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Varitek named assistant to the GM

Print | Comments () Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff September 27, 2012 08:35 PM

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By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

The Red Sox on Thursday named Jason Varitek as a special assistant to general manager Ben Cherington.

Varitek, 40, retired in March after a 15-year career with the Red Sox that included two World Series titles and seven seasons as the team captain.

Varitek will not be based in Boston in his new role, which will encompass a variety of duties.

“Jason was one of the most respected players of his era and will be a key voice as we move forward,” Cherington said. “He will be involved in a number of areas including major league personnel decisions, evaluations, and mentorship and instruction of young players. We are fortunate to have him in this role.”

Varitek appeared in 1,546 games with the Sox. Only Carl Yastrzemski (23), Ted Williams (19) and Jim Rice (16) spent more years with the franchise without ever playing for another club.

A three-time All-Star (2003, 2005 and 2008), Varitek became the first Boston catcher ever to win a Silver Slugger Award when he received the honor in 2005, the same year he was also honored with a Gold Glove.