Varitek, Boras mulling offer
While a source has confirmed that Jason Varitek would earn $5 million this year under terms of the Red Sox' latest offer -- which includes a second-year option -- the question now is whether the veteran catcher might be better served with a straight one-year deal instead.
Under the terms of a proposal made by the Red Sox last week, Varitek would earn $5 million this year, with the club holding a $5 million option for 2010. Should the club decline that option, Varitek then would have the option to return to the team at a salary of $3 million, placing the player's minimum guaranteed earnings over the next two seasons at $8 million, or an average of $4 million per season.
In the eyes of the players' union, player options are regarded as guaranteed money because they place the earning power solely in the place of the player.
According to a source, one of the downsides of the offer from Varitek's perspective is that it would not necessarily reward him if he has a strong 2009. On a straight one-year deal, Varitek then could re-enter the free-agent market next season in hopes of securing greater than $5 million, the maximum amount he could earn in 2010 under the Sox' existing offer.
While it is unclear if the Sox would agree to a straight one-year proposal, the club did offer Varitek salary arbitration in December, an alternative that effectively would have served as a binding agreement on a one-year contract. Varitek and agent Scott Boras subsequently dismissed arbitration, partly because the player wanted a two-year contract, partly because an arbitration award would have been non-guaranteed had the matter reached a hearing.
Had Varitek accepted arbitration, he likely would have ended up with a 2009 salary in the range of $10 million, though there is a chance the sum would have been non-guaranteed. The subsequent downturn in the market now has left him looking at half that amount, raising questions about the decision of the player and his agent to forgo arbitration.
The proposal contains standard award incentives (for MVP, Silver Slugger, and honors of the like) that could increase the value of the package slightly, but there are no incentives based on the player's health or playing time, both of which are often staples of incentive-laden contracts. It could be that the Sox want to avoid such incentives in order to prevent manager Terry Francona from being caught in a difficult situation.
Varitek has been presented with a deadline by which he must accept or reject the current offer, though the date of that deadline is unclear. With Red Sox pitchers and catchers due to report to Fort Myers for spring training Feb. 12, logic suggests that the Sox placed the deadline in or around Sunday, Feb. 1.
In 1997, for example, Sox manager Jimy Williams and general manager Dan Duquette were on opposite sides when pitcher Steve Avery approached an incentives based on games started. Williams ultimately won and started Avery against Duquette's wishes, triggering the incentive and guaranteeing Avery's contract for the following year.
Williams's actions in that instant were driven by a similar experience in Toronto, where he followed the wishes of upper management and resisted using Blue Jays reliever Dennis Lamp in certain situations for fear of triggering a contract incentive. Lamp ultimately grieved the matter and won, only adding to Williams's level of discomfort with the circumstances.
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It is unbelievable that Tex is still with Borass. Wonder if Borass will make up the 5 mil that Tek loss but not taking arbitration if Tek takes the one year deal.
jason "instant out" varitek is terrible, how hard is it to find a catcher that can hit better than .220? you passed up our offer of $10 mil and now you are getting pooped on, thats karma for ya punk, don't let the door hit ya on the way out.
I wouldn't listen to anything BorASS has to say at this point if I was Tek. He screwed him royaly!
Jason - do yourself a favor. Fire Boras and take the deal. Can't you see he is just a parasite? Look what he did to Manny - told him to duff it so he could get out of his contract and then only play hard after he got out of Boston? Do you really want someone like that representing you?
you are a smart guy - you basically brokered the last deal by yourself... why not save your money?
Unfortunately, Tek and Boras put themselves in this position. It would seem like they don't have a lot of choices here. Tek had a bad year in 2008 and he will likely be better in 2009. This would be a bargain for the Sox if they can close the deal.
Still 110 unsigned free agents. Teams are wising up. It's a whole lot less expensive to develop a home grown product. The Sox are leaders here. What's the better deal? Youk at $10 million a year, or Teixeira at twice the price. I'll take Youk, thanks!
thinking that Tek should maybe stop listening to Bore-Ass, or simply may find himself playing by/with himself this year at Macdonalds. Oh, and maybe he may want to get a job in coaching in a couple years, and burning your bridges isn't the way to endear himself to the organization.
Take the money JV. This waiting game has gone on long enough and you don't have any other offers on the table. Yeah, you take a bit of a paycut, but it makes up for the piss poor year you had last year. You have more than enough money already, but this is your only chance to be a starter on a championship caliber team.
Jason, should take the deal. Yes he had a better deal on the table early this year, but its his fault for not taking it. The sox are doing the right thing by making this offer if he does not want it, he can go play with Manny. How is that working for him!
Time to move on. Tek is finished
OK, I'm not that familiar with the intricacies of negotiation. If he rejects this offer, and no one wants ot sign him, is he just plain old unemployed???
"According to a source, one of the downsides of the offer from Varitek's perspective is that it would not necessarily reward him if he has a strong 2009".
He got his reward last year at 10 million for not even hitting his weight.
this is exactly what i don't like about our management: they treat our players like commodities, give them lowball offers, and when the players are unhappy and want to leave, they character assassinate them... we did this with manny and now we're doing it with varitek... what incentive does tek have to play hard in 2009 with this offer?
Boras 4
Red Sox 2
While most indications are that Tek will resign with the Sox,, reading between the lines suggest that the Red Sox are more than prepared to go in another direction. The offer, capitalizing on the failing economic environment, leaves Varitek to consider more than just the humbling nature of his well-publicized negotiation. Do not forget that one of his "intangibles" is his pride; I have recently had the sense that he will walk away understanding that if he does accept the Sox offer, not only will he feel betrayed by the "take-it-or-leave-it" approach, but he understands that unless he has a productive season or if the Sox fall out of contention he will wear the brunt of an angry Sox nation. If Jason accepts the offer and returns with his expected professionalism, the fans should take note that he decided to enter free-agency, on the advice of his agent, and did not see the economic fall-out; he incorrectly read the market which is part of the business. His return to the Red Sox will be a sacrifice of pride and we do not need to rub his face in it, send all of your ridiculing cards to Boras however. If Tek does sign and I were Julio Lugo, I would sit at the opposite end of the dugout so as not to remind the stoic catcher how terrible the advice he received was.
Anybody reading this working for 5 million this year? (insert cricket sound here)
"he likely would have ended up with a 2009 salary in the range of $10 million"
"10 million" is not a range!! 8 - 12 million is a range
Seems like a pretty fair proposal to me (if true).
$5M is way more than anyone else is going to pay for a .220 hitter so Tek should be happy with that.
From the Sox perspective, they are able to keep their captain and the good PR that goes with that while buying 2 years to develop a replacement catcher.
Let's get this done already so we can read about something else!
Sweet, another year of pathetic swings from the world's greatest game caller.......I haven't seen the numbers, but its proven that he calls games better than anyone right?
Considering he got $10M/year the last 2 years for being a 0.220 hitter, AND doing nothing offensively in the playoffs (1 for 20 over 6 games), look at it as even itself out. Tek got overpaid the last 2 years, that is, he underperformed on the last 2 years of his contract, now he's being paid (or overpaid) for what he's worth.
He's lucky he's even being offered a contract!
Take the money Tek, and consider yourself lucky!
Not sure why they're showing as much respect for 'tek as they are. A "crap or get off the pot" conversation should be had ASAP, if it has not happened already.
A side note about Boras and his history of shenanigans: If Tek, Manny and most of his other clients not named Texiera don't file a grievance for his absolute awful advice, something is wrong. Not sure if this could even be done but he has absolutely screwed a lot of his clients because of his ego.
Keep up the good work - I enjoy the articles
Don't you just love Scott Boras. I sure hope he gets what is due him when players realize he is all for Scott. He looks at it as a win some/win a lot for Scott. If the clubs succumb to his excessive demands, he wins a lot. If the player ultimately looses, like Varitek, Scott still wins, but less.
For him or against him, we've all been Variteked to death.
Please don't write anything more about him until he either signs or turns the Red Sox down
sign on the dotted line.
get rid of your agent.
and say hello to being a red sox for life.
C'mon Captain!!
Tek should take the option. Very little chance the calcified captain will have a good enough season to have someone want to pay him 3mil next year
that doesn't even make sense...why then would the sox pick up the option knowing they could pay less if they didn't......i'd be pissed off if i were tek
People who are struggling today dont want to hear about somebody
"mulling" over a 5 million dollar contract. Cripes let me play and I can hit 200 for 5milllion ,,
Arent more pressing issues in the state than this ??
Shows you what has more priority
a) Patrick cutting 128 MILLION from the Budget
b) Tek mulling over 5million per year...OH BOY !
Varitek needs to accept this offer, incentive laden deal or not, Boras screwed up by not accepting arbitration and there is no market for a guy who cannot produce at the plate. Teams would rather take a chance on a catcher that has the ability to be productive at the plate rather than behind it. Varitek can handle a pitching staff and he is a born leader and a great "game caller" but he has not shown that he is a productive catcher who can help put runs on the board. His batting average, on base percentage, and HR/RBI totals have declined so drastically that it is hard to imagine why he believed he would get a deal similar to the one we gave him in 2004!
I have to say that Boras has made this deal Varitek's only option...take the deal or retire or maybe hope to sign somewhere halfway through the year if someone's starter gets hurt.
the ball's in his court....take it or leave it...oh and good luck in your new line of work whatever that may be...
If this is true, the Red Sox are still way overpaying here.
The 10 to 11 million from arbitration (that was turned down) was not guaranteed. All you people ripping on Boras and Tek have to realize that the Sox would have released Tek. Turning down arbitration was not as stupid as people assume.
Varitek better grab this while he can. He will get 5 mil and maybe not hit .200. His careeer is comng to an end and he can probably cut down on his playing time and help mentor the younger catchers at a hefty salary.
He has no option except take the offer or retire. Tough luck tek you got some bad advice but not to many people get to work for that kind of money.The only problem will be his attitude if he feels like he got taken.
I'd say the Sox will end up signing Varitek, and then go after the young catcher, but with standing pat as a viable option. Bard's deal is not guaranteed.
I'd say the young catcher comes from AZ if no 'Tek, from TX with 'Tek.
Let's hope that some of 'Tek's issues last year were personal, not just bat speed.
Theo's looking pretty smaaat right about now.
I was originally in favor of a deal like this, 1year plus an option, but if he is complaining about what might happen if he has a good year then screw him. Did he think ,even for a second, about giving anything back after his crappy year, of course not . It is beyond fair considering where he is at in his career.
Bluesboy question - " what incentive does tek have to play hard in 2009 with this offer?"
Umm..because it's his job to play hard and he'd be being paid for it. $5M may be less then what he made last year but it isn't chump change. Besides, I certainly don't see any other offers out there period, never mind for more money. Are you advocating a system that we should pay players what they deserve according to their ego in order for them to be productive? That it is ok for them not to play to their fullest abilities if that ego is damaged? Hmmm..kinda sound like a certain LF that is currently unemployed.
Steve's question - "that doesn't even make sense...why then would the sox pick up the option knowing they could pay less if they didn't......i'd be pissed off if i were tek"
If this were the case, what makes you think Tek would pick up the option? Tek would need to choose to stay at $3M, no guarentee that he'd do that if he perceived the situation to be something like what you propose.
Tek should sign this, he's not going to get any better. He should then fire his scumbag agent.
Everyone ought to stop the "whose guilty" of greed or retribution talk. It is a professional matter. So offer Varitek the $5 million "base salary" and $500,000 (or $1 million ) plus incentives for reaching each of these two thresholds: (1) For reaching or surpassing the league batting average of all the rest of the league's catchers and (2) for throwing out at least thirty percent (or the league average) of attampted base stealers. That way there is no pressure on the manager regarding the amount of playing time, just performance when used. (And perhaps he should be offered a $500,000 bonus to bat only right handed!)
People have been known to get by on $5 Million a year? Sox show some class offering a long time player a contract to save face! It's obvious there are no other offers out there for Varitek, he either signs the deal or sits out the year?
I think it is great that young people can earn such HUGE salaries with no other expertise but playing games. However I also think it is outragous. Most people won't earn 5 million dollars in their life time and will pay HUGE ticket prices to see these games. Sports have really gotten out of hand. But on the other hand there is nothing else worth watching on TV. I hear how bad the economy has been, but see stadiums sold out, millions of dollars being spent. I don't know - something is wrong somewhere.
Boras did his client a real disservice here... $10 million for 1 year (at arbitration) is better than $10 million (or possibly just $8 million) for 2 years. Maybe he was too concerned with landing that huge Teixeira deal to worry about little old Varitek...
Well Tek....time to admit that Bor-ass gave you realy bad advice. If you do come back, do you still feel that you should wear that C on your chest?
go get Pudge, he'll produce more than Tek for $5 million
Tek, take the deal. Have a great year and the money will come. Boras got you into this and he added salt to the wound when he let the yank's sign Teixeira. Sox are now giving him payback. Take the deal!
hey, jason, mull over this: you stink, you are a greedy sob, and we don't want you!
It's a decent offer. And we won't have to hear about the "disrespect" of a too short contract offer...I'd bet the brass would be more than happy to only go 1 year at the player's demand. Seems like a win-win for the front office. As for Tek, having already cost himself $5 mil this year listening to SB overestimate the market (maybe the agent was a little to busy worrying about Manny and Teixeira), seems to be he'd be wise to take any sort of guaranteed 2nd year. Otherwise the reality may well be that the $8 mil/2 years is better than the $5+veteran min/2 yrs available this time next year.
You dont have to be a rockect scientist to figure this out.....the offer as reported would give him between 8 to 10 million dollars, if he ask for a one year deal which i am sure the Sox would prefer he gets probably 5....At this point in time he needs to consider his legacy....I love baseball, so much, however, there does come a time where baseball players need to look around themselves, and it is unfortunate that tek maybe come the whipping boy for an economy in decline, people are losing their homes, jobs, health insurance, let him sign a 1 year deal for 5 mil or two for at least 8.....enough...I try so hard to seperate buisness from pleasure, however, I wont be able to afford to go to a game if I lose my job, and players are not commodities, they are par of a business plan.....it is a business....he has 40 mil in the bank, if that is gone I am sure he can get by on 5 to 8 milllion ....enough
...what a mistake....for 5 million maybe the Red Sox could find a catcher who can hit and throw the ball to second base.
Tek's got some real balls "mulling" over a 5 mil contract. He should be thankful that the Red Sox even made an offer.
People who are struggling today dont want to hear about somebody
"mulling" over a 5 million dollar contract. Cripes let me play and I can hit 200 for 5milllion ,,
Arent more pressing issues in the state than this ??
Shows you what has more priority
a) Patrick cutting 128 MILLION from the Budget
b) Tek mulling over 5million per year OH BOY!
-------------------------well, you are in the sports section afterall..........Tek - take it.
...what a mistake....for 5 million maybe the Red Sox could find a catcher who can hit and throw the ball to second base.
Tek's got some real balls "mulling" over a 5 mil contract. He should be thankful that the Red Sox even made an offer.
Jason should take this offer, and he'd be crazy to now think he can get a better offer from the sox. It may be true that he could have gotten a better deal if he'd signed earlier, but he didn't.
This is a a fitting figure for Jason and lets him save face, and lets the team not seem to be dissing the captain. After all, Wake gets $4 million a year.
If he turns down this offer he's really saying something about himself that would surprise me.
UGH either take the deal or don't. Sick of this already. You're turning into the baseball version of Brett Favre. How hard can this decision be? So many people unemployed and this guy is holding out over an extra million or two.
I don't know the rules on a contract with an agent, but I would have to assume that Varitek does not have the option of firing Boras at this point. I'm pretty sure that even if he did, Boras would still be in line for his percentage of any contract that Varitek signs this season. I would love to know the facts though. Obviously, between Varitek & Boras, they made a multimillion dollar mistake. I still would have no problem if the Sox upped there offer for Tek this season, we still need someone with his experience. Salty is NOT the answer, & is absolutely not worth giving up Bucholtz for. TeaGarden has better upside, although I still don't think I would trade Bucholtz for him. How about Bucholtz for Shoppach in Cleveland? He's the one that could step in & be the #1 Catcher, & although Shoppach is not actually on the trading block, I think Cleveland may be enticed with some of our minor leaguers & Bucholtz
I thought that Scott originally stated that Tek was worth "Posada money"???
Tek deserves the respect of the Captain and what he has done for the team over the years. However, he is getting older, and is in a decline as a result. Take the deal, Tek. Don't get greedy. Give the team your best with dignity, mentor a new catcher, and then retire as a highly respected life-time major league Red Sox player. Don't ruin your legacy here by becoming the next "Manny" in the minds of the fans.
If Tek is so smart why did he hire Boras? To take the Sox and the fans for every last nickel he could get? Even Curt Schilling - who somehow thought that W. was a good idea - could negotiate a contract on his own as a veteran thirty-something.
If Tek is so smart, why didn't he know that other teams would have had to give up a first rounder to sign him. And if Boras were so good why didn't he inform his client of that salient fact.
If Tek is so good, sign a one year deal, have a monster year, then cash in. Otherwise, he wants to get paid (by us) for declining production....
Does anyone remember that JV has caught FOUR no-no's? Yes, he stunk at the plate last year, but he created Jon Lester. He created the up and coming Buccholz. $5M is a bargain for the Sox and if he signs on, the should thank their lucky stars.
How about giving Tek another million on the condition that he drop Borasshole?
AN OFFER TENDERED, AN ACCEPT BY DATE SET. CLOSE THE BOOK. THIS WHOLE THING HAS GOTTEN OLD!
There's no way any team will sign a 37 yr old FA catcher with a big old hole in his swing, and have to give up #1 draft pick in compensation. I think the Red Sox are being generous considering he declined arbitration and a chance to make $11-12 million this season. He has no other options.
Bluesboy...are you kidding with this comment "this is exactly what i don't like about our management: they treat our players like commodities, give them lowball offers, and when the players are unhappy and want to leave, they character assassinate them... we did this with manny and now we're doing it with varitek... what incentive does tek have to play hard in 2009 with this offer?"
a. his incentive is the 2 year deal he was asking for and got, the 5 million he is going to make this year, the millions more he is getting then Greg Zaun, Brad Ausmus, who are of similar age and also known for how they handle a pitching staff. His added icentive to play hard is the additional 2 million he would get for the sox to pick up the option at another 5 mil...instead of the player option of 3 mil for 2010. thats plenty incentive to me.
also...are you nuts about lowballing. im not the biggest theo fan here..but he has signed guys to big dollars who have years left before they are free agents. and manny being lowballed. when he signed that contract i beleive it was the biggest in major league history. manny is a classless jerk who didnt think 20 mil a year was enough, look where that got him,
think before you speak
Varitek should take this deal.
"but there are no incentives based on the player's health or playing time"
The Sox want him to mentor their next acquisition and they don't plan on him playing a lot.
I believe that Theo will pull the string on a deal with Texas for one of their catchers, probably Teagarden. Teagearden will get most of the playing time in 2009 and Tek will be their to work with him, Bard and the pitchers.
This is the besr deal you are going to get Jason--you better take it.
Not only are the Red Sox overpaying, but the unidentified "source" is making Varitek look two-faced by saying that the deal isn't good enough, when the Red Sox should have moved on already without Varitek. Massarotti's ham-headed attempts to sway public opinion toward Varitek's favor haven't helped matters either.
you know what, I agree with all the folks on here talking about what a dope Tek is and his whining over a 5 million dollar contract. My retirement money is down the toilet, and this jackxss is quibling about his millions. If I did my job like he has the last few years, I wouldn't have a job offer to worry about. Get a life Jason, just get it somewhere else!
Varitek should fire Boras period. It's clear that Tek wasn't his priority this off season and gave him some bogus advice that cost him MILLIONS. HE should fire Boras, take the offer from the Sox and ask for a role on the coaching staff upon retirement.
Maybe Manny and Jason could get together and file a malpractice suit against Boras. Go for punitive damages worth milions. Could be better than just firing his sorry butt. I'm sure there's an ambulance chaser out there that'll take it on a contingency.
I appreciate evreything Tek has done for this franchise but last year he was actually hurting the team with his putrid offense. It took some balls to decline arbitration after the season he had and I am glad that he did. he is not worth $10 million a year ands its time we see what the young guys can do.
If Tek has a better offer he should take it. Otherwise, this is the best deal that he'll be able to get. As for 2009 - if he plays great and the Red Sox pick up the option for 2010, I say give Tek the option to buy out his own contract for a million of his own money and then let him test the free agency waters again. This would give him control over his own destiny but have him put up or shut up.
All that being said, I don't think we should trash the guy for 2008. He had a bad year and that can happen to the best of us -especially when distracted by personal issues outside of work, like a divorce. Look at JD Drew - he stunk in '07 (except for the playoffs) but his kid was in and out of hospitals. In '08 with a healthy son there were a couple months when JD carried the Sox. If Tek can get his personal life back on track before the season, then I have no doubt he'll be hitting much better than .220.
Anybody who bashes Varitek is not a true Sox Fan. This guy has been the ultimate leader and has led by example the whole time he has played hear, 2 world series rings and the consumate Class act. You clowns mus be the same a-holes that were booing Ortiz when he struggled last year??? Did you guys happen to watch the 2004 world series. How could you ever boo these guys. I remember what ti was like pre-2004 and it was pretty miserable.
Get rid of him.
Bring Manny Back Immediately.!!!!!!!!!!!
The fact that Tek didn't take this offer 3 seconds after the Sox offered it just shows how delusional he and Boras are. NOBODY wants this guy!! The Sox should offer him a minor league deal, veteran minimum. I'm embarrassed that they offered so much for a guy where there is zero interest from any other team, the Sox are just paying him for the past which they claim they do not do.
Last time I looked, Manny Being Manny was still out there--twisting in the wind. When are MLB players going to wise up to Scott Boar-ass? He hit the lottery with Mark Teixeira, but that was a no-brainer because Boar-ass already knew that Teixeira was going to the Yankees after the Braves were forced to trade the slugger to the Angels--who, by the way--thought they were getting a prinicipled player in the deal and would have a legitimate shot at him when he turned free agent. Now Jason Varitek is the latest MLB player to wake up and find that his agent has thought about nobody this off season except Teixeira. Tough, Tek. You should have known that your skills are declining and that NO TEAM would give up a first round draft choice for an automatic out at the plate--plus a multi-year deal in double figure millions? You deserve what you get, and Boar-ass isn't going to make up the difference for you, either. Glad you asked my advice! Want more?
Don't get crapped on Tek . You'll lose the respect of your teammates, fans -- and your bimbos.
Leave Boston NOW while you still have a shred of self-respect!
Let's face it Tek has been great over the years, except for last year. His ability to manage the pitching staff will never be questioned. The Sox would be a better team with him, than without him. At the end of the day he might be wearing mud on his face for being greedy and opting out of salary arbitration. I will not have a sleepless night over this one, becuase I'm not earning $5mill a year, anybody else?
TEK's '08 statistics:
May 21 : .295 AVG, .372 On Base Percentage, .519 Slugging
June 21 : .236 AVG, .315 On Base Percentage, .402 Slugging
July 28 : .218 AVG, .302 On Base Percentage, .358 Slugging
Heidi Watney started with NESN in May. Google "Jason Varitek" and you will see articles that TEK and Watney became an item.
His wife filed for divorce on July 28. His head wasn't in the game for the previous couple of months and the rest of the season was lost as well.
For all of those who think Boras does a bad job, what about Tex. That may have been the best result by an agent in the history of baseball.
epstein and luchinno are the beginning of the end of the boras co., and this alone is reason to celebrate their affiliation to this rather unique franchise. in fact, given the circumstances varitek himself ought to be doing cartwheels, or give us a break with the loyalty nonsense. franchises owe players no more than the biweekly paycheck the latter receive even if at times it'd appear they've done zilch to earn it. varitek is not even the only catcher to reel from this greedmonger's hang-ups, pudge is sitting steady after being told to "allow himself to be traded" where posada is "not certain to walk through the door soon, and produce". you can not make an omelet w/o breaking a few eggs, and economic downturn or not it is past time to reign in athletes' salaries in this country, "down-year" or otherwise. this proposed deal has got business-school-nerd written all over it, and i can not imagine too many sports jocks feeling jolly 'bout it. that alone makes it sweet, don't it?
The Sox could offer Varitek $5 million a year if he keeps Borass as his agent, or $6 million a year if he'll fire Borass in a very public manner.
After your performance in 2008, you should feel lucky to get the league minimum.
Do Boras represent Nomar and Jody Reed too? Seems like a guy you can't trust!
"what incentive does tek have to play hard in 2009 with this offer?"
U have got to be kidding ! How bout 5 Million dollars !
Isn't getting OVERPAID for a job well done (hopefully) enuf ?
Guess asking today's athlete to perform for an agreed(y) salary is just too much to ask .
A lot of interesting thoughts posted and included in the article - some accurate, some not. For example, "tjl" indicated that if Varitek had accepted arbitration, the Red Sox would have released him. There are rules in place to protect against that happening and the public relations aspect is huge. Besides, for any reasonable person following the Red Sox, they know that the management of this organization treats its players as good as any around!
In short, Varitek made a mistake by declining arbitration. I would be inclined to believe that his agent was far too busy with other negotiations to properly inform Varitek of his options and the consequences of said options. Also, I believe Varitek's agent may have honestly believed he could get more money elsewhere or that he believe the Red Sox would do anything possible to keep him. In all respects, I believe Varitek's agent did him a great disservice.
Varitek, regardless of his physical conditioning, should know that he is nearing the end of his playing career. I would have to believe he is also smart enough to know that his respect within the organization, and Red Sox Nation as a whole is huge! That means options for coaching, etc. (read "future income earning potential") are significant. I would hope that a man as "classy" as Varitek would understand that the Red Sox understand his value and also understand that he is not going to be there to catch forever... It is now Varitek's chance to leave his mark on the Red Sox for years to come by mentoring a young catcher and teaching how to truly belong at the tops in that position.
My appeal to Varitek... Please re-sign. Please mentor our next "Jason Varitek". We, the fans, want you in Boston and hope to see you for the coming season!
Bring on Pudge Rodriguez.
I'm so tired of hearing everyone bash Tek...the Captain the heart of this team. The man has caught no hitters and is one of the biggest reasons our young pitchers are as good as they are. There is more to the game than just hitting. I wouldn't care if he struck out every at bat going forward. Put him in the 9 spot and let him be the master behind the plate that he is.
It is the sign of the times...
He's an aging catcher
The economy is tanked..
Days of greedy agents are numbered.
As several have already posted, it's hard to feel bad for a guy who can make $5 mil this year for just suiting up (regardless of performance) while so many other average Joe's are just trying to get a paycheck.
Take the offer, play well and the Nation will support you.
Way too generous. My advice to the Sox: nickel and dime him just the way top end free agents nickel and dime you. This is a bed the players union has made, and Varitek is going to have to sleep in it. Boras, the players, and the players union need to be sent a message. Varitek has no options, and he's very replace-able. No one is going to give up a first round draft pick for him, even for $0.
Take the deal Varitek. This will be your reward for leading the league in men left in scoring position. You and Boreass must be idiots to believe you deserve more than this great offer.
JASON - YOU ARE WORTH AT LEAST $25 MILLION/YEAR, IF NOT MORE. THE RED SOX DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOU LIKE THE FANS DO! PLEASE COME BACK BUT ONLY IF THEY PAY YOU $70 MILLION FOR 3 YEARS.
RED SOX NATION - BOYCOTT FENWAY UNTIL VARITEK IS BACK! SHOW MANAGEMENT WE CARE ABOUT THE PLAYERS! HE IS OUR CAPTAIN AND WE WON'T LET THE SHIP GO DOWN WITHOUT HIM!
RED SOX NATION UNITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Didn't the captains "C" get torn off his jersey when he walked out of the the clubhouse for the potentially the last time. If I'm a player, he's not my captain - Captain's are loyal, not free agents.
He's no leader.
What is there to mull???? Only thing would be if Boras gets zippo for bad advice. Take the deal Tek!
As far as Francona being in a tough spot,...that is obvious.... there is no way if Tek is healthy Terry does not roll him out there almost every day..he is too loyal and with good reason. Unless Tek acknowledges the need to groom a successor Terry will always be in a tough spot if he is on the roster.
Varitek is the Captain of the Red Sox. Show some respect. He's turned the Sox' horrible legacy of pitching into a yearly strength. Sure, we'd like him to hit at least .250, but he's not paid to hit - he's paid to manage the staff and call games. This year's team is going to depend on our pitching staff. We need Tek. Sure, as expected he got screwed by Boras, but who DOESN'T get screwed by Boras? He's learned his lesson. At this point let's just meet in the middle, give the Captain $7.0 million for a year with a $4 million - $7 million dual option and get on with it. I live in Fort Myers and want this done before the team gets down here for Spring Training.
this blog post by Mazz is extremely instructive and well written. Thank you.
only MORONS and PINK HATS can't see that the club "the BOSTON RED SOX" is bigger than any one single player. Who cares if tek stays or goes? Someone else will replace him. No one deserves a lifetime contract out of emotion. Oh wait...I forget about Tim Wakefield. Maybe Tek just wants his gold watch too.
No one won on this one! JV listened to Borass and the Sox dug their heels in!
Recall folks: we are sitting on two unprecedented WS Rings in large measure to his baseball accumen and skills. It should have been a $10M a year deal.
Scott B. should be reprimanded by the Players Union for malpractice.
Varitek haiku:
Take the Sox offer
How can you expect to get more dough?
Hit and prove us wrong
Your agent screwed you
He doesn't deserve a percentage
Jettison Boras
Please don't take the offer Varitek!!! Sox better have a plan B ready to go because he will be the worst hitter in the A.L. this year and won't even crack .200. He is the very definition of an "automatic out" and a "rally killer". He can't even hit a line-drive. All he does is ground out, pop up, or strikeout. Any minor league catcher is better than him at this point in his already-faded career. Time to hang 'em up Tek!!! There are no sentimental contracts in the big leagues. We've got TB and NYY to keep up with.
My initial reaction is wonder WTF is Tek thinking?? First, he didn't realize there was a draft pick involved??!! WTF is Borass communicating to him....Secondly, Tek, did you educate yourself on the rules of arbitration? Or, is Borass your only source of info?? If so, STOP DRINKIING THE BORASS KOOL-AID!!!!! It scares me to think this Tek is this dumb.....
Don't worry ... Varitek will take this, his only offer.
I can't stand him, and would opt for a rookie or two. But he'll take it and we'll have to suck it up; all those double play outs.
"what incentive does Tek have to play hard in 2009 with this offer?"
How about personal integrity and team loyalty..................
"Anybody who bashes Varitek is not a true Sox Fan." Seriously? Because I'm tired of watching Tek lose games for the Sox I'm not a true Sox Fan? Does that mean a true Sox Fan is ok with losing? This isn't fantasy baseball-it's the big leagues. If what a player has done in the past is the only reason you want to bring a player back who can no longer play, then why don't we bring back Trot, Troy O'Leary, Nomar, et al. and start a whole team of sentimental heroes? In everything in life there comes a time when you have to turn the page and move on. It's time.
WTF is Tek thinking?? First, he was not aware of the rules of arbitration?? Drafts picks?? WTF is Borass telling him?? Secondly, EDUCATE yourself....Is Borass your only source of info?!
Mike..."he's not paid to hit??!!" ....are you kidding me!!?? HE IS A BASEBALL PLAYER....I guess I can into my job and do half the work and be ok?? Give me a break...that irritates me when fans say that crap......I can come back and say if he DOES get paid just to handle the staff, please give some money back for Bucholz
i say yes to resigning TEK, it would be a shame having all this great pitching but ot having a great catcher like VARITEK to catch or dirrect their pitches.
i love Varitek, i will never forget what he did for the red sox or what he did against the yankees..
i will always remember Jason Varitek grabing A-Rod from his neck like a lame duck.
1 year with an option. Put up or shut up.
He should take the offer now. People outside of sports are losing their jobs on a regular basis and many a much more successful than he was last year at the plate. Stop insulting hard working people
Tek is not a declining player. He's already done.
Hey Tony,
Wasn't there an implied agreement (b/w Varitek and the Sox FO) that Varitek would decline arbitration were it offered--so that the Sox could get the draft pick were another club to sign him? The reports now seem to suggest otherwise, that is, that there was not such a gentleman's agreement to begin with.
Your thoughts?
Who didn't get screwed by Boras ? How about Lowe or Texiera ? Damn didn't even have to think about that. Hey as a Yankee fan I could not be happier unless of course the Empire signed him to " take him off your hands" for spite of course. When did a catcher not be paid to hit, that is such a crock of crap. The only reason Posada was OVERPAID was because he hit. Funny thing is when a pitcher does not pitch well it is the pitcher yet going the other way its because Tek caught a great game. This is funny watching how it all plays out and how you "think" you are so deep. Don't be so myopic sox fans if you really know baseball you will realize with Pettite signed the field is allot closer between both teams.
maybe boras will use his roledex and try cashman's number again? wow what a great gm cashman is, all he has to do is open the checkbook and say how many zero's? he must be so proud of himself when he looks in the mirror.
I have NO sympathy for this BoSox Lothario...none at all....he's all screwed up in his squash since he LAID eyes on Heidi....he orchestrated his life and now looks so pathetic on and off the field....Captain???...Captain??...LOL.....gimme a break....Theo do us all a favor and DUMP his lame-azz....pronto!!
We don't pay VTek to be a offensive player, anything that is attractive stat in his offense is only a bonus. He knows how to call a game, and has been the captain of the team. He is a great guy, and I would love to have him back. I would love a new, young, and on the rise catcher but that might cost a heavy penny (via trade) but right now I would love to have him back.
show Tek. some respect. I think the RS are showing him respect by giving him a very good deal. Don't tell me how great he is calling a good game. The Rays catcher been there about 2 to 3 years and look at there pitching staff. The RS have a veteran pitching staff this year and can get by with Bard and another catcher without Tek. What the RS should do is offer him a coaching job and let the great caller call from the bench. Time to move on.
Post #73....has the skinny on Tek's putrid performance for 2008......Theo get a new Captain....this guy is NO leader on or off the field.....DUMP him and end this comical soap opera!!
Be smart take the deal We have many young pitchers who need your expertise of devoloping them as you have in the past. Bite the bullet. You want to retire a Red Sox do it for all of us true fans.
Tex Great catcher , we want you here, but Take the offer and end your career here. PS Heidi works in Boston!
Varitek:
.225 the second half of 2007
.220 last year.
The bat ain't comin' back. The Sox would've been better off keeping Kevin Cash who makes less than $1 million. How much of a difference is there offensively, at this point? At least Cash can throw a base runner out now and then.
WHY? WHY? WHY? To me signing a catcher who is an automatic out, can't throw out my grandmother stealing (she has a deceptive lead-off move though) and has a reptile for an agent is just plain stupid. The ONLY and I mean ONLY upside to this signing would be sending a message to other teams that the Sox are not desperate for a catcher. If they then were able to pry a young catcher away from another team cheap, this move makes sense. Is there anyone who does not think Tek's attitude is likely to be less than enthusiastic?
It's 11:59 pm and the red sox clock is about to strike midnight. The sox should give Tek a very short time table, to either sign or say good night and good bye. All this bother over a guy whose best years are behind him. Sign or good bye Tek, the sox and life will move forward without you.
Well, it looks like Tek will play for ]peanuts' as he blew arbitration royally.....that's his fault....so be it......if he goes into the tank again......he will be booed out of Boston for good......I can't wait for the Captain's first official at bat to see why the BoSox really want him around!!
That is $5 Million more than Varitek is worth. HE"S A BUM!!!! How lame do you have to be when your wife leaves you when your a major league baseball player.
Mulling it over...give me a break. He should have retired two years ago. He sucks and he always has.
TEK HOW EASILY WE ALL FORGET WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR THE TEAM. IN MY OPINION IF IT’S WORTH ANYTHING YOUR ASSH AGENT USED YOU. SO HE COULD CASH IN WITH TEX. I CAN REMEMBER GOING TO A GAME WHEN IT WAS EASY TO BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY, NOW I NEED THREE MONTHS PAY TO TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ONE GAME IF I’M LUCKY GETTING TICKETS THAT IS, WE ALL ARE STRUGGLING OUT HERE AND ALL OF YOU ( YOUR ASSH AGENT – OWNERS )ARE GETTING GREEDIER BY THE SECOND. BORAS USED YOU LIKE A PIECE OF MEAT AND NOW YOU’RE SEEING WHAT LIONS DO WHEN THEY ARE HUNGRY.
TEK, GOOD LUCK FROM A HARD WORKER TO ANOTHER.
First thoughts: Love Tek, we need him next year without any better options on the table and there don't appear to be any... he won't bring the bat, but the prospects+Bard or Montero likely won't either. Salty may hit, but we'd probably have to give up too much to get him and he wouldn't handle the staff nearly as well as Tek would next year.
That said, I still can't figure why Tek is claiming the misunderstanding on compensation was his fault. Why protect Boras? If Boras gave him a bad call, why not fire him and press on rather than eat the humble pie himself? And if Tek really was unaware, what's he paying Boras that fat commission for to begin with?
I think LeftOuts solution at post 32 makes most sense: keep Tek to hold the staff together for a run this year, and then give up a prospect for Salty so he can be bred as the backstop of the future. That's the only way giving up a prospect of Buchholz' quality (and he will be top notch once he figures out the stretch) makes sense.
Why do people insist on blaming Boras for Jason's decision to not accept arbitration? Agents advise, clients decide. Such decisions are always a gamble.
I'm all for having Tek on our team, some of his lack of hits will be made up by pitchers not giving up hits because of the many elements of his game calling.
This isn't Boras's fault. He and Veritek took a calculated risk not accepting arbitration. I'm sure Boras told Veritek there was risk, but of course Tek let his ego rule his decision, and now he's getting a big dose of reality.
To Garry, and anyone else that thinks Tek had a bad year last year but will do better in '09. His average over his last three (3) years is .238. He didn't have a bad year last year, he sucks. He will continue to suck. He is not in a slump, he sucks. Any questions.