Sox' leader Varitek must now follow
The catcher is a proud man, and he always has taken pride in being a catcher first. But Jason Varitek found great satisfaction in delivering one of the biggest and most overlooked hits of the game at Fenway Park last night, particularly after the season he had offensively.
"Particularly after being hit for the night before," Varitek retorted in the home clubhouse at Fenway Park after the Red Sox defeated the Los Angeles Angels, 3-2, to advance to their fourth American League Championship Series appearance in the last six years.
"It’s something that I had to [overcome] so that I didn’t [give] away at-bats," Varitek continued. "[Manager Terry Francona] told me before the first game in Anaheim that [pinch hitting for him] might happen, and that’s never happened in my career here. I’ve had some support here from some people, some coaches and some teammates, and without that I might have gone in the tank. It was a tough thing to swallow and have to deal with, but it is what it is."
Varitek paused.
"It is what it is," he repeated, offering a response that was nothing short of Belichickian.
So the Red Sox are back in baseball’s Final Four again, and let there be no doubt about the character of their players and their captain: True grit. Mike Lowell has a bad hip, Josh Beckett looked suspiciously out of sync and J.D. Drew essentially missed all of September, and yet the reigning world champions continue to play in defense of their world title.
Varitek? He hit .220 this year in what was easily the worst offensive year of major league career. From May 24 through Aug. 14, Varitek went 31 for 196 with eight extra-base hits and 63 strikeouts in 61 games. His batting average was .158. He slugged .219. The one-time Silver Slugger Award winner at his position was one of the easiest outs in baseball, and his struggles came during, of all times, a contract year during which he dealt with what unfortunately became a public divorce.
When the Sox added a third catcher (David Ross) to their postseason roster, the writing was on the wall: Varitek had lost the right to hit in key situations. During the regular season, Francona said on more than one occasion that he would not hit for Varitek out of respect for his captain, who has caught more games than any player in Red Sox history. Francona believes in the greater good of his team, of giving proven veterans the respect they deserve, and hitting for Varitek, he argued, would pierce the very essence of his team.
But the playoffs?
That’s another story.
And so, in the ninth inning of Game 3 Sunday in what was then a 4-4 game, Francona sent J.D. Drew to bat for Varitek to lead off the bottom of the ninth, a move that was symbolic if nothing else. As the night turned into morning, the maneuver all but disappeared in what became an epic 5-4 Angels win. Yet the decision clearly resonated with the 36-year-old Varitek, who is not accustomed to watching from the dugout in a stocking cap when the Red Sox experience the biggest moments of any season.
For the better part of his 12 seasons, after all, Varitek has been more than merely the Red Sox’ on-field leader.
He has been their soul.
"I guess I'll always try to do what I think is right for our ball club. Sometimes during the year I think the long-term is more important than people understand,’’ Francona said before Game 4 when asked about his decision to hit for Varitek the night before. "You get to the postseason and sometimes, again, if you don't … Thanksgiving's around the corner and we need to win games. So I guess it all boils down to you try to do what's right. Sometimes, the big picture early in the season is more important, or you have to at least be aware of that. Now, in the postseason with three catchers and some pretty good guys on the bench, it's hard to leave a J.D. Drew not swinging the bat in that situation.’’
Last night, with the Red Sox again in tightly contested affair, Varitek came to bat with one out and Mark Kotsay (single) at first base in what was then a 0-0 game. It was too late to bunt, too early to pinch hit. Angels starter John Lackey jumped ahead of Varitek in the count, 0-2, before throwing ball one. Varitek then fouled off a pitch before taking two more balls, fighting his way back into the at-bat, running the count full and all but ensuring that Kotsay would be in motion.
What happened next might have been the most important development in Game 4, the moment that turned this game in the Red Sox’ favor. With Kotsay running, Varitek (who batted .201 from the left side during the season) pulled a crisp single to right field that placed runners at first and third with one out. Until Lowrie’s winning single against Scot Shields in the bottom of the ninth, it was the biggest hit of the game. Coming from a bottom of the Boston lineup now fraught with holes, Varitek’s single triggered a two-run rally that gave the Sox a 2-0 advantage they preserved until the bottom of the eighth.
As a result of Varitek’s hit, the Red Sox played from in front in this game and never trailed.
"I have [a sizable] difference lefthanded and righthanded, and it’s come to my attention because we have a big media following,’’ said Varitek, who hit .284 from the right side during the regular season. "I had a really bad two months or whatever it was, but late in the year I felt like I got to the point where I was having competitive at-bats. Now I feel like I’m where I need to be."
In the later innings of Game 4, Varitek was similarly where he needed to be. After Justin Masterson keyed a two-run Angels rally by zigging when he should have zagged – "We got crossed up,’’ said Varitek, though Masterson made the mistake – the Angels threatened to take the lead in the ninth. The Angels had one out and a man at third when Varitek and pitcher Manny Delcarmen reminded one another of the Angels’ affection for the suicide squeeze, so the Sox pitched No. 9 hitter Erick Aybar inside (tight) with the go-ahead run on third.
On a 2-0 offering from Delcarmen – after spinning out of the batter’s box twice on high fastballs – Aybar squared; with the pitch darting toward his left hip, Aybar jerked the bat toward him and missed the bunt. Varitek subsequently chased down the speedy Reggie Willits with what he playfully termed his ``closing speed,’’ ending a pivotal succession of maneuvers on which the Red Sox proved to be literally and figuratively one step ahead.
After the game, Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner made a point of visiting with Varitek to ask him about the manner in which the Sox pitched Aybar. Asked by his bosses if he the Sox continued to pound Aybar inside because they anticipated the squeeze, Varitek nodded.
``We tried not to let Aybar get extended,’’ Varitek said. ``It was a tough pitch to handle, to bunt.’’
The pinch hitting? That is likely to continue in the next round, particularly if the Red Sox carry three catchers, which seems probable now that Lowell is out for the ALCS. Varitek clearly is not happy about it. During the course of his career, Varitek has spent considerable time during the offseason working on his agility and foot speed, all because he never wanted the Red Sox to pinch run for him in the late innings of close games. Now they are hitting for him instead. Varitek was asked last night if he lobbied with Francona when informed of the manager’s plans before the series, and the Sox captain offered an impassioned response that sounded like political garbage and was anything but.
"I don’t want to get into it because I want to put myself aside and do what we have to do to win," Varitek said. "My personal feelings don’t matter. Whoever the manager is, he should have that respect, whether I agree with it or don’t agree with it. That’s what I believe in.’’
Now really:
Doesn’t that all explain why he’s the captain?
Comment
Permalink
Email
Golly, we're tackling all sorts of controversial decisions made by Francona: yanking a gimpy Lowell and pinch-hitting for Varitek with a much better (power and average-wise) lefthanded hitter. What's next, praise Tito's dedication to taking off his hat during the Anthem?
Maybe Tek can tutor Lackey and Hunter in the offseason?
I for one was jumping for joy when Tek got that hit. I love the guy, have been shielding my eyes most times he got up to bat since about the All Star break, but had a feeling he would get a hit, and afterwards thought, "here we go!" Look out Tampa! When Tek gets to hitting the Red Sox are so much better. If I am correct, the bottom of the order has been weaker than any other teams' in the playoffs. If Pedroia does better in the ALCS than the ALDS, and Tek is productive at the plate there's no stopping the Red Sox.
Steve, I'm with ya! I was too!
Uh Edward, how did that pinch hitter work out for the captain on Sunday?
I don't understand why he is so incredulous about being hit for. For whatever reason, the guy gets a huge pass from Sox fans and local media. I respect what he means to the team and what he has done but for God's sake, the guy simply cannot hit anymore. As a captain, he should recognize this and understand it is for the good of the team and embrace it. I'm so sick of all the apologists out there for this guy. Its like we have a national league team where the opposing pitcher is an automatic out. With Manny now gone, this "out" is magnified even more. Im glad he got the hit but let's be real. He should be hit for in any situation in which the game is on the line, period!
I predicted Tek as "player of the game" Sunday night, as he'd be batting righty against Saunders plus the simple fact "he's long overdue." I guess off by one day. Tek was key to last night's victory. The battle back from 0-2 resulting in the 2 run rally was great, but the momentum changer was the way he squashed the Angels hopes of a ninth inning suicide squeeze. What speed! I never seen him run like that. I am now convinced Tek could beat Manny in a foot race. Viva El Capitan!!!!
There is no shame in JD Drew pinch hitting in that situation, Drew struck out but the chance to end the game was much greater with Drew hitting. Tek has been a great player and the heart of the Sox for a long time...and can still get it done, incredible play last night...there is nothing better than post season baseball. You always see new things.
During the off season, I wonder if the Red Sox would consider doing something novel with Tek's contract offer. Make him a two year deal with a club option for year three that includes a player-coach role. He seems to already be a coach in a way to the pitching staff already. Perhaps the idea of helping him transition into coaching would give the Sox the edge in keeping him and the flexibility to take advantage of his unique catching knowledge and veteran status.
Tek is clearly a proud man who I suspect will rally the rest of the playoffs. Everyone can get a little comfortable, or perhaps in this case, distracted by off-the-field issues. He's human. But I loved reading the fire in his quotes and suspect he takes serious issue who think he is done. I hope he stays. He is one of those guys I can't imagine in any other uniform.
I was happy when that happened, if for no other reason then actually listening to Harold Reyes or whatever his name is that was the analyst with Don Orsillo for the Rays/White Sox game that your ninth man should be your second lead off man. I was sitting there thinking during Tek's at bat thinking, maybe Lowrie should be the bottom of the order since he is getting better again and he seems to be walking more and if there is a chance to get him, Ellsbury and Pedroia on, which is more often than not likely, Ortiz , Youk, Bay and Drew have a chance for a grand slam, but more likely bases clearing doubles, so should Tek be in number eight? Then, well, it happened, he got on and moved the runner, the next lead off guy didn't get on but drove in a run, and Pedroia cleared the bases with a double. I mean, against lesser pitchers, it is likely you will be scoring three runs in that situation. Heck, that is what the Rays do, Jason Bartlett is no slouch at the plate. And Gabe Gross is usually number 8 and is a bit more unreliable and the closest thing to a guaranteed out.
I noticed after the game, when the celebration began, a camera shot of a visibly weary Varitek sitting down in the dugout watching the young ones celebrate. His contributions are so many, I think we,as fans, easily forget his value. That one moment spoke volumes about his year and about the man. He looked like a dad who had found a peace in watching his children be joyous.
I can understand Varitek's not being happy with being lifted for a pinch hitter. Don't think I'd want a guy on my squad that was happy about it, let alone be the Captain. Jason the answer to your problem is simple...In most games you'll be given at least 2 at bats to show that you can put the ball in play. If your 2 for 2 with a couple of quality at bats. You'll take the decision out of Francona's hands. See ball hit ball big guy!
Tek is a great player. The Red Sox need to make sure they hold on to him. Varitek has been struggling at the plate, but lets face it you can't really hate the guy. He is our captain and I love the man. I can't see Varitek in any other uniform. But then again, I said that about Manny......
Can we imagine a future where Varitek attempts to bat right handed all of the time and see what happens?
So... the guy KNOWS he's a better hitter righty than lefty... but his pride won't let him bat righty all the time? Team player? Hmmmm...
Tek's bat may not be what it once was but what he does behind the plate is immeasurable as far as I'm concerned. He has the respect of every pitcher on that staff (remember Pedro wanted Tek to go with him to the Mets?) and he has a encyclopedia's worth of baseball knowledge in his head. He's smart behind the plate and he's still on top of his game defensively. He plays hard each and every time he steps on the field. All that and he's a classy guy to boot. What's not to appreciate there?
We all love Tek. And I feel a main reason as to why our young guys make such big contributions and carry themselves with such class and poise is due to veteran level-headed leadership like Ortiz, Tek, Lowell, Cora, etc. If we had a bunch of older players who took exception to younger players taking the spotlight and acting cocky, then we wouldn't be the seemingly cohesive unit of 9 team players that take the field for 162+ games a season.
I cannot believe The Mazz is still employed in this profession.
I can't help but feel that some of Tek's problems with his offensive abilities is due in part by his personal troubles off the field. Divorce is a drag for anyone. I say give him a 2 year contract with a club option for the 3rd year, and by next spring you will see a different man at the plate. He is still the best receiver in the league with young pitchers. Just ask them.
hello!
he hits better as a RH, because he can hit lefthanders better
we dont know if he can hit righties hitting from the right side!!
he should try though.
Like Commenter 11, I noticed the camera shot of Varitek in the dug out as the celebrations began and had the same reaction - like a big brother or an uncle. I think commenter #8 has a great idea - heading towards player-coach. Varitek is valuable in so many ways to the younger players, obviously especially pitchers. We need him here.
Varitek batted .201 from the left side and .284 from the right side this season. That’s a difference of 83 point! I’ve been saying for the past two years that Varitek should swallow his pride and give up hitting left and hit right full time. Why isn't he doing this?
I think they should start Kevin Cash in the next round.
Tek has a job to do and he is well aware of that. Any off field stuff he will deal with and shouldn't be brought up by the local news papers. Where did this style of writing come from? Does the globe think that it's hip to be like the times...... "Boo Rod." That isn't journalism. Tek has called a couple of no hitters, he has been a part of a couple of world series wins and he is a leader in the field and in the clubhouse. One of the nice reasons that we are still in the race is due to THE ORGANIZATION. The Red Sox Depth chart is really strong. LIVE ARMS IN THE BULLPEN. Crisp with speed and sure fire bunting ability. Jacoby ability to play all three positions, youk plays both corners. The intensity when they play...wow. These guys LOVE to play.
I am really with Bushie (Oct 7th Post) on this one. If Jason Varitek isn't, one day, manager of the Boston Red Sox, someone in the front office isn't doing their job. Sign Tek as a player/coach and begin his grooming process to take the helm of the team.
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
is taking a few days off to celebrate the arrival of summer.
Updated: Jun 20, 10:42 AM
Mazz on Twitter
About Mazz
Tony's Top 5
Things to eat during the summer
Updated: Jun 20, 11:10 AM
Featured Comments
No rush to anoint RondoCelticFanSinceRussell
In Boston, Bay starsMhaze
Featured blogs
Browse This Blog
by categoryTalk to Mazz
INside Boston.com