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While some catchers -- Mike Piazza, Javy Lopez -- drift in and out of the position, Varitek always has been solely a catcher. He never in his major league career has played a game at first base, and has played just 12 as designated hitter. He always has been most valuable for his handling of pitchers, for his knowledge behind the plate, which also allows him to forget -- far more easily than most -- bad days at the plate. Or even bad months.

''That's the beauty of playing my position," said Varitek, the rare player whose contract (four years, $40 million) has more to do with his defense and clubhouse persona than his offense. ''I don't know if I'd be good playing another position because I don't know if I'd have that. It's such a big part, being able to separate offense and defense. I could go 0 for 20 and we could be in a great spot, then have one hit maybe make a difference in the 21st at-bat. You don't let those things affect what goes on defensively. That's the most important thing I have to do.

''I could hit .200 and help this team win a lot of games."

That might be the future. Through the end of August last season, Varitek was hitting .301, but once September arrived, that average dropped precipitously. He hit just .173 in the final month, after batting .265 in September 2004 and .250 in September 2003. Most catchers tire as the year progresses, and with age, the problem is exacerbated. Exhausted legs, brittle knees, aches everywhere mean a lower batting average, and less power as the season wears on.  [ More ]