he'll end up somewhere else? If he does leave, who do you see taking his place? There's a lot of buzz around Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Or "Saltamacchia" as Jerry Remy would say).
Nick, Allston

A: Given Varitek's bad year offensively -- and it has been bad -- I think there's a much greater chance that the Sox will land him for next year than they would have otherwise. I know there was concern about Varitek in the organization after Jorge Posada signed his deal in spring training (4 years, $52.4 million), but that has mostly dissipated with Varitek's offensive woes. There is some belief that one of the younger catchers in the organization, like a Mark Wagner or a Luis Exposito, could eventually be the Sox catcher, but that's a hard position for a transition to a young player, and neither of those players is even close to ready for the big leagues. So I think there's a good chance we'll see Varitek back.

BSN07 · 09-03-2008, 03:56 PM

2 years maybe, 11M a season is a stretch.

The Sox stand by what they think a player is worth, just look at Lowell. They offered him less then what everyone else wanted and stood by it. And that was after a career year at the plate. Don't fool yourself with this whole loyalty deal. The Sox FO runs the team like a buisness, and there not going to bend over and take it from an over the hill catcher, that bats with a wiffle ball bat. They will offer him what they think is a good deal and if he doesn't take it they will move on. I love Tek, but i don't see the Sox giving him that much money. They have stood by him this year, and haven't embarrased him while he has struggled with the bat, but if he returns, I think it will be understood he will see a little less time and will be pinch hit for in certain situations. If not, thank you for your time and effort and good luck to you in the future.

2 years 18M tops is my bet