Sox, Diamondbacks continue to talk Montero

Bring down the demands for Varitek? If the trade goes down I'm not sure how Tek fits into this at all. To me, when they signed Bard they esentially signed off on Varitek. They have to get a younger developmental guy to go along with him. Montero and Bard, one lefty and one switch hitter, catching position reasonably addressed. What're they going to do...bring in a 3rd catcher (Tek) and keep him on the active roster?

no info on his defense?

Send Bucholz to Texas for Saltalamacchia and be done with it. Bucholz seems fragile. Bowden has a much better up side.

I like this deal if it can be done maybe for Bowden and/or Bard as mentioned. Still leaves the opportunity to sign Tek (2 ys, $12 mil seems more than fair). Leaves one year of Tek, Bard and a year Tek, Montero...then whatever comes next. Who knows at this point...only a month until pitchers and catchers!!!

The longer the catcher business goes on the less loyalty I feel for Tek. At his price let him go, with our Thanks, and let Boras look elsewhere. Greed may finally come under control. Get a good young, defensive catcher who can hit .250 and let him grow. Time to move on....too bad.

"Diamondbacks are seeking only a comparable prospect in return -- be it a hitter or a positional player"

So - they are not wanting a pitcher?

Boston.com This was our mistake, good catch. Should be "be it a pitcher or positional player".

LET'S STOP TIP TOEING AROUND. PAY THE BUCKS,OR WHATEVER AND OBTAIN THE CATCHER FROM THE RANGERS, SALTAMACCIO.
HE'S YOUNG,TALENTED AND MOST OF ALL WE NEED HIM NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE. THE BOSOX VAVN'T HAD A GOOD STRONG CATCHER SINCE THE
DAYS OF CARLTON FISK.VERITEK HAS DONE HIS JOB, HE'S FINISHED !
STOP LOOKING FOR SECOND HAND PLAYERS.WHEN WE COME BACK TO
BOSTON TO SEE THE SOX.THIS SUMMER WE'D LIKE TO SEE SALT BEHIND THE PLATE,WEARING A BOSOX UNIFORM.

the sox tried for hanley ramirez, could stephen drew be on the radiar, how about Drew, montero for buccholz, lowrie and 3 prospect

Forget about Captain Soundbite. Boras decided to fleece them on the Teixeira talks because the Sox offered arbitration and Boris told 'Tek to refuse it, thinking teams wouldn't be put off by the draft pick being given up. Boras was left with egg on his face when teams refused to get involved with the Calcified Captain because they didn't want to forfeit the pick. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and the Sox are unwilling to deal with Boras unless they have to. Give me the up-and-coming catcher than the falling apart, stats diminishing one.

The sox have 7 starting pitchers on their 25 man roster, with bowden and tazawa in AAA just trase buccholz for salty allready.

"Bring down the demands for Varitek? If the trade goes down I'm not sure how Tek fits into this at all."

For one, I assume they mean that the talks are a way of bringing down the demands. Varitek is obviously not getting any other suitors. If the Sox indicate that they may get a deal on the table for a young catcher, Varitek would be forced to take a lowball offer or retire.

Beyond that, Bard's contract is non-guaranteed. If they trade for Montero and bring back Varitek, there's always the possibility that Bard doesn't break camp.

The third possibility is that the Sox sign Varitek to a one year incentive based deal, use Bard as the backup and put Montero in the minors to finish his development. I would peg this one as most likely, honestly. What little I know of Montero indicates to me that he needs more work in the minors. He has plus power potential and good plate discipline, but a streaky bat and sloppy behind the plate.

I'd still prefer Montero to Saltalamacchia. For all the clamoring people are doing over him, he's not worth a top prospect. He's an above average power hitter with bad catching fundamentals who's projected to end up as a first baseman in his thirties. If we trade with Texas, it should be Teagarden or nothing unless the Rangers are willing to part with Salty for a package of three mid-level prospects.

Even if they trade for Montero, that doesn't mean that Tek is history. Bard was signed to a minor league deal. You could have Bard, Montero, Tek, Kotteras and another vet or minor leaguer battling for those slots. Competition is a good thing,

If we get Montero it definitely reduces any possible leverage with Tek/Boras and if the Sox want to be vindictive over the Texeirie deal, they can leave Tek with no place to go - basically unemployed! I would hate to do that to Tek, but Boras used us with the Yankees - not a good ploy!

A whole article never mentions montero first name?

Varitek should sue Boras for bad advice. 'Tek could have gotten an $8m+ award in arbitration, and it would have kept him in the organization with which he is so closely aligned. He also could have had a future management/coach role with the club.

That's all gone now as relations are severely strained all around. He will now do nowhere nearly as well -- even if the Sox resign him.

Bring back Varitek under one condition. He has to take the "C" off his jersey. Anyone who hits 14 line drives all year (with over 400 at-bats) does not deserve to be the Captain of anything. Sorry if I seem harsh but enough is enough. He should publicly apologize to every fan that had to endure watching him swing the bat last year.

Montero I know little about, but he appears to have more upside and demonstrated some plate discipline at the lower level. Salty, I have doubts about. He's had more time at the big league level, and two leagues, to show me more. I haven't seen it, and frankly would not deal a young pitcher for him.

Saltalamacchia is likely to end up at 1B. As it stands right now, he's unquestionably a below average defensive catcher. This doesn't concern anyone? Buchholz for Saltalamacchia...forget it. It would've happened by now it it was going to happen at all. For the life of me I can't figure out why people so want this totally overhyped catcher who's yet to prove he can hit above High A.

The on-going catching saga certainly is interesting. This is a position the Sox can upgrade offensively; they certainly will not upgrade defensively by replacing Tek, say what you want about his tools, you can not possibly put a value on his intangibles; everything I have ever read or heard about him is cemented in respect. Statistics, sometimes, do not speak for the value of players whose presence changes the course of a game. I'd love to see a young stud come along and replace the aging sage, but who is it? Two years ago the Sox were giddy over George Kottaras and now their estimation of him is tender at best. Young catchers are difficult to forecast with so many intangibles influencing their value. Unless the Sox have some prominent scouting reports on Monterro or Salty, my bet is Tek resigns and Esposito and Wagner continue to develop, who knows maybe Kottaras takes a another big step in his development; the guy hit 22 homeruns last year, but appears a project at this time.

When's the Smoltz press conference? Will it be on NESN?

Boras has struck out on three of his clients now. A-Rod who cut his own deal with the Yankees, Manny who is screwed because nobody that can afford him wants him. Without the Yankees, Sox, or Angels, Manny is left holding the bag and the Dodgers are not coming back with the same offer, aware that Manny is unwanted. Varitek is in the same boat. Look I love Jason, but one thing we can say without reservation is that catchers do not get better with age. The bottom of the lineup was pathetic last year and Varitek was one of the worst hitters in the entire league. Boras is trying to portray Varitek as this ancient "Catcher Guru" who you simply can't win without. Pure nonsense and nobody is buying it.

"Obviously, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein and Arizona general manager Josh Byrnes Diamondbacks job."

typo?

I for one am sick of seeing Varitek flail at a pitch in the dirt for strike 3.

"Obviously, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein and Arizona general manager Josh Byrnes Diamondbacks job. "

Obviously, this is not a sentence.

I agree on sending Bucholz out to Texas for Saltalmamachia or Teagarden and be done with it...

Chris Ianetta.
If you do it, do it right.

Theo---- you have made some great moves so far .you let nomar, pedro,johnny, and derek go so please don'tbring back a washed up jason instead of trading for a young catcher such as montiero or salty.does anyone believe that either of them even at this stage of their careers can't do better tnan a 220 average with a lot more power and run production boras can hire him as an assistant and by the way get back the silly 'C"we don't need a captain because there is no coin toss.

The Varitek situation is a fascinating one. Because the Sox offered Varitek arbitration and Boras / 'Tek denied it, any team that signs 'Tek other than the Sox would have to forfeit a first round pick to the Red Sox in addition to paying his salary. There is not a team in MLB that will do this. Therefore, Boras/'Tek can only negotiate with the Sox. Red Sox hold all the leverage and can basically say play in 2009 for $1 million - take it or leave it. If he leaves it, he basically has to sit out in 2009. Obviously 'Tek has been a great player for the Sox and this is no way to repay him for his solid contributions to 2 championships, but on the other hand, after Boras burned the Sox on the Texaira deal, you know the Sox would lov to stick it to Boras. Will be real interesting how this plays out.

I'm glad to finally see more than a few bloggers here that don't believe Salty is worth what Texas is apparently looking for. His average is not much improved over Tek, & his ability to control a game from behind the plate is sorely lacking. Offer Lugo for Salty, & they'll be getting a better overall ball player for a mediocre Ball Player, at best. Word around the league is that Teagarden offers more upside. I'd still love to see Theo make a deal for Shoppach.

I don't know if Teagarden is even available for anything but he's the one we should go hard after. I don't care if it takes Bucholtz, Daniel Bard, Kottaras and another top prospect (I wouldn't give Bowden if they got Bard & Buch though). He's worth it, Teagarden is the BEST young catching prospect in the game

I'd like Ianetti but O'Dowd would likely try and piggyback Todd Helton's contract somehow. My impression is that the Boston FO wasn't too fond of dealing with him after their Helton, Matt Holliday conversations. Face it; teams are seeing the Red Sox' obvious need behind the plate and are simply trying to fleece them. In truth, I'd just as soon start the season with Bard, Kotteras, Dusty Brown et al than to make a desperate, lopsided trade right now. Reasonable opportunities will present themselves during the course of the season.
And Thanks for the Memories, Tek. To address a previous question, no...I cannot envision watching another season of Tek hopelessly flailing away at pitches in the dirt. Thirty-seven, coming off a .220 season and Scott Boras as your representation? No thank you. That ship has sailed.

Sign Varitek for two years, draft a couple more catchers, and then get after another catcher next off-season. The pitching staff, assuming they re-sign Beckett, is locked in for the next four plus years. Not a lot of needs on this team, other than regular player development- and they have a lot of talent in the farm leagues.

Is Montero or Salty really going to be able to catch our staff the way Varitek can? Now, signing Varitek and getting one of the those guys - and bringing them along - sounds like a better plan.

No lunch comments? Tek is an auto out who rarely even makes a PRODUCTIVE out. So little bat control can not move runners (strikes out), get sac flies (pops up to infield etc). Do you understand how little theo needs to do to improve the offensive catcher position. Unreal. Throw a dart at a board full of catchers and move on.

Tek was worse hitter than getting to the pitcher in the NL> at least they can move runners along.

According to the reports that I am familiar with Teagarden is not the best catching prospect in the game, Colorado and Baltimore each possess stronger catching prospects. Even if this information is incorrect you have evidence that scouting information on young catchers is relatively uncertain. I know that I am testing many of the younger memories here, but the old Baltimore Oriole pitching staff of the early 70's (McNally, Cuellar, Palmer, Dodson) compares favorably to the Sox present starting assembly and they had a veteran defensive stopper calling the signals, Andy Etchebaren, whose defense was apparently sufficient to compensate for his lack of offense. Theo, thank goodness, is not governed by emotional conflicts as many here appear to be. He will make the best decision for the Sox future in 09'; I believe that means Varitek will be behind the plate, for a reasonable price of course. And no, this contract negotiation will not have any impact on whether he is ever considered for a managerial position down the line; we forgave Bill Buckner remember?

Sox should go for an English speaking catcher so that he can communicate with the pitchers etc. Montero hardly speaks any English. I should know, I'm a Sox fan living in Phoenix!

Teagarden and Michael Young (SS) for: Buchholz and Lowrie (the 3rd baseman the Rangers need), include Kottaras so they get a young catcher in return, and sweeten it with Bard or Delcarmen. the Sox get a stud SS and catcher of the future.

Trading for Montero is a wash we already have Kottaras!! Vitually the same hitter and defensive catcher except that at least Kottaras has caught a knuckler!!! I think this is all a rouge too get Tek to sign on the dotted line..No way you Trade for a guy who has a .237 lifetime BA in the minors to replace a guy who hit .220 in the Majors..

The word job is not just a noun...its a verb. As in they work well together.

Seeing the mention of SS Michael Young not willing to switch (again) to 3B makes me think there's a deal w/the Rangers for Salty/Teagarden & Young. Blockbuster trade for Bucholtz, Bard, Lugo and player-to be-named later.

I'll drive Varitek to the airport myself if we can get another catcher...wait..Heidi can do that...Jason wins!!!

NOOOO!!!! I deff do not want Montero with the Sox. I thought he was getting a extension with the D-Backs. Lets get Salty or Teagarden. I would give up Bowden and Bard or something, but deff not Buchholtz.

I keep reading that Veritek has "intangables" when it comes to handling pitchers. Why can't pitching coach John Farrell call pitches from the dugout. He has the knowledge and background on Red Sox pitchers to do it. Isn't this done by other teams? Hasn't Mike Scoscia called the pitches from the dugout since he became manager of the Angels? Red Sox pitchers have spoken of their trust for Farrell. He is also known as very cerebral and "a student of the game?" He's often seen writing data (I'm assuming its on Red Sox or opponent's pitchers) in notebooks during the games. I like the moves the Sox have made thusfar and, with spring training at least one month away feel that they will make the right decision involving the catching situation - a decision in which they have both the time and the cards!

I agree that Salty is the guy they want. Sox can survive losing Buchholz. Sick of Tek and Boras, let's start fresh.

Say goodbye deadbat ...

To all who even mention the possibility of your beloved 'Tek' returning to the Red Sox: 1.) Did you watch any of the games last year; and 2.) Are you @#$% nuts?! Get over it and move on. No other teams want him either - that alone should be confirmation that he is all done. The fact that Boras represents him should be the final nail in the coffin, if there were any lingering doubts.

Jonathan,

I don't like Saltalamachia either. He doesn't catch well enough to play regularly there and he doesn't hit well enough to play anywhere else. The Sox should go after one of the other young Texas catchers: Teagarten or (my choice) Max Ramirez.. Texas needs pitching and the Sox could give up Bucholz, Bowden or Masterson for the right player.

whats our payroll going to be next year? Lets assume we sign Varitek for $10 million (worst case scenario). Can't be more than last year. I believe we are done adding except for catcher. Unless we can upgrade shortstop without eating Lugo's contract(unlikely).

Guy's,stop with all the bull****!!!!!! You all have short memories.. Varitek is proven,, PERIOD!!! Do you want some rookie or Bard catching this pitching staff!!! With all the new pitchers we brought in isn't it better to have a proven veteren to handle these guy's. Think about it, varitek knows how to handle the pitching staff, and better yet the clubhouse. Yeaa, I understand that he should have took the sox up on arbitration, but for some reason he didn't. Blame that scumbag boras, or is it that varitek knows he will perform better after all the **** that happened last year.BRING HIM BACK!!!!!! HE WILL BE BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The intangibles are important. Farrell can call the pitches, but Farrell does not play the game. Pitcher's by nature of their position have confidence in their repertoire and are determined to throw their pitches when the game is on the line. I suspect that Varitek instills confidence in the staff while commanding their respect with his knowledge, approach and belief in their ability. Listen to the guy; he has the nerve to state the truth without disgracing his teammates, he draws focus to the team's need to get it right. His comments about Manny after the departure of the temperamental slugger were respectful, classy, honest and implied criticism if one chose to interpret his brevity so. Do not minimize how his spirit influences both the younger players and the veterans. Farrell cannot do this because he does not put the gear on. Many seem intent on gambling with an unproven prospect at such an important position. And stop blaming Boras for everything; you sound like a disgruntled husband who has learned that his wife just hired a top divorce lawyer; it's the nature of the business.