Morning update on Varitek

Figures...Even Boras is manupulating time zones...that guy is a snake!!

Tony.......I hope Tek declines the latest Sox offer......OMG....if this loser accepts the $5 million....Red Sox Nation will have to endure the unendurable all over again.......Tek, it's time to get outta Boston by noontime....GET LOST

I see this as a Boras problem. If his client is on the East Coast and he wishes to stay on the West Coast he just gets up early. it is what he gets paid for. For the Sox to allow the stalling to take place to suit Boras they lose and Boras wins.

Oh good lord...I want to hear an answer and hopefully it is that Tek has signed with the team. The constant updates of a lack of info to update is driving me nuts. I would hate to have him retire, leave the team...what have you. Unfortunately...sometimes the business of baseball gets nasty, but let's not forget what Tek means to this team and to Boston. I hope we get to still see him in uniform for at least a couple of years to come.

2006, 103 games, 87 hits, .238 batting average, 22% caught stealing rate
2007, 131 games, 111 hits, .255 batting average, 24% caught stealing rate
2008, 131 games, 93 hits, .220 batting average, 22% caught stealing rate
The Sox paid $10 million a year for the past three years for this type of offensive production. Batted below .250 twice and failed to reach 100 hits two times. He didn't even catch Wakefield, and teams nearly stole 4 out of 5 bases attempted. He may have earned his salary the first year of his most recent contract (2005: 133 games, 132 hits, .281 batting average, 24% caught stealing rate), but did he the last three?

Well this is officially a circus now.

Thanks for the great memories but good riddance Tek.

"Captain?" Why the delay? Give the "C" to Youk!

"Captain?" Why the delay? Give the "C" to Youk!

Tek's threat to retire or sit out 2009, doesn't hold much water or make much sense for him... so I assume he's simply trying to gain leverage on the Sox... I guess we'll know soon enough if it worked.

I don't blame Tek for using every last minute of this dealine to get the best deal possible, but it will be a shame if he's simply being greedy and he walks away from Boston.

So everyone is on pins and needles waiting from an answer from the guy who hit .187 after May 1. Where is Bill Belichick when you need him? Varitek would be taking his worth or be signing with the Jets by now.

I guess Satan sleeps late

This deadline came and went. Let's move on. We need a catcher for the future. Tek is in the past.

Tek is over the hill. People need to look at the numbers and take emotion and what he has done in the past out of the equation.

"I guess Satan sleeps late"

Thank you gerry B, LOL that comment made my morning that was good! I agree with Steve 8:30 has come and gone its time to move on from these players, we have to realize that they are not in their late 20's early 30's anymore that soon they'll be retired from the team anyway. With players like Tek, Manny etc...

I've been a Tek defender for the past 4 years, when many friends and other RSN members wanted him gone. But now, the threat to retire or sit out for a better offer, after Andy Pettite swallowed his pride and put his ego aside and went back to the (hated) Yankees for $5.5M/year after a contract of $16M last year, and an offer of $10M earlier this year from NY, just point to more about Tek's true make-up than Boras' positioning. An agent, like a lawyer, is an advisor. The final decision in any negotiation is up to the parties - not the agent. Unfortunately, I think we're seeing the true Tek here - not the one we've idolized through Red Sox colored glasses for many years. If he turns down the offer - which I believe should've been about $1M - $2M/year more from the Sox - he and Boras deserve each other. And, I will not be a Tek defender - or fan - going forward. Sorry - I'm done.

I agree completely with agentpinckney. Tek was overpaid for the last three years. He's lucky the Sox aren't asking him for some kind of reimbursement!! If he could put his pride aside for a couple of minutes, he would realize that his pay over the last few years was far greater than his worth and, therefore, even if he feels he is getting low-balled now (which he is not), it all averages out in the end. His attitude so far is the definition of hubris.

Tek: Take the $5 million and have a good year...if you produce, you will get a nice contract next year. Alimony is expensive and you need the $$. You're not Johnny Bench!!

Tek needs to speak up on his own. But if he leaves, the Sox have other guys who can lead-like Youk and Pedroia!

I'd seriously like to know what Boras and Varitek want or expect from the Red Sox or some other team at this point. What are they waiting for? For Varitek's ability to hit above 270 to return? That ain't happening. It's time for Boras and Varitek to wake up to reality. The Sox have given them a fair offer based on the player he is now. No other team is going to offer him much more down the road, except maybe a little more money and maybe a guaranteed second year. If he is that disloyal and prideful as to reject the Sox offer in favor of getting a little more from another team in June, then hit the road Tek and take Boras with you.

If I was Theo, I would Be Shaking Boras's butt out of bed at 8 30EST and give him the 'HEY WHATS UP ???... Its time to make the coffee and stop screwing around..... The guy sucked big time last year and has to prove himself in 09....

It's time for these PROFESSIONALS to realize when to stand firm and when to understand reality. As you age you do not perform as well. Greed is such a big part of the picture. Tek dump your foolish agent and bargain in good faith,you are our Captain so act accordingly. Look in the mirror and ask yourself if I were Theo would I pay top dollar for yourself after looking at your stats?

I am going to sit back and laugh when Tek is gone and the same posters are on here a few months from now complaining about the catching tandem of Bard and some savior prospect from Texas or Arizona! Yeah, good luck with that!

Boston fans are pathetic!

TRADE FOR MAUER

No updates until there is a final answer!!!!!!!!!!!

sign him as a coach.

I think resigning Varitek is pretty silly and Varitek turning down 5 mil or expecting a serious multi year deal with his numbers is absurd but everybody needs to get a grip and stop blaming Boras and acting as though he is some kind of puppet master corrupting these players.
Boras is an employee of the players he represents and players like Varitek and Manny know full well how he operates. They pay him specifically to do what he does. They aren't children or mental deficient and he hasn't brainwashed or suckered them.

Considering his performance, he should have been thinking about retiring anyway. At this point, I hope he doesn't sign--I think his likely attitude about not being appreciated would make him a bigger problem than Manny ever was.

Sure Tek, take a pass on the $100,000 a WEEK the Sox are offering. Mediocrity comes cheap.

Tek is a great leader and led a great labor action before the Japan trip on the behalf of other workers in the Red Sox organization.

That said, a catcher's career does not rebound. He should take the money, especially in this free agent market. He will sign.

If the old man sits out the season, do the Sox lose their draft picks?

He's nuts, by the way. Offensive to us common people to be so stuck up after receiving such a generous offer. I'd squat in front of a fastball for 5 million. Sign me up. I might even learn to catch the ball. Now if I could just stand there at the plate and look dumb as the ball whizzes by me? Oh, I can do that! THEO!

The one thing that there are no stats for is. How he called a game, in my mind he took 2 to 3 hits away a game just knowing how to pitch to a batters. and maybe a 1/4 run on the ERA. Add that to the stat book. I think that every one out there forgets that hitting is not the only thing a player does. He threw out 1/4 of the base stealers the league ave is only 28 %.

This guy is hesitating over a contract that would pay him $15,000 a day for zero production. How many Sox fans who want him back would pay him that if it was comingtout of your pocket?

So, how does the Team "Captain" threaten to sit out? Leadership? For god's sake, Tek, you've led us down this path before and we followed, but not again.

OK, So the MVP Pedroia will make $1.5M this year and $3.5M next year and Varitek might sit out because $5M is a 'slap in the face'? Sitting out makes no sense. there isn't a demand for him. I am not one of those"dump the guy" people as he still has value, but the Sox are offering him more than his market value now in a good faith gesture.

It plays out like this...
'Tek holds out
Posada injure shoulder mid May
'Tek gets offered 7 M (prorated) from "Them"
'Tek gladly accepts ...
... and hits .302

'Tek's outta here. He's had this offer for a week now. That should be enough time to make a decision. If he is loyal to Boras, that's his mistake. Boras isn't looking out for 'Tek's best interests, only Boras'. I wonder what Curt Schilling's take is on all this?

i think everyone else knows that the "C" just states his position on the field...they just told him it meant captain so he would sign the previous deal.

Tek was a stable presence in the bullpen. Rag on his numbers all you want, but he knew how to get the best out of his pitchers. The Sox would benefit with having him on for another year, perhaps to help groom the next starting catcher for the Sox.

But I think the relationship between the Sox and Tek is too strained and I think the fans are a bit down on Tek as well (judging by the comments here). It will suck to hear Tek and the Sox have parted ways, but it may be for the best

2006, 103 games, 87 hits, .238 batting average, 22% caught stealing rate
2007, 131 games, 111 hits, .255 batting average, 24% caught stealing rate
2008, 131 games, 93 hits, .220 batting average, 22% caught stealing rate

Thanks for the stats...Seriously...now that everyone uses the line: "Baseball is a business".....well this is just not good for business.

Its time...Thanks for EVERYTHING Tek, we will always remember, but its time to go....

Where's Mirabelli?

Alert the State Police!

Rich Gedman anyone? Hold out until May, then come back for less money and terrible performance.

Or Jody Reed?

This is too bad that 'Tek is going out like this. I'd like to blame Boras, because who doesn't, but even ARod had some sanity when NYY stared him down.

He only has to wait till June to get his deal, so he'll wait. The first round compensatory pick goes away then and another team, desperate for catching ,will give him a better deal than the Sox. Time for the Sox to move on.

IF Tek honestly thinks he deserves more the 5 MILLION dollars, he can go screw. Considering how much us normal people make, he has really lost every ounce of my sympathies with this pouting act of his.

Bye, Tek. Don't let the door hit you in your huge a55 on the way out.

This is ridiculous.

Tek, come on, we appreciate everything you do and have done for us. But you're seeking something that isn't reasonable or realistic -- especially when your fans are getting laid off in droves and the economy is shrinking. You have given us many great years, but you have been a real liability at bat the last few years. Maybe the Sox could give you a little bit more as a "thanks for the memories", but this is about as good as you're going to get. To retire in a huff over money and "respect" is silly. Don't blame the Red Sox that you made the decision to reject arbitration after your worst year as a hitter and the worst economy in 75 years facing you. Mistakes get made. Not a big deal. Take the deal, show them you're better than this, then go and have an amazing year and become a free agent next year.

In 2 of the last 3 years, Varitek has more strikeouts than hits. The third year, he had the same number of strikeouts as hits.

Boras is wasting his time in baseball. The way he can brainwash otherwise bright people (Tek, Teix, Manny, Damon, A-Rod, Cashman, Theo, etc.) he should be picked up by Homeland Security to turn suspected terrorists into patriotic Americans.

Tek...do us a favor and SCRAM, and take Heidi Watney with you. The fact that she has attempted to report on you contract situation (with all your pillow talk) is laughable. I think were all ready for the circus to come to an end.

Why is the title of this 'morning update' when.....there is no update really?

a BILLION dollar company, and they cannot convey to a potential employee which TIME ZONE they conduct business in?!?!?! scary. good to see my $50 per sweatshirt is going towards some MBA's.......

please please don't sign with the sox tek! you are washed up. it was so generous of them to give you the offer that they did - which was purely for sentimental reasons since, let's face it, the market for old, slow, .220 hitting catchers, no matter their "game calling skills," is close to zero. especially when they are this picky about contracts. please let us all move on! we need a new solution at catcher eventually anyway - why not start now??

If you are a true Sox fan you would understand that his value behind the plate and his leadership go much much further than his bat. Look what he has done for us, so any one telling him good riddance should be a Yankee fan, get with the program!

Wow, talk about fair weather fans......... Of all the players on a team, the catcher is the hardest worker of the bunch. There has to be some middle ground. He is very much an asset to The Red Sox and its pitching staff. I say give the guy some respect for what he has done for the team over the years. So his manager sucks. Just ask Manny if Boras is worth it. I thinking Tek isn't loving him at the moment.
I think Tek got some very bad advice, but looks like he will have to pay for it. I say give Tek more if he fires Boras.

What the hell does it mean "sit out the year"? This isn't someone who signs with the Red Sox or no one else, He is a free agent. He can sign with any one this year. Why the heck would he be any more desirable/get more money when he is 1 year older, and after a year of not playing? He either signs or retires. I guess the only difference would be the signing team would not have to give up a draft pick to the Red Sox (not sure about that), but does that make up for a year of 0 salary and the decreased worth of a player who hasn't played in a year?

The big thing is he hit .179 with men in scoring postion. Had 43 RBI'S in 131 games.
Jed Lowrie had 46 RBI'S in 81 games.

Please don't sign. I think it is obviuous from all the posts over the past few days that the majority of fans do not want him back. Plus the prolonged nature of this with the media coverage makes it excruciating. It is like fingernails being dragged across a blackboard. My gut however tells me this cretan will sign with the sox.

Bye Tek, thanks for the memories and don't let the door hit you in the Boras on the way out!

It feels like lots of people don't understand the importance of Tek. Do you guys know how important it is for a pitcher to be able to trust his partner in crime, his catcher? Everyone is looking at his offensive numbers, but have you guys looked at pitcher's ERA's and Avg BA against those pitchers when Tek is catching and when he is not? Yes it was Tek and Boras's fault for not accepting the arbitration, but everyone needs to know that Tek is every bit important to this organization as any position player if not more.

Let's just get this over today. $5M is fair based on his lack of offense. At 37, he's also going to see more of the bench this season - if they expect him to be fresh in Sept/Oct. Based on the economy, the number of remaining free agents, and the diminshining contract dollars, Tek should be thrilled with the $5M & $3M guaranteed. What he needs to be reminded of is that the Sox can win without him.

I hope he signs. He might not have a great bat but what he does as a veteran for the pitchers is woth it. we need him to train a replacement and help bring up some of the rookie pitchers. When he does retire, I hope they keep him on staff.

Memo to Theo: What's Plan B?

It is a shame that Tek's reputation is tarnished by this debacle. If he does come back, I hope he puts up good enough numbers to make us forget about this crap. And agentpinckney...don't forget Tek was injured in 2006. Last year, I think he was going through a divorce. So it seems there might have been some extenuating circumstances that might have affected his play. I agree that given his stats, he doesn't have much to complain about with the contract he's been offered, but we can't forget that these things have passed and he could rebound with a decent season.

Time to move on. Thanks for the service, Tek. Sox should now turn around, pay whatever ransom would be required to get Joe Mauer, and move on. In Mauer the get the bat they thought they were getting in Teixiera, and an everyday catcher to replace Tek. He is only 24, and has two more years to free agency.

I find it funny that everyone keeps blaming Boras for this and turns a blind eye to Varitek's culpability. WAKE UP, people. If the player himself is strong enough, he can overrule the agent, ok? The agent works for the player, not the other way around. Look at ARod for example. We all hate him, and he certainly has his failings, yes. But you gotta at least admire him for having the backbone to stand up to Boras in the way of the PR disaster his opt out was in winter 2007, go to the Steinbrenners against Boras' advice and work out a deal himself, because he wanted to wear pinstripes. Tek could do the same, it's not like Boras is holding a friggin gun to his head. This just goes to show that Tek himself is a delusional greedy fool more than anything else. The country is in a recession, he had an absolute horrible season at the plate, he's been steadily on the decline since 2005, and he thinks a 5 million offer is an insult?! A true captain is not one who just wants to play everyday, a true captain is also someone who's willing to take a mentoring role when he knows his power's on the wane and is willing to groom his successor. Tek doesn't want to share time with anyone, doesn't want to groom his successor, like a senile dictator who can't let his power go, he just can't fathom that he isn't worth 10 mil+ anymore.
He's no one's captain anymore. Just take the C off, and let him go. He gave us a ton of memories, but in the end, no one's bigger than the team.

Tek's time has come and gone. It is time to look towards the future and use the guys that we covet so much. I know one of the guys on the paw sox will hit at least 220 and handle to staff just as well for the most part. .

Haven't we taken enough BS. Hey, 5 Million isn't exactly chump change, especially in these times. Jason, I know you're a little dissappointed over the offer but it's more than you're worth in today's marketplace. Sit out or retire? That's a choice only you can make, but thats pretty arrogant and greedy in my opinion. Time to move on and give the "C" to someone who really cares like Petey or Youk.

Dave... Dusty gets the "C"

Mark me down for not giving a rat's a$$.

I think it's time to bid good-bye to Jason and his agent and make a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks' catcher Miguel Montero. Enough is enough. We're not talking about signing a young player with tremendous upside like the Dice-K situation. This is a player who, while he served the Sox admirably, is clearly on the downside of his career. Why are the Sox and the media spending so much time on this subject? Let's just get younger at the catching position and move on.

I don't think you'll find Teks worth in batting average, hits or % caught stealing. This guy manages the game for pitchers and they'll miss that this year if he's gone...and the numbers will show it. That being said...I don't know why the Sox didn't fix this problem 1, 2 or 3 years ago. Instead of looking for a back-up, they focused on finding someone that could figure out how to catch a knuckleball (bunch of knuckleheads!!).

The Sox still have a problem no matter what he decides to do. They should go after Salty or someone else as aggressively as possible - give up a young pitcher and hope Tek is willing to teach someone his trade if both parties can swallow a little pride.

Tek declined arbitration....10 mill!!!! Borass really hurt him, let's hope his roster of clients is watching. It's too bad, Tek is one of the few guys that really studied and lived the sport - for the sport. He liked the money, like everyone else but I think he really liked to play baseball, rare these days.

Doesn't matter anyway...I haven't been to game in 4 years after sharing season tickets for 5 years. This sport isn't for the fans anymore - I'm okay with watching the game free from my TV if I don't have anything else to do. Shame on baseball all together. The sport is about greed...the money is so big that winning only means bonus checks and increased marketing. No games for me this year, they won't get one shiney nickle. Thanks for giving me something to watch between 8:30 and 9pm every now and then on a warm summer night.

Might as well call this Borasball. I think every player should have to play with his pockets stuffed with the amount of money he makes that day - it will even things out. A-rod will be so weighed down he'll even choke in the 18-3 games.

These ball players don't have a clue as to what $5M would mean to an average family. It means hitting the lottery, and they hit the lottery every year for several years. Go ahead and pass on the Sox offer. See how long it takes to make up the $5-10M in the real world.

I am sure that the sox will be able to find at least an adequate replacement.

For anyone on the fence about this guy- take a second look at agentpinckney's stats. Numbers don't lie- let's move on- say goodbye to Tek.

Simply, I understand the magnitude a catcher has on a pitching staff, particularly a veteran catcher. I could care less about Tek's personal profile, but do not underestimate, Jason, how the publicity of your indiscretions are portrayed in New England. If memory serves me correctly Carl Yastremski was the last captain of the Red Sox prior to Varitek; the honor of wearing the "C" is far more prominent than in any other venue I imagine. Varitek's identity as a great catcher is enhanced by the designation of his captaincy as much as his accomplishments. My point is this: the image that Tek has earned from his recent public troubles combined with the appearance that he is holding out for a salary that he has not earned during national economic suffering have tarnished the "C" worn so prominently on his chest. Based on the appearance of your actions Jason, keeping in mind that I do not underestimate your importance to the Red Sox team...so long and good luck ; a captain in New England is expected to be sagacious and you should recognize the value of that responsibility.

Look within (Brown or Kotteras for backup) and let's see if Bard can do the job.
The last Sox offer is more than generous when one considers what we got for 30 mil. over the last three years. Please move on ....

Unfortunately, this has become primarily about Scott Bore-ass for the Sox Management and fans. I wish Varitek were smart enough to set Boras loose. He may catch on with another team in June when no draft picks have to change hands but does he really want to leave? After all, $5 million is a lot of money

My apology to Hall-of-Famer Jim Rice who was captain of the Red Sxo prior to Varitek.

Tony,

If Varitek does sign with the sox are we going to see attitude problems that affect on field performance like Manny last year (couldn't handle the uncertainty of whether his option was picked up or not) or with Nomar when the sox explored trading him when he seemed unsignable and then he compared that to a cheating spouse?

Even though he's a competitor, I was surprised last year when he said how upset he was when he was pinch hit for in the playoffs. Given his performance and the fact that they carried an extra catcher, he should have seen it coming and handled it better. It makes me worry how he'll react to these negotiations.

I'm no longer interested in what happens with Jason. Let's move on. We need a replacement anyway.

If Tek was going to accept, we would have heard by now....so, see ya! Don't let the door hit you on the way out! Who came up with "sitting out '09" was a good idea? Yeah, at his age...he'll be a "catch" for sure, at $10 mill to boot. Keep believing that Tek.

My final memory of the 2008 Red Sox season was SCREAMING at the TV saying "WHATEVER YOU DO THEO, DON'T BRING TEK BACK!" His performance last year was flat out HORRIBLE and he's done. Go ahead and sit out the 2009 season and see what the market's like next year when you're 38! LoLoLoL!

Tony - If Lucchino gave someone a contract deadline without specifying the time zone, I'll eat my hat. That's negotiating 101.

Never thought I would say this as valuable as I think Tek is to handling the pitching staff, but Feb. 1 is upon us and it's time to cut bait with Boras. Let's go out and make the trade for either Salty or Montero, and get on with it. As much as I'm concerned about Ellsbury's streakiness and inability to lay off some pitches, I'd rather trade one of our young pitchers for Salty--he's not worth Ellsbury AND a young pitcher.

Scott Boras is all about Greed and is bring his players with him. Lets see 5 million dollars is an insult come on get real.

Hey Guys, Let's give Tek a break. He's was one of the best catchers in the league. His batting average wasn't that great the last few years, but I thought his knowledge behind the plate helped the team win many games. If it's time for him to retire, lets not forget his leadership skills and all the good he gave to the team. Lets treat him with a little respect.

Give the 'C' to Youk - Amen!

Has any one considered offering him a position as a bench coach? His impact on a young catcher and young pitchers would be meaningful, and the team still has his "presence", which everyone says is positive.

Tek's value to the club is not in his offense. It's in how he manages the pitching staff. No catcher in history has caught more no-hitters, and let's not forget the incredible number of one-hitters he's caught. The man is a baseball genius and its naive to think that his expertise behind the plate can be easily replaced. He KNOWS major league hitters and he studies them harder than anyone on the team. He has to know not only hitters but the strengths and weaknesses of every pitcher on the staff. The sox should pay this guy to keep him around another couple seasons so he can properly groom a decent replacement.

according to Joe McDonald of the Providence Journal there is no morning deadline!

you can't believe anything you read!

Everybody here wants what makes the most financial sense for them. They should not be faulted for it: not the Sox, Tek, or Boras; however, I say we wait until 11:30 AM and then MOVE ON! Let's get the team set without any more drama.

And helped guide 2 rookies to no hitters. And helped transition a star pitcher into a completely new game. And helped guide every other starting pitcher to being an elite rotation. You think we would have had all that with Josh Bard behind the plate? And are any of our other catching options going to win batting titles?
Think big team picture here. Varitek is the captain for a reason.

P.S. The thought of Tek sitting out 2009 if he doesn't get the Bosox deal he wants makes absolutely no sense. Maybe if he were 28 or 30 years old, but it's too late for him to be playing the hibernation card.

Buchholz for Saltalamacchia,
Nolan Ryan loves Buchholz because he's from Texas and he has a lot of potential with an iron arm,
Saltalamacchia loves us, he said so in several newspapers,
Get the deal done.
With Josh Bard, Saltalamacchia, and maybe Dusty or George platooning, I'm sure they will be a lot more effective than Varitek, actually I guarantee they will be much better than Varitek.

does anyone realize this update was about Boras' sleeping habits?.... What did you learn today Andy? Oh! I learned Boras is an early bird! that's my last straw with this whole varitek situation...

Whats next Pacific Rim Time Zone....

Lovely, I am glad that everyone has forgotten what this guy has done for the Red Sox. You are all: What Have You Done For Me Lately morons. He was SICK last year, really, really sick twice. I would like to see any of you out there be that sick, come back and hit 280.

I, for one, will be devasted if he doesn't come back. And lest anyone forget, the YANKEES are out there. They don't know if Posada is going to be able to be their every day catcher. Who do you think is going to catch for them??? Cash? Molina??? No idots, it will be Tek. They will offer him what the Red Sox SHOULD Have offered him and he will sign with them. The Red Sox care more about and spend more money on free agents that have NO connection to the team, and end up SUCKING, than they do a guy who has given his blood, sweat and tears to them. See Julio Lugo, etc.

Again, why does everyone vilify Boras? He's just doing his job which generally means to negotiate the highest maximum value for his clients, be it monetary or otherwise. If you were to hold out for a higher paying job, would anyone accuse you of being greedy or money-grubbing?

Whats next Pacific Rim Time Zone....

Rule # 1 in life ... know your window of opportunity.

You would think a guy that hits .220 for the season would come to recognize $ 5,000,000 is still a pretty good deal - especially, when the other clubs have little or no interest in you.

My advice to Jason ... tell Boras to go pound sand ... pick-up the phone and make a verbal committment to the Sox. Listen to your brain - instead of your ego.

It's time to get a new catcher. Greed will kill ya. Like President Remi said awhile back."It's all about the money "don't believe the resdt of the Bulls-----

I know my first bit of business if our greedy captain resigns with the Sox.I have 4 season tickets near the on deck circle and Mr. Varitek is going to catch my friends and I wrath all year long.Hey Jason you might want to wear earplugs to bat. booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

It would be great if JV and Boras call a few minutes past the deadline to accept....And Theo & Co. say "So sorry. That offer is off the table now. Your too late." Or maybe offer less every time.

See ya, calcified captain (tm ozzy). Don't let the door hit ya.

Amen on giving the C to Youk!

MAUER TRADE
Capt to Youk or Pedroia
Let Tek go....He is old and sports is a young mans game.
Plus Boras is a greedy piece of .......

Tek - Please, please PLEASE stay another year!!

I am done with this 'Tek business. To say that he is the only catcher who can handle a pitching staff would be crazy. You have to toss out his offense because there is no offense, so you are paying for his defensive, play calling, and leadership skills. Defensively he is acceptable, with a weak arm, teams run all over the Sox because they know about 80% of the time they will be safe. So his arm isnt great. He has a handle of the staff and we all know he puts a ton of time in research and tendencies, maybe second to none other than Schilling. As for leadership it has been said that he isnt one of the more vocal players in the locker room which is fine but what leadership are we talking about then? $5M is more than generous for a player of his output. And regardless this should be his last season as a player. Get him into coaching or something

If Tek doesn't return nobody's getting that C.

I'd like to see Varitek around Fenway for a long time. But i think his true value is as a coach now. I'd give him one more year on the field to keep everyone happy and then offer him a coaching extension. Or maybe get his eyes checked. He can't hit or catch Wakefield...that says something.

On another note, I sat next to Pedro last night at the USC Stanford game in Los Angeles. Got to thank him for 2004 and shake his hand. I have to say he looked good. I'm too sentimental for Theo's job, but wouldnt it be great to have one more season to say good bye to Pedro and Varitek?

Varitek and Boras are currently in the Boston Red Sox Virtual Waiting Room.

This is sad. You would think Tek would take the deal and run. There are probably

incentives built in if Jason has a decent year..so the money isn't bad. I hope

Boras is telling Tek the right stuff but I really doubt it. Question:

Where will Tek go if he doesn,t sign with Boston with his horrible numbers the last

couple of years? He says he may sit out 2009..if he does goodbye to baseball

for him forever unless he signs for a pittance in 2010 to help some young pitchers

develop. Personally I'm fed up with watching him trying to do something at the

plate. He sucks badly.....time for some new blood behind the dish.

Jason, I used to admire you but through this offseason you have clearly disrespected the Red Sox. Perhaps it's karma for your philandering and having Scott Boras for your agent.

Time to make Youk the Captain of this team.

I have just two words for Theo: Pudge Rodriguez.

Tek's market value is what the Sox have offered. He loves baseball and should accept the offer. He should not be listening to Boras as this point, as Boras got him in this negotiation pickle.

It must be a tough decision. Should I accept a job that makes ONLY 5 million a year, or should I stay home and watch the games on television.
Reality check
Give me a break

If Tek does not want to be here then if he signs as a last resort then we have a captain that is just going through the motions.

No one person is greater than the team. Time for Tek to move on. Sitting out ayear will eliminate the draft choice but will make him older and out of shape. He will still have to make divorce and child support payments.

Time to tell Boras to kiss off!

Sooo ... it's 11:51 EST, 8:31 PST and no answer. I think that Theo should make an announcement saying "Time's up, buddy. It's been nice knowing you. At least you won't have to split that $5mil with your soon to be ex-wife."

I think the Move On campaign is very strong at this point. The psychological side of this whole thing is almost as disturbing as Tek's numbers last year.

Is it possible that our Captain will actually be poisonous in 09' even if we sign him? Dragging this thing out is a bad sign and a signal for his attitude in the twilight of his career.

Divorced, Underpaid, Underplayed, Under-appreciated, Physically falling apart

Someone needs to put up a "Being Jason Varitek" spoof on Dirt Dogs

I'm over Tek, I'm over Boras and Paps should shut his mouth! We tried him as a starter and it didn't work out. He has his niche and he's getting paid appropriately. We don't need dumb ass spouting off about Tek in the media.

MOVE ON

I just heard a report that Boras has taken off in a high speed jet and is flying west to stay ahead of the 11:30 deadline. Just to give the Yankees a few more hours to leave their senses and offer Tek more.

I'm sick of this saga. Let's remember something... he's offered FIVE MILLION DOLLARS for up to 8 months of work. If he turns that down, for a team he supposedly loves, SCREW HIM. People are out of work, losing their jobs and their homes, and this jacka$$ is whining about not making enough money for his ego. ENOUGH ALREADY. Just leave town you loser. I don't care what happened in the past - he got paid well for that! If we're going to pay for past performances then we owe alot of past players some money, as plenty were underpaid.

To Susan - give it up. Who cares if he goes to the Yankees? I'm tired of the "Yankees" being the reason why players get what they get. If he wants to go there, go. If he wants to stay here, stay. But don't overpay for him, simple as that!

Varitek is not going to make or break any team. Of course he could prove me wrong by leaving Boston and all of a sudden start putting up good numbers again. We've seen that happen before, though we won't go there.

I just told my boss I was sitting out if she didn't pay me 5 million this year. I'm now unemployed.

Anyyy news? noo? Damnit.

Yankees rumors now?

OVER IT

MOVE ON

Yankees rumors now?

OVER IT

MOVE ON

I think if the Sox want to sign old catchers and/or old catchers nicknamed Pudge they should go sign Fisk. In his highest paid year he only made $1.75M, so he'd jump at the chance to make $5M, and I bet he hits nearly as well as Tek and could throw out more runners.

I think if the Sox want to sign old catchers and/or old catchers nicknamed Pudge they should go sign Fisk. In his highest paid year he only made $1.75M, so he'd jump at the chance to make $5M, and I bet he hits nearly as well as Tek and could throw out more runners.

ESPN reports that the 8:30 am deadline was fabricated by the media......

The Sox want the compensatory draft pick so they are content to let him dangle in hopes that someone else will take him. The FO likes Bard alot. They may give him a shot and let the youngsters compete to catch Wake. Pudge is still available but Satan is his agent too. Trade Bucholz straight up for Salty or Montero.

I'd love to see Tek on the Yankees. A guaranteed out in that lineup is priceless, and even Papi could steal 2nd off of him. If we could get the Yanks to sign Pedro too we're a lock for 1st this year.

Is this over yet? *yawn* He comes back or he doesn't. It's pretty basic. He takes the offer or he retires and the Red Sox trade for another catcher (likely) or work with the young'ens they have now (unlikely). PLEASE. We need closure!

Let a rich athlete be unemployed like a lot of the rest of the country. Wouldn't any one of us love to have $5M handed to us.

Sources: Sox's deadline doesn't existComment Email Print By Jayson Stark
ESPN.com
Archive
The Friday morning deadline for Jason Varitek to accept the Boston Red Sox's "final" contract offer doesn't actually exist, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

The Red Sox have told Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, they wanted an answer Friday to their one-year, $5 million offer, which could also contain an option for 2010.
Varitek

But the source referred to the 8:30 a.m. deadline -- which has been characterized of late as being 8:30 a.m. Pacific Standard Time; Boras' headquarters are in California -- as being "kind of a media creation."

So the wait for Varitek to respond goes on, with no assurance the Red Sox will even get the answer they've asked for by the end of the day.

The Red Sox are trying to resolve their catching situation before pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 12. They signed backup Josh Bard this offseason but reportedly will pursue a trade if Varitek does not return for his 13th season with the team.

Since Varitek declined the Red Sox's offer to go to arbitration, his desirability to other clubs decreased because the offer of arbitration requires a club to give up a draft choice if it signs the catcher.

Senior writer Jayson Stark covers Major League Baseball for ESPN.com

This is pitiful and disgusting. Varitek should sign the contract and then donate the money to an unemployment fund....or better yet hire a team people to manscape his back....it's ridiculous to be turning down 8 mill over two years at this point in his career and at this point in our 'economic downturn'.

Sadly I think his deterioirating hitting and throwing have pegged his market value - and I truly don't even think it is $5 million. Sitting out isn't a real option for him - coming back a year older and slower does him no good. Boras may be 'doing his job', but part of his job is correctly pegging the market for his clients and I think he has swung and missed on this one.

At this point, I don't care if he signs or not. The automatic out spot in the line-up is better closed than the alleged 'intangibles' he brings to a team with a very good locker room anyhow.

Just let it be over...

If I've learned one thing it's that stories in the media, MAZZ included, regarding player signings and negotiations are complete crap. If there is a deadline it's likely when pitchers and catchers report. Theo is still working a deal for another catcher and can go to camp with what he's got whether Tek signs or not.

Curt thinks Tek will sign and so do I. Enough of the drama...

Everyone here keeps buying into the Red Sox propaganda. The organization leaks information to the press only to win public support for their more contentious negotiations. This a billion dollar organization that, admittedly has a ton of success, but also bleeds money from the their fans.

Varitek should sign for the $5 million but he should also and has the right to demand more from an organization that is churning profits at a substantial rate. His game calling skills and defense are questionable and his offense is below average, But he has the right to demand as much money as he can.

If I've learned one thing it's that stories in the media, MAZZ included, regarding player signings and negotiations are complete crap. If there is a deadline it's likely when pitchers and catchers report. Theo is still working a deal for another catcher and can go to camp with what he's got whether Tek signs or not.

Curt thinks Tek will sign and so do I. Enough of the drama...

I can't fathom why someone in Varitek's position has to mull over this offer for over a week now. Where are the competing offers? And to even consider sitting out the year if he doesn't get more - are you insane? Even if he waits until after the June draft, he won't recoup what he will have given up. It's time to put an end to this - my hair is starting to hurt.