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Not that Varitek will be getting a break this season, with manager Terry Francona expecting him to be behind the plate for about the same amount of games as last year (130), though the manager said he is ''cognizant of the stress that his position puts on him."

''I know what the statistics say about aging, but I think our organization felt that there are certain people you need to view differently because of their work ethic, because of what they can do," Francona said. ''You believe in them beating the odds a little bit."

Perhaps it's because of the preparation, immediately noticeable upon entering the clubhouse. Perhaps it's because of the offseason regimen he adjusts every year to keep him ready for the field's most demanding position.

But perhaps it's just him, the captain, the one who already has helped build multiple versions of this team, one who -- thanks to a women's soccer tournament nearly seven years ago -- seems well on his way to building another.