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[ Page 5 ] ''I think when you're on the other side, you view him as a guy that's straight business, all the time, 24 hours a day. I think that his ability to make pitchers feel comfortable, make rookies feel comfortable, those things are what makes this team special. He's a big part of that. He's helped me a ton since I came over here. ''Obviously, he would be a great, great player, regardless of whether he was a good guy or not, but I think what he brings to the table in the clubhouse is really big for us." Beating the odds For catchers, 34 borders on elderly. Varitek's voice, normally mild, takes on a hard edge when someone brings up the subject, though he later acknowledges that it's vaguely mocking. Still, he is reminded, with the statistical realities of his position, it is an issue that is hard to avoid.
''You guys have been telling me that since I turned 31, so keep telling me," Varitek said. ''That's the way I feel about it. Everybody wants to try to find something to pick out. I'm fortunate to have played this game, and I can't control what people want to read into things statistically. ''Keep pointing at it till I'm done playing. Then I'll be too old." [ More ] |
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