Varitek files for free agency

JASON VARITEKSox have short signing period

Jason Varitek was among 65 players to file for free agency yesterday, the first day players were eligible.

The Red Sox have exclusive negotiating rights with the catcher for a 15-day window.

Varitek and his agent, Scott Boras, can speak with other teams, but financial terms cannot be discussed.

Varitek wasn't the only Red Sox player to file. Infielder Alex Cora and catcher David Ross did so as well. Curt Schilling, Mark Kotsay, Sean Casey, Mike Timlin, and Paul Byrd have yet to file.

"[Varitek is] an important part of the organization," general manager Theo Epstein said after Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. "There's no doubt about that. Obviously, he's coming off a year that wasn't his best. But he's important nonetheless. We'll be talking to him. We have an obligation to explore all of our options. We do that with every position."

Catching is the Sox' biggest question mark. No minor leaguer are ready and there is little help in the free agent market.The Sox could try to sign Varitek to a short-term deal or trade for a young catcher, with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden of the Rangers and Kelly Shoppach of the Indians (formerly of the Sox) the most frequently mentioned. Saltalamacchia might be destined to play a position other than catcher, given his lack of defensive skills. And any young catcher will be very expensive to acquire, given the deficit in talent at the position.

The Sox likely would be most amenable to a short-term contract for Varitek, potentially as a bridge to a catcher in their lower minor league system. While his offensive performance this season likely took a Jorge Posada-like contract (four years, $52.4 million) out of the equation, Varitek probably will seek a large payout. He will turn 37 in April.

Varitek also filed for free agency in 2004 after the Sox won the World Series. He got a four-year, $40 million contract.