Pedroia on Tek: "He does everything to help us win"

April 29, 2010

From an article by Ian Browne on RedSox.com today entitled, "Varitek's importance hasn't lessened":

The part-time catcher is still a full-time captain. The "C" is still on Jason Varitek's jersey, and the importance of that letter hasn't lessened any.

When Varitek exercised his player option to return to the Red Sox for 2010 -- even after the club declared that Victor Martinez was going to be the full-time catcher -- he heard some of the debate about whether he was still fit to have the "C" that has been there since 2005.

"I've been asked that, 'Does the role change? Do they take the C off your jersey?' I don't know. That's not for me to decide," said Varitek. "I carry myself the same way and do my work the same. I think that you'd have to ask the guys in here if it changes the way they think of you."

An informal survey revealed an emphatic no.

"We consider him an everyday player," said Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. "He's in there a lot. He does everything to help us win. It doesn't matter if he's not in the lineup -- he's a huge factor in the outcome of the game, because he's talking to guys before the game, during the game and after the game."

"Even though he is not playing every day, he cares about everybody," said Red Sox shortstop Marco Scutaro. "He cares about his teammates and about everything. The way he goes about his business is unbelievable."

While it is always a challenge for an entrenched veteran to adapt to a lesser role, Varitek has made it look seamless. Of Boston's first 22 games, Varitek has started seven times and come off the bench twice. He is hitting .323 with two doubles, four homers and eight RBIs.

"I think he's been terrific," Francona said. "All the things we've talked about he continues to do. He's a leader. He cares. He tries to be there for his teammates. He's swung the bat very well. He's done a good job."

In some ways, Varitek feels like he's been able to be more of a hands-on leader in his new role.

"You see more when you're not playing every day, because playing every day takes a lot of preparation," Varitek said.

Varitek is a throwback, giving the type of coaching instruction to teammates that a player-manager might have in the 1950s or '60s.

"He can help out and evaluate a little more than he used to," said Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis. "That's definitely one thing that's good. He can kind of help players through a lot more when he's not playing every day and focus on helping players more. When you're playing every day, you have to really worry about [yourself] and getting ready, especially when you're the catcher. It's awesome that he's doing that and doing a good job of helping everyone out."

To Varitek's credit, he has provided as much early help with his bat and glove, as with his clubhouse or dugout voice.

"I still think I'm adjusting," Varitek said. "It's still a work in progress with everything. I went from playing twice in the first two weeks to playing in six straight games. I still think that, along with everyone else, you're still getting in your game rhythm. It doesn't mean just offensively, but there's defensively, too.

"I believe one thing -- I'm going to help whether I'm 0-fer, or whether I hit," Varitek said. "I really honestly believe that. The job we do back there, we can still help. Any way you can contribute is fun."

The 38-year-old Varitek has caught 1,390 games for the Red Sox, the most in team history. With all that experience, he has been in just about every situation imaginable. But this season -- and this role -- is a little different.

"I'm going to learn," Varitek said. "I may not figure out this all out until later. I may figure it out right now. But I'm going to try to do what I have to do to make sure I'm ready."

Read the full article here.

Sox Sweep Blue Jays After 2-0 Win Wednesday Night

April 29, 2010

"It was huge for us. Obviously we didn't swing the bats great but we scored just enough and it started with Jon's pitching." -- Jason,to reporters after the game.

Game Summary:

Jon Lester struck out 11 in seven innings and the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 2-0 Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.

"This was a great series for us," Lester said.

Darnell McDonald scored one run and drove in another to help the Red Sox win their sixth straight game in Toronto. The Red Sox swept consecutive series of three games or more in this city for the first time since 1981 and 1982.

McDonald had one of the best views of that.

"Wow. It's a beautiful thing to watch from center field," McDonald said. "It looked like he got better as the game went on."

Boston has won seven of nine since being swept in a four-game series by Tampa Bay, and Lester sees more good things ahead now that the Red Sox (11-11) have returned to .500.

"Once we get on a bit of a roll it's hard to stop us," Lester said. "If we keep putting games together like that, pitching and hitting when we need to, things will take care of themselves.

"Threw a couple good curveballs early in the count, and then later in the count starting to get a feel back for being able to locate my cutter down and in to some guys. Tek did a great job with that, of kind of picking different spots to go after guys with different pitches.

The 26-year-old lefty looked as good in the seventh inning as he did in the first — or even better. Facing the heart of the Blue Jays’ lineup and already having thrown more than 100 pitches in the seventh inning, Lester struck out Jose Bautista and Lyle Overbay and got Vernon Wells to pop weakly to first base.

"He was more under control," catcher Jason Varitek said. "Sometimes he's very powerful and can power right through the zone. It almost takes him to be, sometimes, a little tired into the game to have an even better delivery."

Daniel Bard came in for the 8th and after giving up a double to Alex Gonzalez, settled down and struck out the next three batters.

Jonathan Papelbon worked the ninth for his seventh save.

You can see game photos here.

You can see video highlights from the game here.

Tek's 4 RBI Night Help Sox Win 13-12 Against Blue Jays

April 27, 2010

"I think we finally responded, we hadn't really swung the bats real well. It was a big game for us to win offensively because we haven't put up those kind of hits and runs yet this year." -- Jason, to reporters after the game.

Game Summary from USA Today, RedSox.com:

Jason Varitek had four RBIs, Marco Scutaro scored a career-high four runs and the Boston Red Sox held off the Toronto Blue Jays for a wild, 13-12 win Monday night.

Varitek went 3 for 5 with a pair of two-run singles and Scutaro went 3 for 5 with a walk against his former team, which set a season high in runs, and with 18 hits.

Jose Bautista hit a three-run homer and Lyle Overbay added a solo shot but it wasn't enough. Overbay went 3 for 5 with four RBIs and scored twice.

Scott Schoeneweis (1-0) got one out for the win and Jonathan Papelbon pitched the ninth for his sixth save, ending the game after 4 hours, 3 minutes the longest nine-inning game of the season, according to Stats, LLC.

In fact, the Red Sox have been involved in the four longest nine-inning games of the year two against the New York Yankees (3:48 and 3:46) during their season-opening series, and one against Texas (3:46) on April 20, according to STATS.

Shawn Camp (1-1) allowed three runs and four hits in 1 2-3 innings.

Josh Beckett, who had a 6.62 ERA in 12 career starts against Toronto, allowed eight runs and nine hits in three-plus innings, while Toronto's Dana Eveland allowed seven runs and eight hits in three-plus innings.

"The numbers tell everything, and they're not good," Beckett said.

"I can't say that he didn't make some really good pitches and they didn't hit them," Boston's captain said. "It was a combination of both. On that homer [by Jose Bautista], he almost hit the guy's back knee. You can go down to selection, you can go down a lot of things. The fact of the matter is that both teams hit the cover off the ball today."

"Josh is going to be good. He's strong, that's the good thing. He'll get through all his pitches and get through all that and he'll be just fine."

As for his own night at the plate, Varitek said, "I just got some good pitches to hit."

He would have settled for a 2-1 game he said instead of a four-hour production.

"I was a little tired," Varitek said. "I was tired by about the fourth inning."

Back and forth all night:

Boston made it 5-0 with a four-run third. Varitek hit a two-run single and Adrian Beltre followed with a two-run double.

Toronto roared back in the bottom half with a six-run, 10-batter inning. Fred Lewis led off with a triple and scored on Aaron Hill's single. Vernon Wells doubled Hill to third and both runners scored on Overbay's double. After Alex Gonzalez singled, Bautista drilled a first-pitch homer into the second deck in left, his fourth.

Boston reclaimed its lead in the fourth. Eveland left with runners at first and second and was replaced by Jeremy Accardo. After Kevin Youkilis loaded the bases with a single, Accardo uncorked a run-scoring wild pitch. Two batters later, Varitek lined a two-run single to center.

Toronto tied it again in the bottom half. Beckett left after opening the inning with walks to Hill and Adam Lind, and Scott Atchison gave up a two-out, two-run triple to Gonzalez, making it 8-all.

Boston jumped in front again in the fifth when Dustin Pedroia singled off Camp, stole second and scored on a two-out hit by Youkilis, but Toronto tied it in the bottom half on an RBI single by Adam Lind.

The Red Sox took the lead for good with a four-run sixth. Darnell McDonald hit an RBI double, Scutaro singled home a run and Pedroia capped it with a two-run double.

The bullpen tourniquets were applied by Manny Delcarmen, who threw two hitless innings, and Daniel Bard, who inherited two baserunners and a two-run lead and allowed only a sacrifice fly.

"They were all valuable outs today," Varitek said, "because of a full moon or whatever it was, nobody could get anybody out."

Toronto closed to within one in the eighth on Overbay's RBI single and Jose Bautista's sacrifice fly, but Papelbon ended it with a 1-2-3 ninth.

"He's getting better," Varitek said of Delcarmen. "I still think Manny's got a gear to go to. I don't mean velocity-wise, I mean as far as executing his pitches. He's definitely much stronger than he was in spring and right at the end of spring. The ball's coming out of his hand much better."

You can see video of the sluggin' Captain here.

You can check out larger versions of the photo and screen cap from the game here.

(combination game summary from USA Today, RedSox.com, and the Boston Globe)

Tek-nically Speaking...

Former MLB catcher and long-time game announcer Buck Martinez was in the booth last night calling the game for the Toronto Blue Jays and had a few things to say (okay, a lot of things) about the Red Sox Captain:

"He's going to go down as one of the best catchers in the history of the game."

"Varitek is a virtual encyclopedia behind the plate. He's like a computer back there."

"He gives his pitchers a lot of confidence."

Jason's current stats: AVG .357 | HR 4 | RBI 8 | OBP .379 | SLG .857 | OPS 1.236

The Captain Hits Home Run #4, Sox Win 7-6 Against Orioles

April 25, 2010

"In just 23 at-bats this season, Jason Varitek has blasted four home runs." -- Nick Cafardo.

Excerpts from the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo in his column this morning entitled, "Rumors of catcher's demise are squat":

It was early in spring training at the Yankees’ complex in Tampa when Jorge Posada said something that seems to resonate to this day.

"You watch," Posada said. "Jason Varitek will play a lot more than you guys think. He's the leader of that team. They've depended on him for a lot of years."

Those words are starting to gain substance.

Varitek continues to be a leader, and when he's played he has contributed offensively, last night hitting his fourth home run of the season. He hit a 2-0 fastball from Orioles rookie phenom Brian Matusz into the Monster seats in the fifth inning, drawing the Red Sox within 2-1. His other homers have come off Zack Grienke and Luis Mendoza of the Royals and Wade Davis of the Rays.

He looks fresher, healthier. There's more of a bounce to his step. He's hitting higher in the order (sixth last night) than he has in years. He’s batting .304 and hitting homers at a career-best pace. This good start, in what many believed would be Varitek's final season with the Sox and perhaps in his career, has given reason to wonder whether the sporadic play helps his offense.

Varitek had a horrible spring training off the field. He spent most of his time in and out of camp, visiting his father in an Orlando hospital. The situation was dire, but since that time a minor miracle has occured and his dad is getting better.

Almost simultaneously, all of Varitek's injuries started to become more manageable.

The Sox are 3-2 in games he has started. He's caught Josh Beckett three times, Jon Lester once, and last night he caught John Lackey.

Varitek has heard about his demise for some time now.

"Indirectly, I've heard what people say," Varitek said. 'I think it's like anything else — you hear stuff like that, but if you wait out the process you get the whole picture. And sometimes if you don't wait out the process you get one person's opinion, whether its good or bad. You don't necessarily see what the whole process is. All it takes is one person who doesn't like you to start it, and it runs. We're all fueled by media, talk radio, and you don't even have to end up reading or listening and you'll know what's being said about you. You can't control that so you try not to have that seep into your head and affect your preparation and what you’re doing."

Varitek has had a lot of friends as backup catchers over the years, and he said of Martinez, "I can't ask for a better guy to work with. I'm here to support him in any way I can."

Varitek had plenty of experience in the mentoring role last season after Martinez showed up Aug. 1. "Now it's a full season into it. I do what I can to help us win games and to help Vic. I don't think about the role or the playing time. When I'm called upon I try to do my best and try to do something to help us win a game."

Varitek is becoming more relevant, more important, just as Posada predicted.

You can read Mr. Cafardo's full column here.

You can see video of Jason's home run here.

You can see larger versions of the screen captures above here.

Tek-nically Speaking...

"He's light years ahead of where he was, but a lot of that is just age, maturity. The other part of it is system. He's been in the same system his entire career. I thought Game 3 was the best play-calling game in his career. He was like Jason Varitek as far as calling the right pitch. He was phenomenal. That's where he’s improved. He know what Im thinking. He'll call a play and you can sit down and it's terrific." -- Celtics coach Doc Rivers talking about point guard Rajon Rondo, WEEI.

Jason's current stats: AVG .304 | HR 4 | RBI 4 | OBP .333 | SLG .913 | OPS 1.246

Calmer Seas With The Captain At The Helm

April 24, 2010

A Bleacher Report worth reading...

Excerpts from "Jason Varitek: The Captain at The Helm Makes a Difference" by Lana Ballard:

Is it me or does the game feel different when the Captain is behind the plate?

I will not argue with anyone that says Jason Varitek is near the end of his career. I will not argue with anyone that says he needs to be the backup catcher. But after the start of this season, I must argue with anyone who doesn't agree that the game has a different tone when the Captain is at the helm.

The pitchers' feel at ease, the game has a fluid motion and it just seems to me the boat is sailing in the right direction. Sorry about the play on words but when you are talking about Jason Varitek and his superb ability to lead, I can't help to refer to him as the captain of a great ship.

The pitchers' confidence in Varitek is well known around the league. His preparation for games has always been above and beyond. It is no secret that Josh Beckett has an incredible comfort level with Varitek. Although Beckett has been slow starting up this season I have no doubt, withTek behind the plate, Josh soon will find the rhythm of the game.

Victor catches a different game. Pitchers and catchers must trust each other, and I don't believe the trust is there between Beckett and Victor, yet.

Encouraged by Varitek's start offensively this season I trust his reduced catching role will enable him to keep his bat strong. We certainly need another big bat on the bench. It is encouraging to know Tek will be offensively productive.

To read Lana's complete article, click here.

Also Today:

"That's who Jason Varitek is"

From an interview on WEEI's The Big Show with Peter Gammons -

WEEI (talking about the Rays' base stealers): Well, they were nervous when Nelson Cruz was on base.

Peter Gammons: Yeah, and in time — I give Jason Varitek so much credit for being who he is. He actually got into it with a fan the other night who was all over Victor Martinez, just yelling at him for getting on Victor Martinez. Jason is adamant that he is going to be able to turn it around, be able to throw much better, that he blocks balls really well. All of that is great; that's who Jason Varitek is. And you guys know teams need people who are totally selfless.

WEEI: The amazing thing about Varitek is that most people in this town wanted him out last year. He is only back because he had a player option in his contract. And yet the other night he comes in from the bullpen in the seventh and gets a standing ovation.

Peter Gammons: You know, the last two years he got off to reasonably good starts. He cares so much, he is so intense that I think he just wears down. He really can be a very good player in the role he is in now, catching 60 games a year or 50 games. Getting the time off, he has a lot more bat speed this year. So maybe that works. But it just amazes me that he lost his job and he is probably the best friend and the greatest advocate for the guy who took his job. I really respect that. I'm not sure I'd be that way.

To read the full transcript of Mr. Gammons's interview, click here.

You can listen to the interview here.

Jason Comes In Late, Sox Come Back And Win

April 21, 2010

"We've been searching for a way to get this crowd involved in some of our games, and out of nowhere we did. I think the change of energy happened with the two-run home run when we finally woke up our crowd. That was a change of energy."-- The Captain, during a post-game interview.

"While all about them is falling apart, Jason Varitek, in as a late-game replacement, doubled in the eighth, scoring on a Darnell McDonald pinch hit home run." -- Wicked Local game blog.

Red Sox win, 7-6 against Rangers

Darnell McDonald (being "congratulated" at left), who was called up from the minors earlier in the day, hit a pinch-hit two-run homer in the eighth inning to tie the game and won it with an RBI single in the ninth to lift the struggling Boston Red Sox to a 7-6 comeback win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

Jonathan Papelbon (1-1) pitched a hitless ninth for the win.

The Red Sox snapped a five-game losing streak. Texas has dropped five straight.

For much of the night, the Red Sox were taking their licks from the Rangers, who ran wild on the basepaths in opening a 6-2 lead over the Sox in the first five innings. Texas stole a club-record nine bases, including five in the third inning against Tim Wakefield and Victor Martinez.

But the Sox had trimmed the lead to 6-4 when McDonald was sent to pinch-hit for Josh Reddick against left-hander Darren Oliver.

Jason Varitek, who had entered the game when Bill Hall ran for Victor Martinez the previous inning, was on second base with a double when McDonald drove a 2-and-2 pitch into the Monster seats.

Kevin Youkilis opened the ninth with an infield hit off the body of Frank Francisco (2-3), advanced on a passed ball and was sacrificed to third by Bill Hall. Mike Lowell was intentionally walked and Adrian Beltre popped to first. Jason Varitek then walked on four pitches before McDonald lifted a fly ball just over the leap of Josh Hamilton.

McDonald became the first Sox player to homer in his first appearance since Orlando Cabrera on August 4th, 2004 and the first pinch hitter to do so since Curtis Pride on 9/19/97.

Tek-nically Speaking...

Question: "Does anyone else feel a lot better with Tek back there?"

Response: "He's like that security blanket you had when you were 4 - old, raggedy, smelled kinda weird, but just makes you feel safe." -- From last night's game thread on the popular Sons of Sam Horn, when Jason came in to catch in the eighth inning.

Jason's current stats: AVG .429 | HR 3 | RBI 3 | OBP .467 | SLG 1.214 | OPS 1.681

Fan Story: Jason Visits Minnesota Little League Team

April 18, 2010

From Minnesota Twins fan Roger Peterson:

On Tuesday night (April 13, 2010), my son had an exciting visitor at his baseball practice. The Boston Red Sox were in town to open Target Field against the Twins and had a day off on Tuesday. This gave Jason Varitek, a friend of Johnny's coach, time to attend their practice.

Johnny got some one-on-one coaching on catching technique.

Jason also talked to the kids about working hard and doing well in school.

I brought along some baseballs for him to sign (did you think I'd pass up the opportunity?). I brought enough for each of the kids and also had him sign some 2005 All Star balls for me and my sons.

The boys were all very excited to meet him and get his autograph (I was pretty excited too)!

To see a larger version of the photo above, click here.

*Thank you so much to Roger for sharing his story and photo!

Hey, sports memorabilia fans! Check out Roger's blog here! You can also see photos of the baseballs that Jason signed.

Tek-nically Speaking...

Jason spoke to the Boston Herald's Steve Buckley yesterday:

On how long he will catch: "People like to paint pictures about me, but it's never come out of my mouth when my time is going to be up. I haven't even thought about it. I'm just continuing to go, continuing to listen to my body, and I'll see what happens.

On getting used to his role as the backup catcher: I'm going through so many adjustments. It's totally different right now. You're used to being a machine that does it every day, trying to get better, finding out what's the right mix to keep you sharp. I'm just trying to lean on Gary Tuck and Dave Magadan, trying to do as much as we can to find the right combo."

On his mindset even when he's not behind the plate: "I've already found that I have to pay attention even more when I'm not playing - what are we doing? What's the other team doing? What are they doing that's successful against us? And so on. You learn."

You can see a larger version of the photo here.

Jason Varitek & Dustin Pedroia Summer Baseball Camp

April 17, 2010

The Jason Varitek & Dustin Pedroia Summer Baseball Camp will take place from August 1st – 6th at Stonehill College in North Easton, MA.

The commuter camp is conducted from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day for boys and girls ages 7-16.

The overnight Massachusetts sport camp is conducted for boys ages 9-16, with check-in on Sunday, August 1st. Tuition for overnight campers is $799.00, which includes all day and night activities, sleeping facilities, and three meals per day.

Tuition for day campers is $549.00 which includes daily activities and lunch each day.

Jason and Dustin will appear at camp one day during the week to speak to campers as a group and also go from team to team to meet every camper! You might even see a few more players throughout the week!

Each camper can look forward to:

- Five days of top level instruction on the fundamentals of hitting, pitching, fielding, throwing, catching and base running.

- Baseball games and instructional drills daily

- Autographed 8 x 10 color photo of Jason for each camper

- Team photo with both Jason and Dustin

- Jason Varitek and Dustin Pedroia Baseball Camp t-shirt and gift bag

- Guest appearances by current or former professional baseball players

- Nightly activities and accommodations organized by age

- Daily recreational activities

- Family Day on Friday afternoon

For more information on being a part of this exciting baseball camp, click here.

Tek & Beckett Tonight

April 16, 2010 - Game Update below

The latest on the line-up...

Josh Beckett is 6-1, with a 3.49 ERA in his last nine starts against the Rays in Boston, and 5-0, with a 2.86 ERA in the last seven such starts.

Manager Terry Francona is resting Victor Martinez and giving Jason the nod behind home plate.

According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, "the only two games Varitek has started were Beckett starts, which is no coincidence."

The line-up (Jacoby Ellsbury is out with sore ribs, and Mike Cameron is out with a kidney stone):

1. Marco Scutaro SS, 2. J.D. Drew RF, 3. Dustin Pedroia 2B, 4. Kevin Youkilis 1B, 5. David Ortiz DH, 6. Adrian Beltre 3B, 7. Jeremy Hermida LF, 8. Jason Varitek C, 9. Bill Hall CF.

Game Update:

Homa Ova The Monsta...

MLB.com - Jason Varitek, playing in place of Victor Martinez, who had the night off, hit an opposite-field home run to left off Tampa Bay rookie right-hander Wade Davis. Varitek, making just his second start of the season, has three hits this year -- all home runs. His solo shot accounted for Boston's lone run.

"He took a very good swing," Francona said. "On a night when the ball is not carrying very well, he hits the ball the opposite way. That's a terrific swing. That's two games now he's taken three pretty good swings."

Josh Beckett went seven innings Friday, giving up one unearned run on four hits and a walk with eight strikeouts as the Rays and Red Sox had their series opener suspended by a rain delay while tied at 1 in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Josh Beckett went seven innings Friday, giving up one unearned run on four hits and a walk with eight strikeouts as the Rays and Red Sox had their series opener suspended by a rain delay while tied at 1 in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The clubs will resume the contest before the start of their game on Saturday night at 7:10 ET.

To read the rest and to watch a video of Tek's home run, click here.

To see photos from the game, click here.

Jason's current stats: AVG .429 | HR 3 | RBI 3 | OBP .429 | SLG 1.714 | OPS 2.143

"Sweet Music" Indeed...

April 12, 2010

An enjoyable read from The Providence Journal's Dan Barbarisi entitled, "Varitek and Beckett make sweet music together":

After spending some time apart, Josh Beckett and Jason Varitek were reunited tonight, and the pairing was just as sweet as they remembered.

Varitek coaxed Beckett to a seven inning, three-run outing, one that was largely smoother than that line indicates. It was a big improvement over Beckett's opening night performance, when he gave up five runs in 4.2 innings, pitching to catcher Victor Martinez.

Beckett and Varitek were batterymates from 2006 until midway through last year, when Martinez took over primary catching duties. Martinez clicked immediately with young pitchers Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester, and he's learned to catch Tim Wakefield's knuckler, but he and Beckett haven't gelled in the same way.

Beckett has a 7.71 ERA in four starts working with Martinez. He has a 3.77 ERA in 105 games with Varitek.

So when opportunity permits, Beckett and Varitek will likely be paired up.

Even though they haven't worked together much since Martinez arrived, they fell back into their old familiarity right away.

"I have an awareness of Josh, Josh has an awareness of me. Those things develop with time. Fortunately, I got to catch him two, three times, maybe 2-3 starts this spring. That was good. It's still about Josh, and he executed," Varitek said.

Most of the attention was paid to Varitek's offense tonight, with his two-homer display. Beckett said he was thrilled to see his batterymate do so well at the plate.

"He's got that C on his chest for a reason. He's one of our emotional leaders. To see him do well is important to all of us," Beckett said.

And as to whether they should work together full time?

"I don't make those decisions," Beckett said flatly.

You can read more from Mr. Barbarisi here.

Tek Stat:

-- Jason now has 1,234 career hits, moving him past Manny Ramirez(1,233) for 17th on the Red Sox' All-Time list. (16th is Duffy Lewis, 1,248).

-- Jason also has 2,081 total bases, moving him past Mo Vaughn (2,074) for 15th place (14th Frank Malzone, 2,123).

*Once again, thank you to my favorite...uh...Stat Nerds, Tim and Adriane!

Happy Birthday Jason!

April 11, 2010 - Contest Update (see below)

Today is Jason's 38th birthday and one lucky fan will receive a gift!

In honor of his birthday...

My 38th emailer will receive a Jason Varitek autographed MLB baseball with a Gold Glove engraving to commemorate his 2005 Gold Glove Award (the same year I started this site). The baseball is from Steiner Sports and comes complete with a COA - a $200.00 value.

However, before you email, please follow the two rules below:

1. Emails for the contest WILL NOT be accepted until 12 NOON ET and after (this gives fans in different time zones a chance to participate).

2. Please, one email per email address only (subsequent emails from the same address will be discounted).

*The winner will be notified later this afternoon and their name will be posted in an UPDATE.

Send emails to: erin@jason-varitek.com

Good Luck!

Update:

I have a winner...

Congratulations to Colleen Page of Millis, Massachusetts - she was my 38th emailer!!

Thank you to everyone who participated!

Also Today:

If you are looking for news from last night's game, see the update below (April 10th news)!

ESPN's Gordon Edes has a nice article/interview with Tek from last night here.

You can also check out the transcribed interview from WRKO with Jason after last night's game here.

*Thank you to Anna H. for the transcription!

Jason To Catch Beckett This Weekend...

April 10, 2010 - Game Update below

From Red Sox Beat Writer Ian Browne, at MLB.com:

With the Red Sox finally set to play more than two days in a row without an off-day, manager Terry Francona is ready to get his bench involved in the action. All four subs (Jason Varitek, Mike Lowell, Bill Hall and Jeremy Hermida) should get a start either Saturday or Sunday in Kansas City. For Friday's game, Francona went with his starting nine for the fourth consecutive game.

Though Francona isn't big on making his lineups out ahead of time, he did indicate that catcher and captain Jason Varitek is likely to make his first start of the season on Saturday night. Josh Beckett is making that start for Boston, and Varitek has always worked well with the Boston ace.

In 105 games with Varitek behind the plate, Beckett has a 3.77 ERA and a .239 opponents' batting average. Victor Martinez has caught the righty only four times, and in those games, Beckett has a 7.71 ERA and a .375 opponents' batting average.

To read the rest, click here.

Game Update:

Jason Hits Two Home Runs In Win Over Royals!

"My focus was obviously with Josh and what has to go one there, especially in this role. But it's nice to contribute (at the plate), absolutely. Both swings, I was able to get a good part of the bat on the ball. Fortunately, the ball was carrying a little to right and I was able to get them both out." -- Jason, after the game.

The Captain belted two of Boston's five homers in his first game of the season, and Josh Beckett got the better of Royals ace Zack Greinke in the Red Sox's 8-3 win in the middle installment of a three-game set.

Beckett cruised into the seventh before KC cut into its 4-1 deficit. After the first two hitters reached base, Yuniesky Betancourt grounded into a double play to score Jose Guillen, who led off with a double.

The Royals' David DeJesus later singled home Chris Getz with a two-out base hit for a 4-3 game, but the Royals bullpen failed to keep it close.

Youkilis sent a Dusty Hughes offering deep over the center field wall to open the eighth, and Varitek led off the ninth with his second homer of the game, a shot to right off Luis Mendoza.

Pedroia's two-run shot later in the inning accounted for the final margin.

A two-out rally in the home first gave the Royals an early lead. Alberto Callaspo doubled to start, and Ankiel followed a Billy Butler walk with an RBI single to right.

Greinke retired 10 of 11 heading to the fifth, but Hermida and Varitek sent back-to-back curveballs over the fence in right to put the Sox in front.

In the seventh, Greinke plunked Marco Scutaro with one away and Ellsbury chased the runner home with a double to the right-field gap. Pedroia's sacrifice fly made it 4-1, ending Greinke's outing.

Beckett, who had four strikeouts, entered the game with a 5-0 lifetime record and a 2.03 earned run average in seven starts against the Royals.

Jason finished the game 2-4 with 2 homeruns and a .500 average. He hit three homers at Kauffman Stadium back on May 20, 2001.

He did a quick post-game interview with WRKO-AM680 Radio and admitted to being a "nervous wreck" for tonight's game and trying to figure out a way to stay sharp is still "a work in progress". Jason said his daughters were at the game tonight and he was very glad they got to see him play - because they'd said they didn't think he was ever going to play!

To see photos from tonight's game, click here.

*Thank you to Anna H. for the heads-up on the WRKO interview!

Talkin' Tek Today...

April 7, 2010

From Terry Francona's phone-in interview on WEEI's Dale & Holley Show today:

Q: Is there too much made out of the connection between Jason Varitek and Josh Beckett? Do you think there is a connection right now between Victor Martinez and Josh Beckett?

Terry Francona: I think they have a good connection, but I think you are right. All of those things that we talked about with Tek all those years - they just don't go away because we bring in somebody else. But again, you make adjustments as you go, and you try to build relationships and things that you are talking about over the course of time. I don't think they can be as strong as a guy that has been here for years overnight, but we are certainly working on it.

Q: I'm not in your clubhouse, I wasn't there for spring training, but from afar it seems to me that Jason Varitek has handled this situation as professionally and as well as anybody could have dreamed. Is that accurate?

Terry Francona: I think it's very accurate. Some times what you see is not really what's happening - a guy will put on a good face, but he's been terrific. This is going to be good. The first 10 days of the season can be a little bit misleading because of the days off, especially with a catcher. But once we get into the grind of the season this will be a good thing for our team.

Q: Do you see him being someone's personal catcher or do you have another role for him?

Terry Francona: I'd rather not do that. I'd rather kind of get more of a...maybe a rest for Victor. The one thing Tek can do because he's caught everybody, with kind of the exception of Wake, is that he can handle all those guys. It's not like you've got a backup catcher and one of your top guys doesn't really want to throw to him. Who ever gets Tek it's going to be the same, so that's good. We will probably do it a little bit more just according to our schedule.

To listen to the entire interview, click here.

Quote of the Week:

"5.22 Boston's staff ERA last year when Victor Martinez, who caught 33 games, was behind the plate; over a full season it would have been the AL's worst. When Jason Varitek – this year's backup – caught (108 games), the ERA was 3.87, which would have tied for the league's best." -- April 5th issue of Sports Illustrated magazine, page 73.

*Thanks to Stan for the heads-up on the SI info!

Opening Day 2010

April 4, 2010

From Ian Browne at RedSox.com this evening:

For the first time since 1999, when Scott Hatteberg caught Pedro Martinez in Kansas City, somebody besides Jason Varitek was behind the plate in a Red Sox opener. The start, as expected, went to Victor Martinez, who will get the bulk of starts behind the plate this season.

When will Varitek get his first start? Typically, Red Sox manager Terry Francona can plot that stuff out a few days ahead of time. But it is more tricky this season, considering Boston has three off-days before its eighth game. Instead of Varitek catching a certain pitcher, he's more likely to be utilized for a day game after a night game, or when there are a ton of games in a row.

"If you're asking me when [Varitek] is going to catch, I don't know," Francona said. "It will be more conventional. Saying that, we have a lot of days off this week. You don't know if somebody takes a foul tip or something. We'll try to stay ahead of it. "One of the things, we talked to our guys about yesterday was trying to be patient early in the season, because up to this point, everyone has had their at-bats and has been on a schedule. Then the season starts, so you're balancing trying to keep the regulars sharp, and also not letting the guys that aren't playing sit too long. It's certainly a challenge."

To read the rest, click here.

During the Pre-Game events...

The Red Sox Captain received a big ovation from the crowd this evening when he was introduced during the Pre-Game ceremony.

He came out later to catch the first pitch from former Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez. Pedro seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself as he threw out that first pitch. He had a big smile on his face and waved to fans as he walked in from the outfield, and once on the mound jokingly shook off Jason once before throwing one high and inside for a strike.

To see video of Pedro's first pitch, click here.

To see larger versions of the photos above, click here (I'll add more if/when I find 'em!).

The "Still Evolving" Role

March 30, 2010

From Brian MacPherson's Sox blog at The Providence Journal this afternoon:

When Terry Francona thinks about how best to utilize Jason Varitek this season, he has three considerations in mind: 1. Resting Victor Martinez; 2. Maximizing Varitek's offensive production; 3. Matching him up with certain pitchers.

"It'd be nice when it works out with both, when it's a day game after a night game and Victor needs a rest and it's a pitcher that 'Tek has handled," Francona said. "That's probably going to be a little bit of good fortune."

What Francona likely will have to do will be to pick and choose his spots a little bit. Varitek probably will catch on April 10 when Beckett makes his second start, for example, so that Martinez can catch Clay Buchholz in a day game on April 11.

A week later, with Buchholz lined up to pitch a Saturday night game on April 17, Varitek probably will catch Jon Lester in a day game on April 18.

To read Mr. MacPherson's complete blog, click here.

To see a larger version of the photo above, click here.

Also Today:

Celebrities for Charities and Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys are sponsoring a raffle!

It's called, "The Dropkick Murphys from Landsdowne to Dublin" and you can purchase tickets at NetRaffle.com until April 12th at 11:00 AM.

Winner and guest will enjoy the following:

- Two tickets to the Dropkick Murphys Thursday April 22, 2010 concert at the Olympia Theater in Dublin, Ireland.

- A "Meet & Greet" with the Dropkick Murphys and both will receive an autographed copy of the Dropkick Murphys Live on Lansdowne DVD/CD.

- A three-night hotel stay at the Clarence Hotel (owned by U2’s Bono and the Edge) in Dublin Ireland (single room/double occupancy - check-in on Wednesday April 21, 2010 - Check-out Saturday April 24, 2010).

- A $2,500 allowance for airfare, ground transportation and meals.

Proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets support the Claddagh Fund.

To purchase your tickets, click here.

Also:

Congratulations to Steven R. King of Weymouth, Massachusetts! He was the winner of the "Jason Varitek Spring Training Raffle" last week.

*Thank you to Adam Benoit from Celebrities for Charity for the heads-up!

Tek In The April Issue Of "Boston Magazine"

March 27-28, 2010

"He keeps to himself. He intimidates his teammates. And yet, he's the most adored guy in town. As the last of the original Dirt Dogs stares down the twilight of his career, we ask: Why are we still so obsessed with Jason Varitek?"

From John Wolfson, from a feature in the April, 2010 issue of Boston Magazine entitled, "Our Guy: Jason Varitek":

Throughout the remarkable, upside-down baseball season of 2004, this city - the staid, sober Hub of the Universe - was represented on the baseball diamond by a traveling freak show.

The 2004 Boston Red Sox, in other words, were about the most fun most of us have ever had. So it's still odd to consider, five and a half years later, that standing at the center of that roaring pack was a disciplined, soft-spoken, no-nonsense, buzz-cutted catcher who seemed to have been yanked off a recruitment poster for the U.S. Marines.

Whether or not he looked the part, Jason Varitek was the heart of that team. The Sox wouldn't bestow the "C" until that off-season, but by then it was mere formality. After the World Series sweep, it was Varitek upon whom Schilling placed his hands and declared, "Ladies and gentlemen, here is the leader of the 2004 Boston Red Sox."

Schilling's statement could have been made in just about any year Varitek has been with the Sox. They've pretty much all been his teams. And that leadership, so commingled with the team's recent run of amazing success, has earned for him a degree of love and loyalty among Red Sox fans that has rarely been equaled. For 12 years now, Jason Varitek has been the rock, the leader, the line in the dirt that doesn't get crossed. It's difficult to communicate how much that toughness has meant to a fan base so traumatized that for nearly nine decades, it mistook its own pathetic neuroses for a kind of poetry.

All of which lends a special kind of irony to this new season. The roster this year overflows with "character" guys - quiet professionals who are always calm, always centered and stable. This team is built around pitching, defense, and a balanced offense. This team is built in the image of Jason Varitek. Yet, as the catcher enters his 13th season, there has never been a time when he's been less vital to the club's fortunes.

He's going to ride the pine this year. And of course, Red Sox fans could not care less. Jason Varitek is, was, and always will be The Captain. Tek. The center of the team. But why?

You'll have to read Mr. Wolfson's article* to have that answered!

Click here to continue!

(*may not be suitable for younger readers due to some language/content).

A More Traditional Back-up Role For Tek

March 26, 2010

From Sean McAdam's Red Sox Spring Training column this afternoon:

Francona confirmed that Jason Varitek will not be assigned as a personal catcher to a particular starter, but rather, will play based on matchups, rest and other variables.

"I would say [Varitek's playing time as a backup] will be more traditional," said Francona, "as opposed to [that]. It's something we thought about. I just don't know if it's to our advantage to do that because we have regular players at other positions and you're talking about taking [Victor Martinez's] bat out [of the lineup]; I don't know that will be the best way to go about it."

You can read the rest of Mr. McAdam's column here.

Today's spring training game update:

With the Captain behind the plate, Jon Lester pitched six strong innings in his fifth spring start on Friday, helping the Boston Red Sox beat a Toronto Blue Jays split-squad 3-2 on Friday.

Lester allowed two unearned runs and six hits, struck out five and walked two. Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima and Ramon Ramirez finished up with a scoreless inning apiece.

Tek and Josh Reddick had the only hits through eight innings before a three-run ninth, in which David Ortiz, Dusty Brown and Tug Hulett had RBI singles.

Tek continues to hold a .333 average (appropriately enough) this spring.

Lights, Camera, Action!

March 20, 2010

From the Boston Globe's Business section this morning:

The Red Sox and the New England Sports Network have teamed up to roll out a humorous ad campaign that shows how some players are off the field.

"The Nation Lives" campaign, which begins today and runs through the baseball season, will feature TV, print, and online ads starring David Ortiz, John Lackey, Jonathan Papelbon, Jason Varitek, and Tim Wakefield. The campaign, which has ads that show players poking fun at themselves, contrasts with the team’s previous marketing strategies that focused more on its traditions and victories.

In one of the new ads, a spirited New York Yankees fan walks into a barbershop and interrupts Ortiz, Wakefield, Papelbon, and Varitek as they wait for haircuts.

Another commercial features NESN play-by-play announcer Don Orsillo as he explains to Lackey how confusing Massachusetts roads (Route 128 and Interstate 95, for example) can be to a newcomer.

Those two spots are set to debut this afternoon during NESN’s broadcast of the Sox’ spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles. The commercials will air on the regional sports channel throughout the season as well as on local broadcast and cable stations.

To watch the commericials and behind-the-scenes footage, click here.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

Just Four More Days...

March 18, 2010

...to purchase raffle tickets for the 2010 Jason Varitek Spring Training Raffle!

From Celebrities for Charity:

Help Jason Varitek and Journey Forward in their efforts to improve the lives of those afflicted with spinal cord injuries, and, in return, you could win this great Red Sox Spring Training experience.

The winner will receive -

-- 2 tickets to the Boston Red Sox spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Field in Sarasota Florida (game time is 1:05pm).

-- 2 tickets to the March 28, 2010 game against the Minnesota Twins at Palms Park Field in Fort Myers, Florida (game Time is 1:05pm).

-- Dinner for you and a guest with Jason Varitek in Florida.

-- $1,500 for travel and other expenses.

Tickets start at just $2.00 each (minimum purchase of 5 tickets but decrease in price when you order more than 5 tickets).

Entry deadline for purchasing tickets: March 22, 2010 at 11:00 am.

The winner will be announced later that day!

*Now, while you must be 18 years of age, or older, to purchase a ticket, which the entrant will need to prove prior to being certified as the winner, CFC's ordering process and rules allow the entrant to 'gift' their tickets to another person, who may or may not be a minor.

For more information and to purchase your raffle tickets online, click here.

Tek: An eventful, but difficult day

March 16, 2010

From CSNNE's Joe Haggerty this afternoon:

Jason Varitek had a much more eventful second game back against the Houston Astros Tuesday afternoon, and handled it admirably considering all the things on his mind.

The 37-year-old backstop managed to grind through six innings of work behind the plate, gunned down a base runner, chased after a wild pitch and collected his first hit of the spring after lacing a double down the right-field line off Oswalt.

Varitek was also able to meet up with his family in nearby Orlando on Monday night before reporting to Osceola County Stadium for this afternoon's tilt against the Astros, and spent more time with his ill father, Joseph. Varitek's dad has been battling health problems since early in spring training, and the Sox captain left camp for a week to spend time with his ailing father before returning March 10.

The Sox catcher admitted that the baseball diamond is a bit of a safe haven for him as he tries to balance sharpening his professional skills with the fact his dad is battling to regain his health.

"Today was kind of [difficult], to be honest with you. I saw my dad last night and I'm going to see him again now after the game for a while before I drive back," said Varitek. "Everybody has been supportive and stuff, but it's my father so it's not an easy time.

"I try to [block out it] on the field. And I think he would want me to. There's still hope that he's able to get better. Right now it's all a little chaotic and we’re just trying to hope that he gets better."

Varitek credited the entire Red Sox organization with lending a huge supportive hand to the catcher during an obviously emotional time for his family, and said that he’s felt it from the top on down. It’s no surprise given Boston's well-deserved reputation for supporting the varied needs of their players through trying times, and Varitek’s connection with the Sox predates nearly everyone in the organization aside from Tim Wakefield.

The team is taking care of Varitek now after he’s done the same for them as far back as many can remember.

"Everybody from the beginning, from the top down," said Varitek. "I rushed out of [camp] and called Tuck. I immediately heard from Tito, John Farrell, Theo and Victor. Nobody else knew for a while and then I heard from everybody else. Everybody in the whole organization has just been supportive without knowing full details.

"I don't want to be secretive about it, but I just don't think my mom wants everybody knowing what's going on with my dad right now. We're just hoping and praying that he’s able to pull through."

To read Mr. Haggerty's column, click here.

Tek: Good To Be Playing Again

March 14, 2010

From The Republican's Ron Chimelis, in his column this afternoon:

Jason Varitek heard the first question, the one about how it felt to be out there for the first time, and smiled.

"First time? Well, the first time in 10 days," said the man who holds the all-time Boston Red Sox record for games caught.

For all his experience, Varitek was making his 2010 Grapefruit League debut Sunday. He was catching against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Fla., after missing part of spring training to be with his ill father.

Varitek, who turns 38 in April, will probably catch again Tuesday, when Jon Lester faces Houston in Kissimmee, Fla.

He may also go down to the Red Sox minor league complex and play a game or two to get more at-bats.

"It was good to be playing again, after all that's been going on."

He was hit by a pitch in the fourth.

Having had his two planned at-bats, Varitek left for a pinch-runner. He was not hurt.

"It hit me pretty good, on the forearm, but in the right place," he said.

Varitek's debut was made more complicated when scheduled starter Josh Beckett was scratched due to illness. Beckett's condition is not serious, but it meant Ryne Miller, a minor leaguer barely known to Varitek, got the starting nod instead.

"It's a little tough, because not only are you getting your body acclimated, you're trying to figure things out - not just for yourself, but on the mound."

Varitek was clearly happy to be thinking and playing baseball again, though.

"The first inning was a little longer than we'd wanted, and the fourth inning was a little longer, too. It's tough in the short run, but in the long run, that was probably good for me, he said.

To see a larger version of the photo above, click here.

"Varitek Is A Valued Backup"

March 12, 2010

From The Republican's Ron Chimelis, in his column this afternoon:

The new starter and the old starter crossed paths in the clubhouse, as they walked toward the Red Sox batting cages at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Fla.

Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek paused to share a mutually offered, impromptu fist bump. That moment should erase any questions of whether Varitek can handle the fact that Martinez is the team's No. 1 catcher now.

Martinez arrived from Cleveland July 31 last season, in time to beat the trade deadline and give Varitek, whose performance was showing the ravages of time, some relief.

This year, the dynamics are different, and everyone knows it. Varitek is a valued backup, the brainiest No. 2 catcher in the game.

Varitek will always be a mentor, for as long as he's with the team.

Varitek has been known as a defensive catcher first and foremost. It's a tag he encourages, and wears with pride.

He has been credited by veterans and rookies alike. Especially with younger pitchers, though, Varitek has been a security blanket, a catcher who can remove the pressure of pitch selection and strategy, and let unseasoned hurlers focus on the execution of throwing well.

Martinez is a somewhat different story; at least that's what his reputation has been....

To read the rest, click here.

To see a larger version of Kelly O'Connor's photo, click here.

Nomar Retires As A Member of The Red Sox!

March 10, 2010

"I mean, selfishly I'd have liked to have gotten to see him play some games in this uniform again. But you know, it's nice to see in his case, the right thing is being done." -- Jason, on the retirement of his friend and former teammate.

From the Boston Globe's Peter Abraham this afternoon:

Nomar Garciaparra, who for the better part of seven years was the face of the franchise before his shocking trade in 2004, has come home to the Red Sox.

At his request, the Red Sox today signed the 36-year-old to a minor-league contract at which point he announced his retirement from baseball during a press conference held at City of Palms Park.

Garciaparra, wearing his old No. 5 jersey, threw out the first pitch before today's Rays-Red Sox exhibition game at the Park. When the announcement of his decision was made, Garciaparra received a thunderous ovation from the sellout crowd.

The current players lined the top step of the dugout and applauded as well. Jason Varitek, Garciaparra's teammate at Georgia Tech and with the Sox, caught the pitch and the two embraced in front of the plate.

"I know his heart has been here since he left," Varitek said."He was a Red Sox and always has been."

To read the rest, click here.

To see a larger version of the photo above (and more!), click here, second row!

To see a photo from today's ceremony, click here.

He will join ESPN as a baseball analyst! Congratulations to Nomar!

Also Today:

From WEEI -

While talking to the media regarding Nomar Garciaparra's retirement, Jason Varitek divulged that his recent absence has been because of his father's illness. Varitek, who left the Red Sox' camp late last week, didn't get into particulars regarding what the medical issue was.

"It's my dad so I'm not going to say I'm here for good," Varitek explained. "As far as extended period, I have no idea. I knew I had to come back, get outside a little bit, kind of get refreshed, and get back to work a little bit and make sure the family's stable, which is most important.

"It's a weird feeling. It's just a different feeling. I was tired today. It's been a stressful, straining week, five to six days. Guys have been great. I had a ton of text messages from Theo down to Tito and all my teammates. Family has been great. Friend support in the area has been awesome. I'm just very thankful that so many people reached out."

Tuesday: Talkin' Tek

March 9, 2010

"I don't know if it's blown out of proportion because the number is there and I'll say it in front of Vic: I like throwing to Jason Varitek. It doesn't mean I don’t like throwing to Vic. There's got to be some transition there." -- Josh Beckett, in an interview featured on WEEI.

From the column of WEEI's Alex Speier today:

Josh Beckett threw three perfect innings against the Cardinals on Monday, yet that performance seemed almost secondary to the identity of the man who was behind the plate to receive the 29-year-old’s pitches. Beckett spent the day working with Victor Martinez, and pronounced afterwards that he has achieved something in the vicinity of a 7-of-10 in terms of comfort level with the catcher who came to Boston at last year’s trade deadline, and who will now serve as the everyday catcher for the Sox in 2010.

Beckett explained that there is a necessary transition phase as he begins to work with someone other than Jason Varitek. Yet while opponents had a 1.021 OPS off of Beckett in three starts with Martinez behind the plate, compared to a svelte .625 mark when he threw to Varitek, Beckett made two things clear:

1. He likes throwing to Varitek because of the comfort that the two have built.

2. He doesn't dislike throwing to Martinez.

"I do like throwing to Jason Varitek, and I'm not ashamed to say that. He has helped me so much throughout the years just throwing to him," Beckett said. "That doesn't mean I don't like throwing to Victor. I think Victor does great. Somebody asked me after a bad start that Vic caught me and I said, 'Damn, if you’re blaming him for me pitching like (crap) I'll tell you right now he's got a pretty good answer for you and that's, 'I've caught two Cy Youngs in two years.' Maybe it's the Indian [and] not the arrow.

And from an article by WEEI's Rob Bradford today:

John Farrell summed it up succinctly.

"They're different people," said the Red Sox pitching coach, "and different personalities."

Not better or worse, just different.

As Farrell articulates, while Varitek and Martinez share more than a few similarities — especially when it comes to taking pride in their craft — the separation between the two can be found in how they get through a game.

"I would say we’re like a seven right now," said Beckett when asked to rate where he was with Martinez on a scale of 1-10.

Beckett explained that he isn't one to obsess over scouting reports, whereas Varitek consumes the information with a thoroughness perhaps unlike any other catcher in the big leagues. It is because of that the pitcher is able to concentrate more on the feel of his pitches, rather than the particulars that might be assigned to each hitter.

To read more, click here.

There is no comparison for former backup catcher Kevin Cash...

From an article on MLB.com:

With former Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills taking over as Astros manager and the team lacking a veteran catching presence other than Humberto Quintero, Cash signed a Minor League deal with Houston.

"The last two years, I had gone to places where you had Jason Varitek [in Boston] and Jorge Posada [in New York], who were pretty established veteran catchers. Not to take anything away from these guys here, but there's nobody quite at that level in their career. I looked at it as a good chance to show I'm healthy and make the most of it."

The experience of spending time around Varitek and Posada was invaluable to Cash, and he hopes to be able to mentor Castro and Towles as well. For now, he's just looking forward to life outside of the AL East.

To read the rest, click here.

Update On The Spring Issue Of The 2010 Red Sox Magazine

March 1, 2010

The first edition of Red Sox magazine for the 2010 season featuring Jason and Victor Martinez on the cover is now available!

The two catchers posed for their upcoming cover during a photo shoot in Fort Myers last weekend (see February 21st news below).

The duo is also the topic of a story entitled, "Call Two Arms - Tek and Victor command the staff".

The issue will include a story on the new faces on this year's club, an interview with first-base coach Ron Johnson, a trip down memory lane to spring training 1975 with the eventual American League champion squad and an article on Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees' connection to Ted Williams.

You can see a sample of the issue, watch a video from the cover shoot, and order the magazine here.

Again, you can "catch" a couple of captures here.

The Scott Dunham Collection

February 28, 2010

Amateur photographer and diehard Red Sox fan Scott Dunham sent an email today along with a collection of his beautiful photography:

"Just wanted to say that I came across your website and really enjoy it. Jason has been my favorite player for years and you've really done a nice job putting together a website that really captures his accomplishments over the years, as well as the respect that his peers have for him. Thanks again and keep up the great work!"

After checking out his incredible photographs, I decided I couldn't select just a couple!

Instead, I started a separate album on the site's gallery specifically for Scott's photos.

You can see his collection here. Enjoy!

*Scott, thank you so much for sharing them!

And speaking of fine photography...

Today was "Photo Day" in Fort Myers! You can see the results here.

Catching Up With The Captain

February 27, 2010

Jason sat down for an interview with NESN's Heidi Watney during "Red Sox Spring Break" this morning. Here are some of the highlights -

On Coach Tuck's comments yesterday (see yesterday's news below) suggesting he could play 4-5 more years:

Jason: "I don't really know, but I'm not going to cut it off and say I can't. I'd like to play as long as my body and my abilities allow me to."

What is "Camp Tuck" like?

Jason: "It's fun. Early on in your minor league career you get a lot of work [in], then you come in to the big leagues and you sometimes tend to not get enough work. We are constantly doing things with Tuck, trying to refine little things to make big changes. He constantly has us busy and it results in a group of catchers that ends up with a bond by the end of Spring."

Once again, he is asked about the difficulty of taking on the backup role:

Jason: "I think I've had plenty of time to get used to that role before I got here. I got used to it pretty much last year, it just kinda happened that way. Now, it's about trying to get ready, trying to get better, and if I'm able to do that then I can help Victor as much as possible."

On the importance of Victor working with Gary Tuck:

Jason: "I think it's tremendous. You don't always necessarily have somebody that's going to be there on a day-to-day basis to push you, pat you on the back, or to make changes when you need it. Changes don't happen overnight in our position. Things we can work on now, you might not see the results 'til mid-season, and some you can see in the first game of spring training. So many things take time and to have a guy like Tuck there, whether it be pitch selection, or game situations or a reminder that "hey, we didn't back up first"...he's always there to support us for both the good and for the bad, but always in a positive way."

Comments that Yankees catcher Jorge Posada made to Peter Gammons last week about Tek are brought up. Posada said that he believes Tek will play more than people expect because of his leadership skills and ability. Tek is then asked how much he thinks he will play:

Jason: "I don't know. I really don't know. I will be prepare to play as much as they need me to, which would be the same route as preparing for every day. But that's...I'm probably 99% sure that's not going to happen. You know, you just have to be ready. In this game you never know what [may] happen, and when the time comes where you're needed more often."

On how he feels coming into this season after the injuries he dealt with last season, which were kept quiet from the public (including the bulging disk in his neck, the broken toe, the shoulder and the constant wear and tear on his body):

Jason: "Much better (laughs). I was able to get the strength back in my left shoulder which allows me more mobility. My neck has calmed down, which will be an on-going issue - making sure it doesn't flare up, and time heals a broken toe. Those things you have to deal with when you have to do what you do back behind the plate and [dealing with it] allows you the chance to be back there everyday. That has been the most important thing over my career is I have been able to make sure I'm dependable out on the field."

You can check NESN's video page here later today for video of the entire interview.

You can also check out the Spring Training coverage in a new screen capture album here.

Also Today:

From ESPN's Gordon Edes this evening:

The contract is due to end this year. The desire to play remains strong.

Turns out that was anything but idle chatter, bullpen coach Gary Tuck's remark Friday that catcher Jason Varitek is capable of playing four or five more seasons.

"I've defied odds before," Varitek said Saturday morning when Tuck's comments were relayed to him. "You never know."

There was even less ambiguity in his answer when asked if he wanted to extend his career as far as it would go.

"Absolutely," he said, and in case his questioner wasn't paying attention, he repeated, "Absolutely."

Varitek turns 38 on April 11. Only one catcher, Carlton Fisk, has caught as many as 50 games past the age of 42. The Hall of Famer retired at the age of 45.

Could Varitek see himself lasting as long as Fisk?

"Let's get to 40 first," he said. "Get through this, see how things change for me, see how my health will be. When I'm healthy and keep my strength, some things can be good. There are things that are not in my control, but as long as I'm healthy ..."

But it has always been part of Varitek's credo to play through injuries, and say little about them. When he undergoes his team physical, Sox doctors don't look for what body parts hurt … they try to find one that has been spared through the course of 1,381 games spent behind the plate, all but 100 as a starter.

"I may need one of their [medical] charts," Varitek joked when asked if he would enumerate all of his injuries after he retires. "'Oh yeah, I remember that one.'

"But that's part of what you do. Bob Boone used to say, 'The more I'm out there, even when I'm hurt, the better I can service the team.' Didn't he say something like that?

"I can't tell you in the course of your career how many times, whether you're sick or something and you shouldn't be out there and all of a sudden, boom, one swing of the bat, three-run home run, you won that game. Or you're part of a play at the plate, or the guy [you're catching] throws a shutout. It's being out there."

Dependability may be the virtue Varitek prizes above all.

"Dependability aids in what I do best, game-planning and calling games," he said. "If you're not dependable on that end, or you transfer your offense into your defense, guys know. You can't trick your teammates. You can't.

"But that's part of what I believed in. Being able to go out there sometimes may have [hurt the statistics]. But you're out there, you're dependable."

Varitek is not making playing time an issue, nor will he.

"He's a good boy, he's a good man," Varitek says of Martinez. "I want to make sure he knows I'm his teammate and I'm here to help whatever way I can."

To read Mr. Edes full column, click here.

*Thanks to Sterling for "catching" this one!

Coach Tuck on Tek: Tek Can Catch 4-5 More Years

February 26, 2010

From the column of ESPN's Gordon Edes this afternoon:

Only one player in major league history has caught as many as 50 games past the age of 42. That would be the indestructible Carlton Fisk, who at age 43 appeared behind the plate in 106 games for the Chicago White Sox, starting 91 of them, caught in 54 more at age 44, and caught an additional 25 before retiring at the age of 45.

Red Sox bullpen coach and catching instructor Gary Tuck believes there can be another.

"I think Jason Varitek can catch as long as he wants to catch,'' Tuck said here Friday of the catcher who turns 38 on April 11. "I think his body will hold up to that. Obviously, there's the shape he gets himself in, and in the [backup] role he is in now with Victor [Martinez] here, I think he can catch at least four, five more years.

"His game hasn't really slowed down. It's the wear and tear of the physical that has affected him along the way. The formula for him this year is to stay strong and healthy. You've got a pretty irreplaceable guy there. No one has the same experience. Only one other guy sticks out, and that's Jorge [Posada]."

When the day comes that Varitek decides to retire, Tuck said, there would be a place for him in the game if he chose to stay.

"I think he could manage in the major leagues," Tuck said. "He obviously could coach. He's a great communicator and he's organized. And he's had the luxury of being taught by the best the last three years. That's what I tell him every day."

To read Mr. Edes complete blog, click here.

Tito Talks Tek...

February 24, 2010

Among the topics discussed during manager Terry Francona's guest appearance on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Show this morning was the team captain:

On whether the discussion with Jason about the change in his role was at all uncomfortable?

Francona: "Last year was tough for Jason. You're the captain, you're playing. Regardless of what kind of success he was having or wasn't having, he's got a responsibility with our team and Victor kind of took over a lot of that. So we had some, not uncomfortable, but sensitive...you know sometimes guys don't want to hear things you have to say. That's just the way it is. But he made the decision to come back and he knew pretty much what his situation was going to be.

"He's actually been great. I think he is in a pretty good place and I think he is situated to do better than he has in the past because he won't get beat up physically. The first couple of months he is always good and we ask too much of him and it wears him down."

How many games we can expect to see Jason play, and how much of an impact is he expected to have with the pitching staff?

Francona: "Well, that will be a lot. Regardless of how much he plays, that will be a ton and it needs to be, because it's important. He was good with Victor last year, as was John Farrell.

"I can't put a number on it because you just don't know. If somebody went down — if Youk went down and Vic needed to play first, that changes things. There are a lot of things that can happen to change things. We do want Victor to be our catcher but it will probably be a little bit easier to have a more normal...you know rather than 'Doug Mirabelli catching Wake'. That was something we always did in the past, but we've taken Tek probably too far some times, because we don't want to give him three days off in a row or Wake is following a day game after a night game, so this is probably a little bit easier."

To listen to Terry Francona's entire interview, click here.

Tek On TV Last Night...

February 22, 2010

The Captain was a guest on Comcast Sports Net last night with host Chris Collins.

After an excellent interview, he was asked five questions, but could only give one-word answers during their "SportsNet Central's Five Questions" segment.

You can read and watch this enjoyable interview here.

Tek On The Radio Today...

February 22, 2010

Jason was a guest on WEEI's Dale & Holley Show this afternoon.

He called in to the show to talk about his new role on the team, the pitching staff, wearing the "C", and spring training in general.

He also talked about his raffle sponsored by Celebrities for Charities which will benefit the Journey Forward Foundation (see February 20th news post below for more info on the raffle).

To listen to his interview, click here.

Cover Boys

February 21, 2010

Jason and Victor Martinez will grace the cover of Red Sox Magazine's 2010 Spring Training Issue.

The two catchers posed for their upcoming cover during a photo shoot in Fort Myers this weekend.

NESN's Red Sox Report crew was on hand to capture the shoot.

If you missed tonight's episode of the Red Sox Report, you can check it out again on Monday, February 22nd at 5:30pm and again at 7:00 pm; and on Tuesday, February 23rd at 7:00 pm.

You can subscribe to Red Sox Magazine here.

You can "catch" a couple of captures here.

The 2010 Jason Varitek Spring Training Raffle

February 20, 2010

From Celebrities for Charity today:

Help Jason Varitek and Journey Forward in their efforts to improve the lives of those afflicted with spinal cord injuries, and, in return, you could win this great Red Sox Spring Training experience.

The winner will receive -

-- 2 tickets to the Boston Red Sox spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Field in Sarasota Florida (game time is 1:05pm).

-- 2 tickets to the March 28, 2010 game against the Minnesota Twins at Palms Park Field in Fort Myers, Florida (game Time is 1:05pm).

-- Dinner for you and a guest with Jason Varitek in Florida.

-- $1,500 for travel and other expenses.

Tickets start at just $2.00 each (minimum purchase of 5 tickets but decrease in price when you order more than 5 tickets).

Entry deadline for purchasing tickets: March 22, 2010 at 11:00 am.

The winner will be announced later that day!

*Now, while you must be 18 years of age, or older, to purchase a ticket, which the entrant will need to prove prior to being certified as the winner, CFC's ordering process and rules allow the entrant to 'gift' their tickets to another person, who may or may not be a minor.

For more information and to purchase your raffle tickets online, click here.

Also Today:

Jason anwered a few questions from the media this afternoon...

On his new role -

"For the most part, I’m here to support Vic [Martinez] as much as possible and take the load off him when he needs it."

On the transition from starter to backup -

"I think for me it happened the last two months of the season last year, so this isn’t necessarily new for me. Is it different? Of course, it’s different, but I think in that role, it was last year toward the end that probably got me prepared for this."

On his playing time -

"From my point of view they want to evaluate, see what's going on, they're not making any decisions now. I have to continue to go out there and work hard and fight for a job."

On his role as the team captain this season -

“Sometimes I get caught up in the grind and tend to be a little quieter; I'm just trying to conserve energy and stuff. Maybe this will open up more communication with Tito and my teammates. Any way I can help. I'll do the things I can to help, use my eyes, use my knowledge, my game vision to help any way I can."

On what he expects as the back-up -

"The biggest asset I've always had was dependability out there, is to be able to be out there and whatever goes on, whether you're hitting well or not hitting well, things are going well as a team, or not, they depend on me to be out there. So that part's going to be different. How that transfers over early on, not taking a beating, not playing every night game, day game. I don't know. I might be a little bored, that might be a good thing, we'll see."

On whether he still sees himself as an "everyday" catcher -

"I just look at myself as a catcher. I don't know any other way to do it. How it all pans out, I don't really know. You try to get through spring training healthy, try and get better, and work on the entire game, and if that's the case, and if there's a question in the end, it means our team's pretty good."

On how many more years he expects to play -

"I don't know. Ask me at the end of this one."

You can watch video of some of his interview here.

Excerpts of his interview from ESPN and the Boston Globe.

And:

Check out the latest Extra Bases blog of the Boston Globe's Peter Abraham on the growing relationship between Tek and Victor Martinez from his perspective.

Click here to read it.

NESN has a video available from the catchers workout this morning along with analysis from Peter Gammons.

To view it, click here.

Quotes of the Day:

"Jason Varitek looks bigger than I've seen him the last two years, and that's a good thing. Not that Tek was ever 'small', but the last two years he looked a lot leaner, which may have contributed to his second-half drop-offs. He's 10 pounds heavier but still remains at 8-9 percent body fat. He was sporting red contact lenses on Friday. I need to get the scoop on that one. -- From the blog of Lou Merloni on WEEI this morning.

"I think Tek is kind of a special guy. I think he's certainly earned that right to wear that 'C' and if his playing time changes a little bit, I don't see his role diminishing ever, [in terms of] what he can bring to a team, even when he's not in the lineup. He's a very strong influence on our team and he always will be." -- Terry Francona, during his conversation with the media today.

You can find the latest spring training photos here.

Talkin' Tek Today

February 18, 2010

Pitchers and catchers reported to spring training and the uh...big, exciting news of the day was...

According to the Boston Globe's Peter Abraham, Jason reported to the minor league facility in Fort Myers, but did not make an appearance.

And moving right along...

From Don Orsillo's mailbag column at NESN.com:

Q: "How many games do you think Jason Varitek will catch this season?"

Mr. Orsillo: "More than the average backup catcher and certainly more than we have seen Doug Mirabelli, George Kottaras or Kevin Cash catch over the past few years. My guess is in the 50 to 60 game range.

"I think we will see him in the normal backup role in day games after night games, and he could make a start once or twice a week. What we do not know at this stage is whether, like in the past few years, he will be matched up with one particular starter, giving him the opportunity to plan on a regular start. Obviously, that situation was created because of the unusual nature of Wakefield's knuckleball. We also know that Victor Martinez can catch Wakefield, and Varitek has not in a really long time. Whether the 37-year-old will catch another starter on a regular basis remains to be seen."

To read the rest of his mailbag column, click here.

From NESN's Spring Break Special that aired live from Fort Myers this evening:

During a discussion about Victor Martinez and his continuing familiarity with the Sox pitching staff, guest host Peter Gammons said that Martinez told him last season, "I can't believe how generous Jason Varitek is." Gammons said that Jason spent as much time working with Victor last season as he does with his new pitchers.

When asked how much playing time he thought Varitek would see, Gammons said he believed Jason will "play a lot more than people think" because he was fourth in the AL for catchers last season with an OPS of over .800 when batting against left-handed pitching.

NESN will have live coverage of spring training throughout the coming weeks. To see the schedule, click here.

Also Today:

The 2010 Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament will take place on Thursday, July 1, 2010.

I will post more information and links to participate and purchase tickets as soon as they become available.

Quote of the Day:

"I'm going to be with Jason. He's a great guy, great man. That's why he is the captain. That's a guy that really makes a big difference for me in this clubhouse and on this team." -- Victor Martinez, to reporters gathered around his locker yesterday in Fort Myers.

You can find the latest spring training photos here.

The "Glue Guys"

February 15, 2010

From the NESN.com blog of Scott McLaughlin this morning:

A July 2009 article in the Wall Street Journal defined "glue guys" as "the players whose oft-overlooked performance quietly holds teams together -- and without which, presumably, the team would fall apart."

Not every team in baseball has a glue guy, but most of the good ones do.

The Red Sox are also fortunate enough to have two glue guys -- Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield. They may not be stars like Jeter, Howard or Utley, and they may not even see regular playing time this season, but their leadership will go a long way in determining how much success the Sox have in 2010.

Besides just being good guys to have around the clubhouse, the biggest way Varitek and Wakefield will help the Red Sox is by showing the rest of the club what it means to be a team player. They'll do whatever it takes to help the team win, and they won't complain about their personal playing time.

Why? Neither guy is interested in playing anywhere other than Boston or in wearing anything other than a Red Sox jersey.

Phrases like "calls a good game" and "handles a pitching staff well" have almost become cliché when talking about Varitek, but those qualities are hard to overlook when coaches and pitchers alike continue to praise his prowess.

Although he may not be calling as many games behind the plate this season, he can still help prepare the staff for each day's opponent and he can help teach Martinez how to make better in-game decisions. You'll see a lot of cutaways of Varitek talking to Martinez in the dugout between innings.

Varitek and Wakefield may not put up huge numbers this season, and they may not garner much national attention. But these glue guys will definitely play a big role in bringing and holding this year's Red Sox team together.

To read Mr. McLaughlin's entire blog, click here.

To see a larger version of the photo above, click here.

Also Today:

From an article/interview on Victor Martinez that appeared in the Boston Herald this morning:

Martinez understands that for the first time since 1999, Jason Varitek [stats] will not enter the season as the Sox’ full-time catcher. Martinez said he has nothing but total respect for the way Varitek welcomed him when he joined the club last summer.

"He was generous," Martinez said. "To be honest again, I never thought that he was going to be that helpful for me. I started taking a little more of his playing time, little by little.

"I got more comfortable with the pitching staff because of him. He was a guy who came to me and said, 'If this guy struggles, call this pitch, that will relax him a little bit.' Man, he was great."

To read the rest of Mr. Silverman's article/interview, click here.

To see a larger version of the photo above, click here.

And:

The 2010 Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament

A "little birdie" told me that the 2010 Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament will be held Thursday, July 1st.

When I get confirmation from the Celebrities for Charities organization, I will post more information!

Red Sox Children's Hospital Celebrity Golf Classic

February 5-12, 2010 (UPDATE - SEE BELOW)

On Friday, February 26th, the Boston Red Sox will once again lend their time and talents to raise awareness and funds for The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.

The tournament will take place on the championship golf courses of The Forest Country Club in Fort Myers. Individual golf slots are available for $300 per player.

The Sox "Tee Party" will be held at the Country Club on Thursday, February 25th from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are just $35.

The "Tee Party" allows guests to enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and to bid on sports memorabilia items, trips, game tickets and restaurant gift certificates. This year's live auction will include travel and ticket packages to top-notch sporting events including The Masters at Augusta, the opportunity to watch a Red Sox game from the celebrated "Green Monster" seats and the chance to sit atop TD Bank Garden in the "Chairman's Suite" to watch the Celtics vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder. Other featured packages include a luxury cruise and a trip to see a taping of the popular Rachael Ray Show in New York City.

The final celebrity player list for the tournament will not be released until the day before the tournament, but past participants have included fan favorites Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jonathan Papelbon and Red Sox legend Luis Tiant.

To participate in The Boston Red Sox Children's Hospital Celebrity Classic, or to purchase tickets to the "Tee-Party":

Send an e-mail to BostonGolf@LeeMemorial.org or...

Call the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation office at 239-985-3550.

Speaking of golf tournaments....

I have added a few more photos from the 2009 David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic here.

Catch Tek's Workout...

January 25, 2010 - February 1, 2010 - Update (see below)

You can check out a behind-the-scenes video of Tek's offseason workout and nutrition routine with his trainer and personal assistant, Leslie Eddins at RedSox.com!

The video was shot at Tek's home near Atlanta.

Click on the site's video library here to view. **

The segment is also featured on the latest episode of NESN's Red Sox Report, which re-airs tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan 26th) at 5:00pm & 10:30pm, and on Wednesday (Jan 27th) at 9:30pm.

For other dates and times for the Red Sox Report, click here.

*Thank you to Luann for the heads-up on the video!

**If the featured video changes, just type in "Varitek" in the video search to locate.

UPDATE: The segment can also be seen on NESN's Red Sox Hot Stove on Monday, February 1st at 10:30 pm and Tuesday, February 2nd at 1pm and again at 5:30pm.

"I'm Going To Play Hard And Go Out And Do My Job"

January 20, 2010

From Jason's phone interview with CSNNE's Chris Collins last night:

On whether it's been hard to accept his new role as a back-up -

"I already had to kind of accept it last year. I think the last two months I didn't really play very much. So you know, it is what it is. I have to do the things I have to do to help this team win."

On whether it was difficult to adjust to playing a total of 28 games during the last two months of the season -

"No. I think initally you go through the adjustments, but it's understandable. At that time we were making our team click. We needed an extra bat in the lineup, and David [Ortiz] started swinging the bat really well, and we had to put the best lineup out there."

On whether there have been any "promises" or conversations about the amount of games he will catch this season -

"No. Things have been quiet. They tend to leave me alone and allow me to prepare and get ready for the season. I'll be prepared to handle more than I'll probably end up playing...but we'll get into more finite roles and those type of things when we actually get started. "

On whether fans can expect to see him come in as a late-inning replacement, and whether that would sit well with him -

"I have no idea what the role is at this point. It's not my job to decide what the role is. It's my job to prepare and be prepared. It's Tito's and Theo's job to decide what roles we all fall into."

On his relationship with both Terry Francona and Theo Epstein "these days" -

"It's the same as it's always been. I mean it doesn't change because your team gets better with an added player. It hasn't changed."

On whether he thinks Victor Martinez is ready to assume the duties of an everyday catcher -

"Whether he's catching, playing first base, DHing, catching 140 games, or whatever he ends up doing, he IS extremely valuable...if he can stick it out and grind it out back there then we'll be just fine."

On how much he will help Victor Martinez this season -

"We laid an extreme amount of that groundwork last year. Whatever way I could help I was going to help. Whether it be just little things -- from discussing things to being a good teammate, a teammate that plays the same position -- in any way that I can help, I will."

On whether he still feels that he has the same "voice" as the Captain of the team even though he is no longer a starting player -

"(laughing) I think my voice now goes to complete mute. And, um, you all of a sudden go from a level of respect to absolutely none at all."

Mr. Collins laughs nervously at Jason's answer, as if he doesn't know what to say to that, but then Jason finally let's him off the hook -

"I'm being sarcastic! (starts laughing again). You know, whether I have a decal on my jersey or not, I'll handle my business the same way. I will be a good teammate. I'm going to play hard and go out and do my job. Does that change all of a sudden now that I'm not playing 4 out of 5, or 9 out of 10? Does that all of sudden change? I'd be shooting myself in the foot if it did."

On whether he's stil looking forward to the season given his new role as a backup -

"You know, this could be a good change for me physically and mentally. And it could cut down on the number of 'dog days'. It could bode well for me and even extend my career."

On whether he thinks being more "rested" will help him with his hitting -

"I honestly don't know (laughs). I'm going to try and be good. that's all I know. I don't know what difference it's going to make. I'm not going to put expectations on myself because of the different role. I'm going to be prepared and give what I have."

On Jonathan Papelbon as the Red Sox closer (and his new deal) -

"We've seen it around there, when you don't have a means to an end, when you don't have somebody to lean on to be your closer. It sets the bullpen up for putting people, before that, in the right situations to allow them just to get to Pap. Just to get to somebody and to be able to handle that is special in itself. We wouldn't have won a championship and been parts of another and been in playoffs if it wasn't for Pap. It's extremely well deserved on his part and he's been a valuable teammate of mine for a long time."

On what he sees in Daniel Bard's future -

"I think Bard has a chance to be a great pitcher for our team and for this organization, period. What role, we don't know. He's still developing, he's still going to get better. If he ends up throwing harder - that will be utterly amazing. He's a great young man and he's a pleasure to play with."

On the "run prevention" philosphy of Terry Francona and Theo Epstein this off-season -

"I think our pitching staff got better. Definitely. You add Lackey into that and you give us a rotation that has our youth with another year of experience, and then you have a horse like Beckett...that's going to win you games in the long haul. Then you have a means to the end with Pap? That's what going to win you lots of games. If you're not going to beat somebody 15-12, you better be able to beat them, 2-1."

On how his workouts are going with spring training right around the corner -

"They are going great. I've had a very productive winter, was able to get things started early in November and I've just been plugging along, being a dad, doing my training and getting ready for the next one."

On how many more years he has "in him" -

"Ah, we'll see after this year. I was able to get further in my training earlier because I had a little less playing time late so I was able to recover quicker. I don't know, we'll see how the body adapts and maybe this will be a good thing for me and I can play another ten..."

On whether he could see himself playing in another uniform -

"I would think that would be something that is completely out of my hands. Which is part of why I am where I'm at because I wanted to do everything I could possibly do in my negotiations to allow me to continue to wear that uniform. It might not be my choice before long."

(the above was transcribed by me as accurately as possible from the interview)

A Look Back At Those No-Hitters

January 16, 2010

From Jeffrey Brown, of the popular Red Sox blog Soxfan1 in his series "The Red Sox Top 20 Games from 2000-2009, Parts I & II" :

No Red Sox pitcher had thrown a no-hitter in more than 35 years, yet in the first ten years of the 21st century four BoSox hurlers accomplished the feat. All of the games were caught by Jason Varitek, who became the first backstop in history to catch that many no-hitters. After Nomo’s gem, he declared that it was "a catcher's dream" to be behind the plate for a no-hitter.

Amazingly, he did it FOUR times in the just-concluded decade.

In his Red Sox debut on Apr. 4, 2001, RHP Hideo Nomo shut the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards in a 3-0 victory, striking out 11 hitters and walking 3 in the game.

On Apr. 27, 2002, sinkerballer Derek Lowe threw the first no-no at Fenway Park since Dave Morehead no-hit the Cleveland Indians on Sept. 16, 1965. Lowe beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 10-0, allowing only one base-runner (a third inning walk).

In his second major league start, Clay Buchholz threw a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 1, 2007, at Fenway Park. He became only the third pitcher since 1900 to throw a no-no in his first or second big league start (Bobo Hollomon threw one in his St Louis Browns debut in 1953 and Wilson Alvarez turned the trick in his second start for the Chicago White Sox in 1991).

On May 19, 2008, Jon Lester threw the 18th no-hitter in Red Sox history when he beat the Kansas City Royals, 7-0, in a 130-pitch effort at Fenway Park. After the game, the southpaw said: "If you all saw my bullpen today, you would have thought I wouldn't have gotten out of the first inning."

He owed some of the credit for the feat to center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who made a diving catch to rob Jose Guillen of a base hit in the fourth inning.

If you'd like to check out the rest of Mr. Brown's list and read his other entries? Click here.

If you'd like to read more about the No-Hitters, click here, here, here, and here.

*Thank you to Mr. Brown for allowing me to re-post from his blog!

Quote of the Weekend:

"Have to believe that Jason Varitek may enjoy the season a bit more knowing his body won't be crushed all season long. I don't think fans realize just what he went through on a daily basis to play every day the past few years." -- From the blog "Hit and Run" by WBZ-TV sportswriter Dan Roche.

John Farrell On Tek's New Role

January 13, 2010

From an article by MLB.com's Ian Browne today:

For the first time in more than a decade, the Red Sox will arrive in Fort Myers, Fla., with someone other than Jason Varitek slotted as the starting catcher.

It is a situation Varitek says he is ready for, and one that could be a perfect setup for the Red Sox. Not many teams will have a backup catcher with such thorough knowledge of a pitching staff and leadership abilities.

"Any time you've got Jason Varitek in the mix, you know there's going to be quality work and leadership provided to the staff," said Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell. "The one thing that 'Tek did when Victor came over, even though it was a different role for him, he was more than willing and able to help Victor through some things from a catcher's perspective that he could provide in a very selfless way."

The staff genuinely enjoys working with both Martinez and Varitek. They are both willing to sacrifice their bodies to block the plate and are sturdy and steady receivers.

All in all, though, the Red Sox feel good about their catching tandem.

"I think if you look at some of the best players who have played this game, they play it for all the right reasons, and that's with respect and they recognize fully that they wear the same uniform," said Farrell. "How do you help one another in times of need? Both were willing to do that, and we expect the same to continue here in 2010."

To read the entire article, click here.

Also Today:

From Don Orsillo's mailbag at NESN.com:

Q: "How many games do you think Jason Varitek will play this season? What are some ways Jason Varitek can contribute to the team if he’s not playing regularly?"

Don Orsillo: "That's tough to say, and Victor’s health will play a large role in that. I would think Varitek would catch one of the starters regularly to keep him fresh and in a rotation. I would also fully expect him to start the day games after night games and some of the other obvious areas for backup catchers. I think what he will bring off the field will be what he does best, and that’s help devise game plans for pitchers and how to deal with hitters. Victor was extremely appreciative of all that Jason gave him in assistance in learning the staff on the fly last year, despite taking his playing time."

To read Mr. Orsillo's complete mailbag, click here.

*Thank you to Sterling for the heads-up!

Talkin' Tek...

January 11, 2010

From an interview with Daniel Bard conducted by Robert Woodward of "Under the Radar":

UTR: "You have one of the most respected catchers' in the game, Jason Varitek, as your catcher. What kind of impact did he have with you on settling in Boston?"

Daniel Bard: "It's nice to have a catcher that you can fully trust behind the plate. Tek is one of the smartest players I've ever been around at any position, and on top of that, the guy studies opposing hitters with the focus of Woody studying for finals at Carolina (that was a joke). But seriously, his brain is like an encyclopedia of at-bats and scouting reports that goes back more than a decade. He remembers everything. To have a guy like that, who's caught four no hitters, calling pitches for you, well I'll just say it helps you feel a lot of confidence in what pitches you're throwing."

Mr. Woodward (Woody) is a minor league pitcher with the San Diego Padres' organization selected in the 2007 draft from the University of North Carolina.

You can read his blog and the rest of his interview with Daniel here.

Also Today:

Lo Duca for Tek?

According to CSN-New England's Joe Haggerty:

"The Red Sox tossed around the idea of trading for third baseman Adrian Beltre prior to the 2003 season, when a four-player deal was discussed with Los Angeles that included Shea Hillenbrand and future captain Jason Varitek heading to Chavez Ravine for Beltre and Paul LoDuca. Imagine that."

To read the entire article, click here.

Baseball Initially takes a quick look at Tek's fascinating career:

"Jason Varitek has had a fascinating career. He played in a Little League World Series, a College World Series and a Major League World Series, and in the Olympics, too. He’s one of the few players to be drafted twice in the first round. He was part of one of the most famously bad trades in major-league history – the Mariners packaged him with Derek Lowe in order to pry Heathcliff Slocumb away from the Red Sox. He has caught four no-hitters by four different pitchers, and he was captain of the Red Sox team that broke the curse. He's a career .260 hitter who draws some walks and hits his share of doubles and home runs, and he has the rep as a great handler of pitchers."

And a quote of note that I somehow missed...

"If need be, my role changes. Most importantly, I'm here. I have the opportunity to come back and to be in Boston." -- Jason, on returning to the Red Sox in 2010 (from an article by the Union Leader's Brian MacPherson).

ESPN's "Top 10 Sox of the Decade"

December 29, 2009

The selections of Gordon Edes at ESPNBoston.com today -

1. David Ortiz, Designated Hitter

2. Manny Ramirez, Outfielder

3. Pedro Martinez, Starting Pitcher

4. Jason Varitek, Catcher: Played in more games than any Sox player in the decade (1,208), was 3rd in hits (1,045) and 3rd in HRs (148). Offense was secondary to his handling of pitchers, who swore he made a difference. The A-Rod facial altered the course of a rivalry.

5. Curt Schilling, Starting Pitcher

6. Josh Beckett, Starting Pitcher

7. Kevin Youkilis, First Baseman

8. Johnny Damon, Outfielder

9. Jonathan Papelbon, Closer

10. Dustin Pedroia, Second Baseman

Click here to read his comments for each player (scroll down to today's date).

Mr. Edes then gives you the opportunity to rank your selections for the "Top Sox of the Decade"!

To make your selections, click here.

*Thank you to my friend Caelin for the heads-up!

Also Today:

Terry likes Tek right where he is...

From Terry Francona's mailbag today at NESN.com:

Q: "Has Jason Varitek been approached about a coaching role with the Red Sox? This seems ideal, considering how well he handles a pitching staff."

Terry: "We are still happy having him on our team as a player but I agree he exhibits the skills to be a solid coach or manager when his playing days are done. It is probably not a coincidence that a lot of catchers go on to be coaches and managers."

To check out Terry's complete mailbag column, click here.

NESN Red Sox Report - David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic

December 21, 2009 (Update - see below for link to video)

You can catch all the highlights of The David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic in a special Red Sox Report airing this week on NESN.

The show chronicles the weekend's activities (held December 3-6, 2009 at Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic), including the welcome reception, pairings party, golf tournament and awards gala. There will be exclusive interviews from David's Red Sox teammates, baseball superstars and friends such as Pedro Martinez, sports legends Bobby Orr, Alonzo Mourning, Andres Galarraga, Jim Rice, John Havlicek and many more.

The show is guest hosted by David Ortiz and includes teammates Jason Varitek, Mike Lowell, Tim Wakefield, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Daniel Bard, and Clay Buchholz. Other MLB players included Alex Rodriguez, Pedro Martinez, Robinson Cano, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Placido Polanco. Others attending the event included MLB Network commentator Sean Casey; Red Sox manager Terry Francona, Houston Astros manager Brad Mills, actors Jeffrey Donovan, Rachel Dratch and Sam Page, pop singer Joanna “JoJo” Levesque; and sports legends Bobby Orr, Jim Rice, Luis Tiant, John Havlicek and Alonzo Mourning.

In addition to coverage of the celebrity golf classic, the show will also feature one-of-a-kind footage of David Ortiz visiting Cedimat Hospital in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and interviews with family members of children who are receiving critical care courtesy of the David Ortiz Children's Fund.

This special Red Sox Report will air today at 5:00 p.m.; December 22nd at 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 11:30 p.m.; December 23rd at 4:30 p.m.; and December 27th at 10:30 p.m.

You can check out a few photos from the Golf Classic here.

UPDATE:

If you don't have access to NESN, you can check out a full-length video of the Special here on MLB.com...Tek makes a brief first appearance at about 11:03 minutes into the video and then in few more shots, including a short interview on the golf course.

*Thanks Susie!

Tek-nically Speaking...

December 18, 2009

...and skating!

From ESPN.com today:

Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who turns 38 one week into the 2010 season, struck a positive tone while discussing his transition from everyday starter to a backup player next season, saying he got used to the role in the two months after the trade for Victor Martinez and is fine with it.

Varitek acknowledged a couple of health issues he battled last season, including a bulging disk in his neck and a broken big toe he sustained while blocking a ball against the Anaheim Angels, on top of dealing with a partial labrum tear in his left shoulder he'd sustained previously. But in typical fashion, he refused to attribute his struggles at the plate last season -- in particular, a second half in which he batted just .157 with 1 home run and 13 RBIs -- to those injuries.

Varitek said he has been working out since the beginning of November and expects to be ready for the start of the season. He is in the last year of his contract with the Red Sox, having exercised a $3 million player option after the Sox declined to trigger the $5 million option they held on his deal, but said he did not know yet whether this would be his last season.

"I've got to listen to my body,'' Varitek said. "Now I feel strong and continuing to get stronger, so I feel really good. And if I'm able to maintain that, I don't know how long I'll play. But if my health is not there, that will be the determining point before anything.''

And from an article written by Ian Browne at MLB.com:

In a way, Varitek has been surprised at how much talk there has been about his upcoming reduced role, since that was pretty much the way things went after Martinez was acquired on July 31.

"Things fell that way kind of the last two months of the season anyway," Varitek said. "My role changed. There's different parts. I handled a lot early, played a lot and handled it in a full-time capacity. But I think that just seeing in a different role, how my body adapts to maybe the less pounding and the less physical grind, it might be a good time for me to transition. I'm preparing as I always do, to be able to handle as much as I can. I'll prepare for a full-time role even though it's dictated another way, and that way if something happens, I'm ready to go."

For those who have observed Varitek for a long time, it should come as no surprise that he doesn't plan on being in smell-the-roses mentality in 2010.

"I think you can reflect back when you're done," Varitek said. "I'm preparing to come out here and get to Spring Training and make sure I win myself a job, and to make sure I'm able to help this team win games. When I'm done and sitting on the couch and doing that full-time, then I can probably reflect more. I'm happy, and always feel fortunate that I've been able to be here and have a career, period."

Yes, Varitek did say that he needs to win a job in Spring Training. This, from the man who has held the title of captain since 2005.

"Everybody does," Varitek said. "I don't think a decal makes a difference. It's an extra letter on a uniform, but I prepare myself to go out there and be ready this spring, and work my way into trying to play at a high level."

Why the skates?

Tek was at Fenway Park for a Celebrity Skate.

He skated with Boston Bruins legends, Bobby Orr, Cam Neely and Ray Bourque, among others as the NHL prepares to get the baseball venue ready for the Winter Classic between the Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers on New Year’s Day.

Hockey was the first sport that Jason played as a kid growing up in Michigan. He played until he was 7 years old and his family moved to Florida, ending his hockey "career".

What did the three hockey Hall of Famers have to say about the catcher on skates?

"I have great respect for Jason," said Bobby Orr. "He handles himself so well and you don't hear him complaining. Last year when they brought in a new catcher, Jason did a great job when he was called upon. He's a good person. I've come to know him and he's a gentleman."

Cam Neely said he admires the Red Sox Captain's contributions to his team over the years. "The thing that's impressive about Jason is his work ethic. How he approaches the game and his leadership. With our fan base, whether it's hockey, football, baseball or basketball, fans want to see guys who are committed, who work hard, who put out an effort, and that's what Jason has done."

Ray Bourque, who has gotten to know Jason through their work with the Celebrities for Charity organization agreed, "He's an incredible player and has had so many great years with the Red Sox," said Bourque. "He really stabilized that position for so many years. You just listen to the pitchers and their thoughts about working with a guy like that says it all right there."

To read the transcript of Tek's conversation with the media today, click here.

To read Ian Browne's complete article, click here.

To watch a video of his interview, click here.

To watch some video footage of Tek on the ice with Bobby Orr, click here.

To see a larger version of the first photo above, click here.

To see a larger version of little Tek - the hockey player, click here.

*Thank you to my friends Caelin, Sterling and Marylin for the heads-up today!

The Manager Question

December 8, 2009

From an interview with MLB managers in the latest issue of Sporting News magazine:

Q: "Which current player will one day make a great manager?"

Ron Washington, Texas Rangers: "Jason Varitek. I've never met a catcher who didn't have a great feel for the game. His day-to-day job -- handling a pitching staff and daily situations with flawlessness -- puts him high on my list."

For the record - Terry Francona was also asked, and his choice was Alex Cora. The Baltimore Orioles' Dave Trembley gave an "honorable mention" to Dustin Pedroia.

The latest issue is on newsstands and in bookstores now.

Speaking of Tek and Terry -

From NESN.com today:

Fan Question: "I have been hearing rumors about who will take on the role of captain after Jason Varitek. I have heard Dustin Pedroia's name several times and not once heard Kevin Youkilis' name. Will Youk be considered for the captain spot when the time comes?"

Terry Francona: "We have never had that conversation. We never had a captain before Jason. I think looking for the next captain (if we even have one) is a little premature with Tek still being here. What is important to us is getting leadership from all of those guys you mentioned."

You can read the rest of Terry's mailbag here.

Also Today:

There's still time to purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win dinner with the Captain!

Help Jason in his efforts to support the Celebrities for Charity Foundation and the many charities CFC assists throughout the year, and in return, you could win this great evening with the man himself.

Tickets start at just $2.00 each and decrease for orders of more than 5 tickets.

Entry deadline is December 15th at 11:00 a.m.

The drawing for the winner will take place later that day!

For more information, see my December 3rd news post below.

To purchase your raffle tickets, click here.

From Cap Cana...

December 6, 2009

From the Boston Herald's Michael Silverman, in his blog this morning:

When Jason Varitek exercised his option last month to return to the Red Sox, he did it with the realization that he would be the backup catcher.

For somebody who has been a fulltime catcher his entire career, the role change could be seen as a tough one, the kind that sometimes become awkward for players whose prime years have passed.

From the way Varitek has looked and sounded the last couple of days at David Ortiz' Celebrity Golf Classic, this is going to be a breeze.

"I'm excited to be back and I'm excited for another season. I'm in a good place," said Varitek yesterday.

Varitek, who turns 38 next April, did not want to go beyond that. In the coming days, he plans to speak to the Boston media to return the many queries he has received since picking up the $3 million option.

To read the rest of Mr. Silverman's blog, click here.

Oh, and did I mention I have a couple of photos? Click here.

The Man Of Few Words...

December 5, 2009

...had even fewer in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic this weekend!

From the blog of ESPN's Gordon Edes this morning:

A few things picked up at David Ortiz's charity golf tournament while contemplating why baseball's winter meetings couldn't be held in this slice of paradise instead of Indianapolis:

Jason Varitek, who has not commented publicly since the Red Sox declined their $5 million club option on him and he exercised a lesser ($3 million) player option to stay, begged off on saying anything on the matter Friday night, saying he'd prefer to do so in a conference call.

"But it's all good," said Varitek, who will be surrendering the role of everyday catcher to Victor Martinez after an 11-year run interrupted only by a fractured right elbow that limited him to 51 games in 2001.

To read Mr. Edes complete blog, click here.

Dinner with the Captain!

December 3, 2009

Celebrities for Charities presents the "Jason Varitek Captain's Dinner Raffle"!

Would you like the chance to win dinner with the Captain on December 17th in Boston?

The winning ticket holder will receive the following:

-- You and 3 guests will enjoy dinner with Jason on December 17, 2009, in the Greater Boston Area.

-- You and each guest will receive a baseball autographed by Jason.

-- You and each guest may bring up to 2 items to be autographed by Jason.

-- You and each guest will have your photograph take with Jason.

Help Jason in his efforts to support the Celebrities for Charity Foundation and the many charities CFC assists throughout the year, and in return, you could win this great evening with the Captain himself.

Tickets start at just $2.00 each and decrease for orders of more than 5 tickets.

Entry deadline is December 15th at 11:00 a.m.

The drawing for the winner will take place later that day!

For more information and to purchase your raffle tickets, click here.

Just A Few More Days Left...

December 2, 2009

...to bid on auction items to support the David Ortiz Children's Fund:

The 2009 David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic, which benefits his charity, starts tomorrow through Sunday (December 3rd-6th) in the Dominican Republic's beautiful Cap Cana Resort. The golfers guest list includes the Red Sox captain Jason Varitek, Mike Lowell, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and manager Terry Francona. Also expected on the course are MLB stars Torii Hunter, Alex Rodriguez, Pedro Martinez, and Vladimir Guerrero.

To coincide with his tournament, David has some great items up for auction on his event site which you can bid on through December 6th.

Among the new items up for auction:

The "Tee off with Mark Wahlberg" package - the winning bidder can join actor Mark Wahlberg and the cast of "Entourage" on the golf course for his Celebrity Golf Tournament. You can bid on the opportunity to take fielding lessons from AL MVP Dustin Pedroia or be the proud owner of a Celebrity signed Gibson guitar, signed by David Ortiz, all three Jonas Brothers, Yandel of Wisin y Yandel, Wilmer Valderrama, Juan Luis Guerra, Ivan Lins & Edward James Olmos?

And there is still time to bid on autographed collectibles from your favorite Red Sox players:

A Jason Varitek signed catchers mask, a Daisuke Matsuzaka signed jersey, a Josh Beckett signed baseball, a Jonathan Papelbon signed baseball, and an official David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic Golf Bag. There is also an auction for a lesson with Tim Wakefield on how to throw a knuckleball!

And for that 'All-Boston teams' fan on your Christmas list: The "Best of Boston Package" which includes a Paul Pierce signed jersey, a Tom Brady signed football, a Zdeno Chara signed jersey, and a David Ortiz signed bat.

There are also auctions for trips to Las Vegas, a Costa Rica resort, tickets to the New Year's Winter Classic, tickets to the Home Opener at Fenway, and tickets to the Patriots' Season Finale...

To see all of the items and place a bid or two, click here.

All auction proceeds will benefit the David Ortiz Children's Fund.

Tito Talks Tek...

November 18, 2009

Red Sox manager Terry Francona was a guest on WEEI's Dale & Holley Show today and took a few moments to talk about Jason:

Q: "Would Jason Varitek make a good coach?"

Terry Francona: "I don't think yet. I wouldn't approach him with that. I don't think he would like that one.

"I saw Tek the other day. I think he's in a good place. I think he's going to do a good job. I've said this a lot of times: he has that 'C' on his jersey for a reason. Victor is going to catch the majority of games. How much, we don't know.

"I think Tek can be an unbelievable backup catcher. Because his body can't handle catching 140 games anymore, that doesn't mean, if you run him out there less than that, especially from the right side – and again, by the time July rolled around this year, he had 13, 14 home runs. You're not going to find backup catchers who have that ability, that game-calling experience. He kind of gets run into the ground physically. And again, he's caught a lot of games. Some of that is my responsibility, too. But I think that in the situation we have, hopefully, upcoming, he can really excel in that."

Q:"Do you think his clubhouse role changes with decreased playing time?"

Terry Francona: "I don't think so, and I think a lot of that is because of Jason. If he didn't accept it, then it could have been a problem. I don't see that happening. I saw him the other day. He was about as fired up as I've seen him. Last year...that's a tough thing to not play. I don't care who you are, whether you're good enough or not...to have somebody come and tell you that somebody is taking your playing time is hard to take.

"I never saw Jason put himself ahead of the team. I didn't expect him to walk in the clubhouse and 'lead the cheers' for not playing. At the same time, he never let that get in the way of his caring for the team or helping Victor. Again, that's part of the reason he has the 'C' on his chest. He's lived up to that. I know he will continue to."

To listen to Terry's complete interview, click here.

Also Today:

Catcher George Kottaras, who was released by the Red Sox this morning, has been claimed off-waivers by the Brewers this afternoon.

According to the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel:

This could give the Brewers another option at catcher if Kottaras can prove himself during spring training. He is a left-handed hitter and the plan could be to use him in a platoon with Brewers catching prospect Jonathan Lucroy, a right-handed hitter.

Brewers GM Doug Melvin said the addition was just to add depth to the position and he hasn't thought much about a platoon just yet, but Melvin would invite Lucroy to big-league camp and see how he handles himself.

Melvin also said he likes Kottaras' bat and that he is working on his defense.

Kottaras is a Canadian -- the Brewers' Canadian-led operation scouts that country as well or better than any other organization -- who was drafted in the 20th round on the 2002 draft by San Diego. In 2006, he was listed as the Padres' No. 2 prospect by Baseball America magazine.

To read the entire Brewers Blog, click here.

Wishing George Kottaras all the best with his new team!

You can check out a larger version of the photo above here.

Support Big Papi...

November 17, 2009

...and his Foundation:

The 2009 David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic, which benefits the David Ortiz Children's Fund, is just around the corner (see November 13th news below) and there are some great autographed items up for auction on his event site through December 6th, including...

A Jason Varitek signed catchers mask, a Daisuke Matsuzaka signed jersey, a Josh Beckett signed baseball, a Jonathan Papelbon signed baseball, and an official David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic Golf Bag.

You will also find autographed items from MLB stars like Mariano Rivera and Alex Rodriguez, and Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.

And it's not just baseball, there's a Philip Rivers signed football, a signed jacket from two-time Formula One World Champion Racer Mika Hakkinen, and a Jack Nicklaus signed Fujikura SG Pro 2.01 driver up for auction as well.

The "Best of Boston Package" includes a Paul Pierce signed jersey, a Tom Brady signed football, a Zdeno Chara signed jersey, and a David Ortiz signed bat.

For more info and to bid on any of these items, click here.

There are also auctions for trips to Las Vegas, a Costa Rica resort, tickets to the New Year's Winter Classic, tickets to the Home Opener at Fenway, and tickets to the Patriots' Season Finale...

Or how about the opportunity to learn to throw a knuckleball with Tim Wakefield on the mound? Or the chance to have Big Papi attend your child's birthday party?

Those auctions can be found here.

All auction proceeds will benefit the David Ortiz Children's Fund.

*Thank you to Kathy for the heads-up!

"Varitek's Return Has Answered One Off-Season Question"

November 15, 2009

From Peter Gammon's column on ESPN.com this weekend:

Before Varitek decided to pick up his $3 million option and return at the age of 38 to the Red Sox, the club had explored other options.

Kelly Shoppach interested them, and had worked in tandem with Victor Martinez in Cleveland. They thought about Rod Barajas, Gerald Laird and others, but now Theo Epstein is convinced Varitek will go into the season as the backup to Martinez.

After coming to the Red Sox in the trade deadline deal, Martinez repeatedly marveled at how selflessly Varitek worked with him in his game preparation. Martinez was highly respected in Cleveland for his sense of responsibility with pitchers and his pitch-calling instincts, and the two worked well together.

Having Varitek and Martinez allows bullpen coach Gary Tuck to work with the young Red Sox catchers in spring training.

The staff thought Varitek's defensive problems at the end of last season stemmed from his workload at age 37, especially given his intensity. The question, however, has been that with his toe-tap and complicated swing, could Varitek hit at all playing once or twice a week?

The Red Sox's reply to that question is that Varitek is a far better hitter with a far simpler swing from the right side. He batted .226 with a .793 OPS from the right side, with an .807 OPS against left-handed pitchers. Of the nine catchers who qualified for the batting title, only Joe Mauer, Martinez and Brian McCann had better than an .807 OPS.

Even though Martinez is one of the rare switch-hitters whose swing is almost exactly the same from both sides, his numbers against right-handers (.316, .866) were better than against lefties (.273, .848), so this could turn into an informal platoon. Martinez could also be used as the designated hitter against left-handers if David Ortiz were to struggle against lefties.

To read Mr. Gammon's complete Red Sox column, click here.

*Thank you to Lynn for the heads-up!

The 2009 David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic

November 13-14, 2009

Stepping up to the tee to support Big Papi and his charity -

The 2009 David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic will be held December 3rd-6th at the Cap Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic.

The star-studded event benefits the David Ortiz Children's Fund, providing children in New England and the Dominican Republic access to the pediatric critical care they need to live full and productive lives.

The inaugural David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic in 2008 netted more than $300,000.

David expects to be joined by a host of celebrities and MLB players, including teammates Jason Varitek, Mike Lowell, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and manager Terry Francona. Torii Hunter, Alex Rodriguez, Pedro Martinez, and Vladimir Guerrero are also expected to attend.

Cap Cana is one of the most spectacular resort communities in the world. Guests will stay at the five-star luxury Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa, overlooking the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of the Caribbean Sea. The tournament itself will take place at the Jack Nicklaus-design and signature golf course, Punta Espada.

The David Ortiz Children's Fund began as a way for David to help children in his home country. The Fund is proud to partner with Heart Care Dominicana, International Hospital for Children, and the Massachusetts General Hospital to fulfill its life-saving mission, linking pediatric critical care services to children in developing countries. To date, the Fund has raised over $1 million for children in New England and the Dominican Republic and has given life, health, and hope to critically ill Dominican children.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities for the David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic, please contact Michele Lasky at michelelasky@company20.com.

You can also visit his Children's Fund site here.

From The Fans...

November 13, 2009

Just a few of the emails I received in the last couple of days....

"Erin, let me be the first to say 'WOOOHOOOO!!!'. I kept coming by to check your site (I knew you'd keep us up-to-date even though I also knew you were on vacation!) and there it was. Dimished role or not, the man has a lot to offer and it is a great feeling to know that my favorite player wil be back in a Red Sox uni next season. Thank you for the site, it's always a pleasure to stop by." -- Jim K., Cape Cod

"Thank you Tek!!! I am so glad you will be back!! I need to make another trip to Boston next season or maybe Florida for spring training! I went to my first Red Sox game this year and was able to meet Jason at a charity event. That man has class! He probably has hundreds, no not hundreds, but thousands of fans that come up to him all the time to shake his hand and say hello, to ask for autographs or pictures or hugs and kisses, woops! sorry...wishful thinking.

"The things I noticed when I met him (besides him being very tall and very handsome) was the respect and kindness he gave me. He made me feel like he really wanted to hear what I had to say. In those few seconds, I felt like I was the only person in the room that existed for him as he gave me his full attention. He didn't make up some excuse to walk away. He wasn't looking around checking out the party. (don't you hate it when someone does that.) Those few seconds were the highlight of my trip!

"I wonder if people really realize the extent of the service he gives to Boston and the surrounding areas, to charities, to the hospitals and to the children. How much Tek being part of the Boston Red Sox brings to tourism, merchandising, and how with Tek at an event, the event's attendance increases significantly. He is so much more than just a baseball player!

"The Red Sox are lucky to have him back! He brings with him his expertise, his experiences and his leadership. Boston is lucky to have him!

"Thanks Erin for letting the fans speak out!" -- Jamie, Omaha Nebraska

"I am so glad that he going to be back for one more year. I am moving to Boston with in the year, so hopefully I will be able to see him play in Fenway Park." -- Sterling, from the site's MySpace page

"I am absolutely ecstatic Tek's coming back. Wasn't prepared to see him go. Also means another putt-putt next year. Another chance to see him up close. I've been a Red Sox fan for over 30 years and he is my all-time favorite. I am very, very happy. I also want to thank you for this website. Everytime I need a "Tek fix" I come on here and look at all the great pictures you have." -- Thanks again, Lisa, Melrose, MA

"Yay!! He's back!!! Made my day!" -- Caelin

"Erin, I was thinking after the Yankees won (Booo!) what Tek would do. It was my conclusion that he decided last year when his deal with the Red Sox included a player option that it was already agreed that he would exercise his option the second year. Now I know things can change during a season but I have to believe this is how Jason wanted to go out…on his own terms.

"I have told my husband that I am definitely heading down to FL in the spring to hopefully meet and greet him and of course get a picture and autograph. It will be my last chance. Although I have a kid in college taking every bit of extra money from me, I have made up my mind I am saving every penny I can to make it down there.

"Now after his catching career is over, it is my thought that he will move on to coaching jobs maybe down in the minor leagues. I am not sure of any openings but it would be nice if he wanted to come to Portland for a while…that would make him a little closer. That will also allow you to keep track of his new chapter in life….the COACH, but not the Captain. It will be neat to see what he does.

"By the way, thanks so much for your time and effort towards your web site for him. It is great!!! I enjoy it – especially the pictures." -- Lana Ballard

"Erin, all I can say is Hallelujah!!!! I wasn't looking forward to another winter of wondering and waiting. Great job on the site. It helps having one place to go to. Take care and have a wonderful holiday season." -- Tina

"Thank goodness he didn't make us wait all winter!! Soooo excited!!" -- AND0227

"No surprise to me that Jason Varitek accepted his option. First and foremost, all you have to do is look back at this past season to see the grace and leadership he demonstrated when Victor Martinez was added to the roster. It was obvious that he mentored the younger catcher and helped him adjust to his new team while at the same time he himself had to be struggling to realize that his once frontline role would now be diminished. Most of us 'retire' from our profession in our sixties...imagine how it must feel at 37 to know that you are reaching the end of the road in a job that you love and that it is time to pass the torch if you will.

"TEK is accepting his new role because he wants to retire as a Red Sox player. And, because he is the captain and a role model, he is doing whatever he can to help his team. We have never heard a negative comment or thought come out of his mouth, and you never will. With the extra time off, his body won't break down and I believe he may have a pretty good season much like the first half of last year. And, Victor Martinez and the rest of the Sox will be better for his presence." -- Dori

"I'm happy. Captain TEK is also supported in 2010. Let's go TEK!" -- SHIMA, JAPAN

"Glad to see him come back for another year! Very glad!!!" -- Dan, New Hampshire

"I'm so glad that the Captain is back. He has so much to offer to our team it's beyond words. Yes, his hitting may not be where it used to be but his knowledge for the game is beyond words. Thanks Tek for giving your favorite and number 1 fans another season to watch you play for us." -- Ann, from the site's MySpace page

"Hi Erin - Yippee! I think this is terrific, and I was holding my breath until Jason made his decision.

"I hope this is the beginning of a transition from being a superb and elite catcher to another role where he can use those tangible and intangible skills within the Red Sox organization for a long time, as a coach or otherwise.

"And, thankfully, you will continue to update your site, and I will continue to check it on a daily basis for updates!

"Keep up the great work, and have a terrific holiday season!" -- Sue

"Erin, it sure is nice to have a place to send my positive thoughts where they don't get lost in all the mean-spirited ones on other sites and forums. I have always been and always will be a big fan of Varitek. He is the epitome of the Dirt Dog player. A professional through and through. I am so pleased to see him return." -- Patrick, Maine

"Yippee Skippee! He's back in Beantown one more year! Good! I am so happy and relieved. I guess this means I'll have to make that trek to Fenway this year. Oh darn... the lengths I go to... LOL!!! J/K! I want to go back and now I have a viable reason. Viable in my book! Thanks for keeping us all up to date Erin. Seriously!" -- Becky, California

"Erin, I kept stopping by your site every hour for the last couple days figuring you'd have the news up when it was available - you didn't disappoint! Thank you! Very glad to see our captain come back. Whew!" -- Dale, Virginia by way of Boston

"We are so happy that Tek is coming back for one more year. Now, if we can just get him to come back after that as a coach....Looking forward to another great Red Sox season. How many days left til' spring training starts?" -- The Kramer Family, Massachusetts

Thank you to everyone who took the time to email!

The Captain's Back!

November 11, 2009 - Veterans Day

From the Boston Globe & Boston Herald a few minutes ago:

Tek has exercised his $3 million option for 2010, the Red Sox announced late Wednesday afternoon.

"We're happy to have Jason back and we look forward to a good year from him in 2010," Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein told the Globe. "He means an awful lot to the organization on and off the field. He helps solidify our catching position also and is a big asset to the pitching staff.

"We're happy he decided to come back and stay in the organization he's such an important part of."

Acquired by Boston from Seattle on July 31, 1997, Varitek has hit .259 (1,232-for-4,765) with 175 home runs and 705 RBI in 1,439 career Major League games over parts of 13 seasons with the Red Sox. He has been behind the plate in a club-record 1,381 contests and ranks among franchise all-time leaders in overall games played (9th), doubles (8th, 290), home runs (12th), RBI (15th) and walks (15th, 583).

Okay fans, you can breathe now!

*If you want to send along some positive comments that you'd like added to the site later in the week, please email me!

Thoughts From Another Veteran Catcher...

November 10, 2009

Brad Ausmus talks Tek, from an article by the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo this morning:

Baseball sources indicated last night that Varitek will accept his option and will notify the Sox as soon as today.

Varitek's place as one of the top catchers in Red Sox history is secure. Sox' pitching certainly flourished during his heyday. To this day, Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe still consider him the best catcher they ever threw to.

Varitek remains a leader on the team and should be able to remain that way even in a backup role.

One player who has been through the transition is Brad Ausmus, who backed up Russell Martin in Los Angeles this season.

"I think Jason is going to be OK," Ausmus said. "What I did was I approached it from Day 1 like I was going to be the backup and I was going to do everything I could to help Russell. We pored over scouting reports every day and came up with a good plan for that particular game. I know Jason is going to do the same thing because he’s so respected and we all know he's the best in the game at being prepared. Nobody works harder than Jason Varitek in preparing a pitcher to pitch that day. He can still do that with Victor and it will be a big help to Victor. I'm sure some of that happened last season with the two of them.

"The one thing I found having all that time is you tend to get bored. You tend to try to find things to do. Last year I just sat with Don Mattingly and we went over the game inning by inning and move by move. It's a way of kind of staying in the game. There were times I'd think to myself, 'Gee, I would have done it this way.' Or, 'I wished I'd been out there,' that kind of thing. There's a definite mind-set you have to have and after you’re a starter for a long time you just have to accept that that part of your career is over.

"It's not easy, but I think you're going to have some pitchers who want to throw to Jason. You hope that doesn’t become a problem and it probably won't. But knowing how professional Jason has been, I think he’ll transition to it just fine."

To read the entire article, click here.

Tek To Return?

November 9, 2009 - Evening Update

From a report on NESN.com this evening:

The Red Sox declined to exercise their $5 million team option on catcher Jason Varitek on Monday, but that doesn’t mean the longtime captain will be leaving Boston.

NESN learned on Monday night that the 37-year-old Varitek will exercise his $3 million player option for 2010 that includes up to another $2 million in incentives. The move is expected to be formalized on Tuesday and will keep Varitek with the Red Sox through at least the end of 2010.

With the incentives, Varitek would earn an additional $400,000 for starting 80 games in 2010 and another bonus for every 10 starts thereafter.

To read the rest, click here.

However...

According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe (on Twittter), Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said "Jason has not yet picked up his option. That could come tomorrow, however."

The Waiting Game...

November 9, 2009

From MLB.com's Ian Browne this evening:

The Red Sox officially took care of the main part of their catching solution for 2010, exercising All-Star Victor Martinez's $7.1 million club option on Monday. But veteran Jason Varitek, who has caught more games than any player in Red Sox history, remains in limbo.

Boston declined the $5 million club option it held for Varitek, but the veteran has until Saturday to notify the team if he will exercise his $3 million player option.

If Varitek declines his option, he will be a free agent for the second consecutive offseason.

Once the Red Sox acquired Martinez in a trade with the Indians on July 31, Varitek suddenly found himself playing a reduced role after serving as Boston's primary catcher for the past decade.

In 13 seasons with Boston, Varitek has caught 1,381 games and ranks among the club's all-time leaders in games played (ninth, 1,439), doubles (eighth, 290), home runs (12th, 175), RBIs (15th, 705) and walks (15th, 583).

To read the entire article, click here.

To see a larger version of Kelly O'Connor's photo, click here.

Quite A Collection!

November 8, 2009

Fan Penny Linville emailed me about a month ago to ask a question about Jason's 2009 Memorial Day gear:

"First off, let me thank you for such a wonderful and positive site on Mr. Varitek. I have discovered you just don't miss anything in this man's career. Your site has been most helpful to me in so many ways I am not sure I can name them all. I hope you won't mind answering a question if you know, and I believe if anyone does you will."

With the help of Stan Jurga Jr. of All-Star Sports, we were able to answer her question, and now Penny is the proud owner of Jason's 2009 game-used Memorial Day gear by way of a secondary seller.

This week, Penny sent me several photos of her growing collection of game-used Tek gear (along with info on the items and how she became interested in collecting).

You can check 'em out here.

*Penny, thank you so much for your email and for sharing your photos!

"A Win For Both Sides"

November 6, 2009

From an article written by NESN's Michael Hurley today:

Since the late '90s, the Red Sox have welcomed their fair share of characters through the doors on Yawkey Way. Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez, Kevin Millar, Orlando Cabrera, Johnny Damon, Carl Everett and Ugueth Urbina -- to name a few -- provided the spark and excitement that a team needs on occasion.

But standing out among the rest has been Jason Varitek, Boston's model of consistency on the field and in the clubhouse. When the Red Sox sewed the "C" on the catcher's jersey, the organization showed how far it was willing to go to show Varitek the appreciation he deserved.

The Red Sox hold a $5 million option on Varitek for 2010, one they're almost certain not to exercise after the catcher hit just .209 in 2009. Varitek, though, holds a $3 million option to stay with the Red Sox, one that would be a win for both sides if he chooses to exercise it.

Varitek's biggest problem in 2009 was that the Red Sox needed him to be more than he was. They needed Varitek to be 32 years old again.

In 2010, however, with Mike Lowell needing much less time off than he did last year, Victor Martinez will be able to spend the bulk of the season behind the plate. That will allow Varitek to play once or twice a week at most, and in turn will allow Lowell, Martinez and Kevin Youkilis to each take a breather every 10 games or so.

Ideally, if Varitek played only after several days of rest, he'd be much more productive, and he'd be as good a backup as there is in the major leagues.

Of course, that reason alone isn't necessarily enough to re-sign a veteran catcher. But that's where Varitek's leadership -- both in the clubhouse and in the bullpen -- comes in to play.

Realistically, having Jason Varitek in the clubhouse won't inspire Dustin Pedroia to get more hits, nor will it motivate Jacoby Ellsbury to swipe an extra bag or two. Varitek's presence will, however, help a pitching staff that still includes a number of young arms. Varitek himself seemed to admit that he wasn't the same player before this year's postseason began, yet he remained confident in his ability to help the ballclub.

"It's different, but the fact of the matter is that we need to put our best lineup out there," Varitek said in early October. “I have one job to do -- support my teammates and be prepared if the bell rings. ... You can't control your playing time, but you can control the other parts of what you can contribute. It may not be by playing. It may be by being on the bench.

"There are things you see," he said. "Things you can offer."

Those "things" cannot be easily described. They're the types of "things" that only a 12-year veteran who has spent 11,316 innings behind the plate and has stepped in for 4,765 at-bats in the bigs can bring. They're the type of things that help a ballclub win.

The Red Sox can win without Varitek, but they're a better team with him on board. For $3 million, it's a no-brainer.

To read Mr. Hurley's complete article, click here.

From Ian Browne's Mailbag Today...

November 2, 2009

Red Sox Beat Reporter Ian Browne answered a couple of fan questions about Tek:

On the Captain's return -

"Regarding Varitek, the Red Sox are unlikely to pick up the $5 million club option they have on the captain for next season. That said, Varitek has his own option worth $3 million that he can exercise if he chooses. The decision Varitek has to make is whether he wants to kick in that option and be a backup player for a team he has been the leader of for several years, or if he'd rather finish his career somewhere else. The other decision Varitek could always make is to retire. Stay tuned."

On Tek becoming the Sox bench coach in 2010 -

"That is one of those rumors that seemed to take on a life of its own from the day Brad Mills got his job as manager of the Astros. Down the line, I could see something like that. But not in 2010. It is usually beneficial for a player to take a step back for a year or two before making the transition from player to coach."

To read the rest of his mailbag at MLB.com, click here.

Halloween Memories...

October 31, 2009 - Happy Halloween!

ESPN's Louise K. Cornetta asked Red Sox players, "What was your favorite Halloween costume?"

Jason Varitek: "Batman. We didn't have the shell and the armor back then. We had a plastic mask."

Mike Lowell: "I was a Viking one time with the horn hat and everything."

Jason Bay: "I'm having a tough time remembering anything I was for Halloween other than the cheesy baseball player, but that's not good. I can't use that. I was a hula dancer. But the embarrassing part is I wore it when I was in college; it wasn't even when I was younger. It was when I was like 20." (Teammate Jacoby Ellsbury chimes in, "I have pictures if you want.")

Jed Lowrie: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I was the blue one, Leonardo. He was my favorite."

Michael Bowden: "Well, it wasn't Halloween, but when the rookies had to dress up for initiation, I was the Tin Woman from 'The Wizard of Oz.' In eighth grade, I dressed up as a girl. I had pretty long hair. Some of the doors, when I went to get the candy, they would question what I was supposed to be because they didn't know I was a boy."

Daniel Bard: "I dressed up as Ice Man from 'Top Gun.' It was pretty good. I was told I resemble Val Kilmer in that movie. I spiked my hair up and got a green flight suit and aviator sunglasses."

Clay Buchholz: "I must have been 15 or 16 -- I dressed up as Michael Myers when 'Halloween' came out. I had the Michael Myers mask and wore one of my dad's work suits and had a chainsaw with no chain on it. I ran around the neighborhood chasing kids. It was pretty funny until the parents got mad at me and I had to sort of veer off into my house."

As for Big Papi...

"I have never dressed up, never as a kid. But my son, he's going to be a bumblebee this year."

Ms. Cornetta has included other Boston athletes in her poll. To read them all, click here.

*A BIG THANK YOU to Jake for sending me the link to this story!

A Perfect Fit?

October 27, 2009

With the news today that Brad Mills has been named the new manager of the Houston Astros (Congratulations to Coach Mills!) there is a now a vacancy for the Red Sox bench coach position...

And who better to fill that vacancy and be Terry Francona's right-hand man than Jason Varitek!

Apparently, I am not alone in this thinking...

The news of Mills' move to Houston is barely an hour old and already the blogs and fan forums are starting to buzz with talk of Tek being the perfect fit for the Sox bench coach position, or perhaps a player/coach.

I have already had several emails this afternoon from Tek fans who are on the same wave length with this idea. The East Bay Dirt Dog blogger thinks it's a great idea, and heck, even those cranky armchair GM's over at Sons of Sam Horn think so too (wonders never cease - even if some of the comments are snarky)!

Of course, the big obstacle to this great idea is that the Red Sox AND Jason have to agree with this thinking! Ah well, there is nothing wrong with a little collective wishful thinking among fans of the Captain!

Thoughts? send them to me!

Decisions, Decisions...

October 21, 2009

I have received quite a few emails from fans asking how the "whole team option/player option thing works"....

According to WEEI's Alex Speier:

"The Red Sox have until five days after the World Series to decide whether to exercise their $5 million club option on Varitek for next season. If the Red Sox decline their option, then Varitek would have five days from the time of being notified of the club's decision to decide whether or not to exercise a one-year, $3 million (with the possibility of another $2 million in incentives) player option."

Of course, I will update the site with any developments, so be sure to check back!

Also Today:

Check out this great story on a Yankees vs Red Sox rivalry that had a very happy ending!

Kelly Comes Through!

October 18, 2009

Kelly O'Connor has captured the last of the "Tek photos" for the 2009 season.

I have added them here.

But to check out all of her latest photos, click on her site here and then click on her new "SmugMug" photo page.

Kelly, thank you so much for sharing all of your beautiful photos with us!

Interview Caps & Quotes Added...

October 14, 2009

If you've missed NESN's Celebrity Spotlight Series on Jason's Putt Putt Tournament this month and can't wait for the next showing (Sunday, Oct 18th @ 12:00 pm & 6:30 pm)...

You can check out his interview in screen captures and quotes by clicking here.

If you're new to the site and missed photos from the event, which was held on September 14th at the Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton, Massachusetts...

You can check out fan photos here.

And if you need something to take up some of that non-baseball watching time...

You can check out last year's Celebrity Spotlight on Jason here.

Youk Talks Tek...

October 13, 2009

From an interview with Kevin Youkilis on WAAF's Hill-Man Morning Show:

H-M: "I thought it was really classy the way Tek handled himself. I know he's a guy who really likes to play, and it was probably really tough for him, but it was extremely classy the way he handled all that."

Kevin Youkilis: "Yeah, he does a great job. It was tough on him, but he's had a rough time the past two years, and he's always putting the team first. That's his attitude, and that's why he's captain of the team and they put that 'C' on his chest. So it's an amazing thing what he does, and he's a great team guy, and unfortunately he didn't get to play as much as he would have liked to, but he went about it the right way, and that's the biggest thing. There's some guys who go about it the wrong way, and he goes about it the right way. Doesn't use the media as leverage, and stuff like that. It's very good to have guys like that that you play with."

To hear the full interview, click here.

*Thank you to Anna!

"Beckett Wants His Tek-nician Back In 2010"

October 12, 2009

From WEEI's Mike Petraglia this afternoon:

Josh Beckett made it clear on Monday that he would like to see Jason Varitek back in a Red Sox uniform in 2010.

"He's definitely one of those guys I'd love to see back, even if the transition starts like it started at the end of the year," Beckett said. "I think there’s a lot of things that a lot of people can learn from him. And him being around, it's never a bad thing. He's so great with young guys and he knows how to run a clubhouse and that's why he wears that 'C' on his chest."

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said Monday that he had yet to speak to Varitek about his role next year.

Epstein added that he Victor Martinez would likely see the majority of catching duty next year.

"It's obviously not anything you want to see somebody go through, and I consider Jason Varitek a dear friend of mine," Beckett added. "It’s obviously tough to see people go through those transitions but he handled it very well."

To read Mr. Petraglia's "Full Count" blog, click here.

Don't Forget...

Jason and his Putt Putt Tournament will be featured on NESN's Celebrity Spotlight Series tomorrow (Tuesday) evening at 6:30 p.m.

For other showings this month, see the October 9th post below or you can always keep up by checking the Events/Appearances section in the column on the right.

New Fan Photos Added...

October 11, 2009

R.L. (Becky) Cooley, our "California Connection", was in attendance Thursday for Game 1 of the ALDS and snapped some great photos to share with us.

She caught the Captain during batting practice, the pre-game ceremony, in the dugout and in the bullpen.

To see them all, click here.

And to check out a few photos from Allie, who attended a game at Fenway last month, click here.

Tek-nically Speaking...

"It's been great. I think we have a great relationship. First, there is the respect factor of playing against each other, and then working together. It's worked out great for all of us.

"Vic's been great. He's been a huge part of this team, a huge part of our offense. He swings the bat really well, and he's done a good job behind the plate." -- Jason, on working with Victor Martinez, from an interview/article with MLB.com.

"I think he's just a prototypical winning catcher -- the guy that goes back there and understands the importance of calling 150 pitches. Having a pitcher execute the 150 pitches, and making anything you do offensively secondary to that.

"He will have an ugly at-bat and put that mask on and all of a sudden he's an All-Star catcher back there again. I think there's an important lesson for a lot of young catchers and something we certainly try to pound into our youngsters about the influence that you're going to have on a game. Even when he's not swinging the bat well, he's had as much of an influence on Boston's success in the last six, seven years as anybody over there." -- Angels manager Mike Scioscia, from the same interview/article.

Also Today:

Congratulations to the Red Sox for their 95-game winning season and another trip to the post-season!

Now that the season is officially over, I'll be keeping up with things as usual, but I will not turn the site into "Speculation Central" when it comes to Jason's plans for the 2010 season. I'll do my best to keep readers up-to-date without posting every media rumor and every opinion from those so-called "baseball experts" (who didn't do a real good job with their 2009 predictions)!

And for the fans that have asked already: The site will continue to follow Jason's career - wherever it takes him! Hope you'll come along for the ride!

Talkin' Tek On The Airwaves Today

October 9, 2009

Red Sox first base coach Tim Bogar was a guest on the Ripken Baseball Show hosted by Cal Jr. and Bill Ripken this afternoon on MLB Radio on XM:

Cal Ripkin, Jr.: "With the controversy in New York with Posada and Molina catching Burnett, and with the transition seemingly taking place in Boston right now with Victor Martinez catching and not Jason Varitek -- and you know, I don't know whether I am totally alright with that. I am a big Varitek fan and I love the way he controls the game and all the intangible things he does back there. Are we not going to see Jason catch a game or are we going to see Victor catch the whole staff?"

Tim Bogar: "Well, I'm not exactly sure how that's going to work out. I know that Vic has caught Beckett the last couple of games, and Terry has been thinking that through with the front office and how they want to go about it. You know, Jason Varitek is a professional. He is unbelievable at what he does. His preparation, his knowledge of the staff, he's caught this staff for a long time, they trust him.

"You get a guy like Victor on your team and it changes the dynamic a little bit. You want to have Mikey Lowell over there at third, you want to have Youkilis at first. And when Victor's not catching, he's going to play first base and David Ortiz is going to DH. It kind of gives you a little bit of a different direction to think about if you're not going to have him catch.

"But I'll tell you this - Jason has been awesome with Victor. They sit and they talk all the time. They try and get on the same page [with the pitching staff], and I'll tell you what, for a guy who has caught for as long as Tek has, and does the things that he has, he has been unbelievably great with Victor. And Victor has been very appreciative of it."

You can check out Ripken Baseball's website here.

Former Red Sox first baseman (and MLB Network analyst) Kevin Millar was a guest on the Dennis & Callahan Show this morning on WEEI:

Q: "Are you surprised at the way the Jason Varitek [situation] unfolded? … They bring Victor Martinez in and Terry Francona was not hesitant to send his captain to the bench and pinch-hit for his captain when he was in there and it appears he's not going to see any action in this series."

Kevin Millar: "It's always a tough thing, and Posada's going through it right this second, same type thing. You have a guy like Varitek who's been there and obviously the trade for Victor around the July deadline, it started making things a little bit uneasy I would say, you know, I'm not on the team. You have Mikey sit down a couple of days, I know Ortiz sits down a day, and then you had Varitek. It was kind of a revolving thing, and that's not an easy situation because Varitek being your captain and being your leader on that club. There are so many other intangibles that Jason brings, we sometimes as fans just look at stats and numbers and, 'OK, he's hitting .204 or .327' or there's more in this game behind the scenes that happens. Varitek gets paid a lot of money to put down fingers also and know lineups and execute different things. It's tough, but as we get older we get different roles that we’ve got to take also. And personally, that's what happens. With Varitek, it's about wins and losses right now."

Q: "When you have four guys in three spots, somebody is going to sit, somebody is going to be unhappy about sitting. What happens in the clubhouse dynamics when they make it known they are not happy with the way it's going?"

Kevin Millar: It can affect the other guys, but Jason Varitek is a professional. All four of these guys are professionals. You are not dealing with an amateur player that can cause problems. You want guys to play, let’s get that straight, but you’re not going to make everybody happy. You've got 25 guys, everyone wants to play. I mean, Kotchman was a starter before he came over, he’s been on the bench and I'm sure he's not happy, but these guys are professionals. That's a good clubhouse. That seems like a great group of guys. And Varitek? he should be out there everyday! But he handles it in a perfect way.

Q: What is your take on the pitcher-catcher relationship on the battery here. Do you care if a pitcher feels more comfortable with a catcher even if that catcher can't hit?

Kevin Millar: "We had that discussion yesterday on the Posada-Burnett situation. I think that's important that you want that pitcher comfortable throwing to that catcher because that’s the game. I mean, you’ve got to pitch and you’ve got to catch the ball. Offensively, you're going to hit and score some runs, but especially when you’ve got a horse like Beckett or a horse like Lester. Now if somebody, and I'll use an example, if I'm a pitcher and not comfortable, well great, but 'you're my fifth starter'. But if you are the Number One, or Number Two [pitcher]...Maddox always had a catcher...that's not uncommon! there's different scenerios that Varitek brings when you talk about intangibles besides just offense. It's not like he just can't hit!! He's got 14 homers, he's still a threat."

To listen to Kevin's full interview, click here.

Today's Tek Stats:

After the game last night, Terry Francona announced that Victor Martinez will be behind the plate again tonight to catch Josh Beckett.

-- Tek has caught Beckett in 83 of his 90 starts since the start of the 2007 season.

-- Josh Beckett's OPS-against with Martinez behind the plate (1.021 in just 81 plate appearances) is nearly three times more than when Tek (.625, in 742 plate appearances) is the receiver.

Television Reminder (in case you missed last night's premiere)...

Don't forget to tune in this month to NESN's Celebrity Spotlight Series hosted by Ray Bourque.

The featured celebrity is Jason, and the spotlight will be on his 2009 Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament that took place in September.

The Show's schedule:

Tuesday, October 13th @ 6:30 pm

Sunday, October 18th @ 12:00 pm & 6:30 pm

Friday, October 23rd @ 10:30 pm

Saturday, October 24th @ 2:00 pm

Monday, October 26th @ 10:30 pm

Friday, October 30th @ 5:30 pm

*You can always check the dates by scrolling down to the Events/Appearances section in the column on the right.

This Weekend...

R.L. Cooley, our "California Connection" will be in attendance at the ALDS in Anaheim and will have her camera in tow (and the lens cap off)!

Stop back by to see what new photos she has to share!

"There's One Job To Do And That's To Support My Teammates"

October 7-8, 2009

From WEEI and the LA Times this evening:

"It's different. It's definitely different," said Varitek. "You can't really control playing time, but you can control the other parts where you contribute. It may not be by playing. It may be on the bench. You can’t really control those things, but it's not the time of year to be selfish.

"There's one job to do and that's to support my teammates, and be prepared if the bell rings. All I can do is go and do what I do and be a good teammate."

The Sox captain said that he is still doing everything in his power to remain ready in case the Sox need him. At the same time, he is more than willing to contribute by offering Martinez any information that may prove of help.

"Vic's been great. He's been a huge part of our team, a huge part of our offense. He swings the bat really well, and does a really good job behind the plate," said Varitek. "I think we have a very good relationship, first from the respect factor of playing against each other, then from working together. Sometimes, over the course of learning and talking through stuff, a word of something from Victor to me helps me or vice-versa."

Varitek has yet to learn what sort of role, in any, he will play. But given that he is on a Red Sox postseason roster for the 15th different series, he refuses to express any disappointment about his role.

"We're in the postseason. I don’t know what's disappointing about being in the postseason. Everybody in this locker room at some point has helped the team win games," Varitek said. "Your level of how special this opportunity is goes well beyond anything personal."

With Varitek and the team set to face a mutual option at the end of the season, the veteran refuses to discuss anything regarding his contract.

"Honestly, this isn't the time for me to worry about me. I'm not equipped to answer that question now. I can't entertain that right now, and I don't think it's fair to me or this team. Your level of how special this opportunity is goes well beyond anything personal."

To read the rest of the WEEI interview, click here.

To read the story from the L.A. Times, click here.

To read Michael Hurley's column at NESN.com, click here.

To watch video from NECN on Tek's interview, click here.

Also Today:

New Fan Photos Added!

Nanci and her family were able to score tickets for the final game of the regular season on Sunday and she didn't let the opportunity go to waste!

Said Nanci, "We went to the final home game of the season on Sunday. We had Pavilion Standing Room but upgraded to Field Box 29 Row B; 3 seats away from the Sox Dugout and 4 rows up from the field (three rows behind the owners seats) They were AWESOME."

She snapped some great photos of the Captain - which you can check out here.

Want more Tek? Then you can check out her "#33 Tribute Page" here.

And you can see the rest of her beautiful Red Sox photos here.

Putting it in perspective...

For all the complaining that the Boston media and the Red Sox fans do about the Captain's hitting this season, both Jim M. and Jason L. (die-hard Mets fans) wanted you to know...

That Tek has more home runs (14) than 27 of 28 active players on the 2009 New York Mets. He also has more RBI (51) and more Doubles (24) than 25 of 28 active Mets players.

And they'd be glad to see him in a Mets jersey for what he can bring to their team's pitching staff...so stop complaining!

*Thanks guys!

Tek Stats:

-- Jason Varitek has hit 11 postseason home runs. That's the most in Major League history by a catcher. Johnny Bench and Javier Lopez each hit 10.

-- He is one of only six catchers with at least two triples in his career in the playoffs. Varitek has two, tied with three others including Yankees manager Joe Girardi. Johnny Bench and Tim McCarver both had three.

(from Ian Browne at RedSox.com)

Television Reminder...

NESN's Celebrity Spotlight Series, hosted by Ray Bourque, will premiere the "2009 Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament" THIS Thursday, October 8th at 10:30 p.m.

The show will re-air throughout the month of October.

Tuesday: Tek-nically Speaking

October 6, 2009

From an interview with Victor Martinez that appears in the Patriot Ledger this morning:

How do you come to an established club, with an established and well-respected catcher, and expect to be welcomed with open arms?

"Obviously, coming into the new clubhouse, I didn't know what to expect," he said. "I never get tired of saying these guys make everything a lot easier for me. I never thought I was going to get comfortable that quick. Great teammates, great coaching staff, trainers staff, everybody. They make me feel like I’ve been playing here for a couple of years and I really appreciate that. For me, it's very important to feel comfortable in the clubhouse, even more on the field, and they really did that pretty good to me. I really appreciate that."

The one thing he really, really, really appreciates, though, was the cooperation he got from Jason Varitek, who had every reason to turn his back on the newcomer. Martinez, after all, was deemed a better first baseman than a catcher, yet he has taken over the starting catcher's duties and will assume that role when the playoffs begin this week.

"Man, he's been awesome," said Martinez, who has started 31 of the 60 games the Sox have played since his arrival. "Since I got here I think one of the biggest things for me is he's been all open for me, helped me out a lot with the pitching staff, telling me about every pitcher, the strong side of the pitcher, things I need to do when they get in trouble. He's been great. He's been all open for me. He even told me that if I got any questions, even during a game, don't hesitate in asking. I really appreciate that. He’s been great to me."

Asked if he was surprised by Varitek's attitude, Martinez said, "Well, you know what? Playing against him is one thing and having him as a teammate is another thing. He looks kind of mean. That's the way he plays. He played the game the way it's supposed to be played. He played the game hard and he's pretty smart in what he's doing, all the things that he's done for this organization, nobody's going to take that away from him and the organization. When I got here he kind of surprised me because I never thought that he was the kind of person he is. He's great."

To read the rest, click here.

Sox Win Final Game Of The Regular Season

October 4-5, 2009

The Captain gets a standing ovation from the Fenway Faithful -

From the Providence Journal and the Boston Herald:

Over his years as manager, Francona has frequently pulled veterans from the last game of the season for curtain-calls from the home fans. Sunday's only recipient of a bow was catcher Jason Varitek. Varitek replaced Victor Martinez behind the plate at the start of the fourth inning but was pulled after a few pitches in the eighth inning in favor of Dusty Brown.

"Dusty was like 'I'm sorry'," Varitek laughed. "I get kind of embarrassed anyways so it was kind of a blur to me. I was caught off-guard. Tito did that for a lot of us last year, too. I've been here a long time and I definitely appreciate it.

"I felt bad because Bardo - it's not the best shadow time of the day right there - had launched one high and bounced the next one. I was like, 'Oh gosh,' I felt bad for Brownie."

Francona, who has mentioned more than once the last couple of days that Varitek has been earning the "C" he wears on his jersey for the way he has handled the transition with Victor Martinez, downplayed the move.

"I told him before the game that he wasn't going to finish the game," the manager said. "I wanted him to get a couple at-bats and I just thought it was appropriate also that the fans get to acknowledge what he does."

The Game -

Jed Lowrie hit his first career grand slam to cap a five-run sixth inning as Boston outslugged Cleveland, 12-7, in the season and series finale for both clubs from Fenway Park.

J.D. Drew homered twice, Dustin Pedroia hit a two-run shot and David Ortiz also drove in two runs for the Red Sox (95-67), who ended the regular season by sweeping the four-game set.

Michael Bowden (1-1) hurled 2-2/3 innings of relief for the win, scattering a run and three hits. Starter Clay Buchholz was tagged for five hits and six runs over three innings for Boston, which plays the Angels in the American League Division series later this week.

Drew started the sixth with his second solo homer of the contest to put the Red Sox up 8-6, then an infield single by Joey Gathright, a base hit from George Kottaras and a walk to Jason Varitek loaded the bases.

Lowrie faced Chris Perez and greeted him with a grand slam into the bullpen in right for a 12-6 Sox edge.

In the seventh, Michael Brantley's pinch-hit two-out RBI single got the Tribe within five, but Daniel Bard, Fernando Cabrera and Jonathan Papelbon held Cleveland off the board over the final 2 1/3 frames.

As for the ALDS against the Angels, the Captain thinks they will go as far as the top of the rotation takes them.

"I hate to sound like a broken record, but when we pitch the ball well, and the way this lineup has come together, I believe that we will have our chances. I think it sets the tone with the starting pitching. We've got a pretty good threesome and a pretty good foursome. We have two horses at the front," Varitek said. "That bodes well."

Check out video of Jason's post-game interview here.

To see photos from the game, click here.

To see a few screen caps, click here.

Friday Night At Fenway: Red Sox 6, Indians 2

October 3, 2009

It started early last night...

The Red Sox took a 1-0 lead before making an out as Jacoby Ellsbury led off the first with a double, took third on his 69th stolen base of the year and kept going when catcher Kelly Shoppach’s throw went into left field for an error.

Ellsbury "is one of the very few in the game that can do that sort of thing on the basepaths," said Cleveland manager Eric Wedge.

In the third, Jason Varitek led off with a double to center, Gonzalez was hit by a pitch and Ellsbury walked to load them up with nobody out. Dustin Pedroia got a run home on a sacrifice fly to center. Victor Martinez followed with an RBI single to right that was trapped by Shin-Soo Choo. After a walk by Kevin Youkilis, Jason Bay drilled an RBI double to left and Boston had a 4-0 lead.

Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run double in the seventh.

Daisuke Matsuzaka began the game by giving up a double to Michael Brantley but then retired the next 12 batters.

Trouble started in the fifth when Travis Hafner doubled, took third on a wild pitch and scored on Luis Valbuena’s one-out single. Valbuena stole second and, after Shoppach walked, scored on Trevor Crowe’s single. With the bases loaded after another walk to Jamey Carroll, the right-hander struck out Choo swinging and the Sox kept the lead.

"I was able to work on points that I felt were going to be important going into the playoffs and I had a real good feel for those points," Matsuzaka said through a translator. "The most important point was being able to battle with runners on base."

Matsuzaka allowed two earned runs on five hits in six innings with seven strikeouts and three walks. He was 1-5 when he was sidelined with a minor right shoulder strain and 3-1 since then. His ERA in those four starts is 2.22, lowering his season mark from 8.23 to 5.76.

"There's a reason the guy won us 18 games last year," Varitek said. "He's been valuable. He's gone into the sixth or the seventh in each one of his outings. That's big. It gives us a chance to set up our bullpen."

Billy Wagner came on to retire two batters in the seventh, marking the first time he's pitched on back-to-back days since joining the Red Sox.

Takashi Saito hurled a scoreless ninth inning to seal the win.

To see photos from the game, click here.

To see a few screen caps, click here.

Tek Stats - heading into the 2009 Post-Season...

-- Jason, David Ortiz, Tim Wakefield and Kevin Youkilis can win their third Series in six years with the Red Sox this fall.

-- Jason has caught 63 of Boston's 65 postseason games since 1999, missing only two Wakefield starts.

-- Jason has the most homers (11) by a catcher in the postseason.

-- Jason played in his 54th postseason game on October 2, 2008, most ever by a Red Sox player and has appeared in 13 playoff series, also the most ever by a Boston player.

Tek-nically Speaking...

"Playing against him is one thing, and playing with him, having him as a teammate, is another thing. You play against him and he looks kind of mean. That's the way he plays. He's one of the guys I always looked up to the way he plays the game. He's great." -- Victor Martinez on Tek, during a recent interview.

Jason's current stats: AVG .209 | HR 14 | RBI 51 | DBL 24 | OBP .312 | SLG .391

New Fan Photos Added

October 1, 2009

Thank you to Ryan for sharing these photos from the September 16th game at Fenway between the Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (who we'll be seeing again next week!).

To check 'em out, click here.

You can see more of Ryan's photography here.

Theo Talks Tek...

September 30, 2009

Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein was a guest on 98.5 - The Sports Hub with hosts Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti on Wednesday. One of the subjects brought up by Michael Felger was the catching situation going into the post-season, which Mr. Epstein declined to discuss. But he did take a few moments to further discuss the team captain:

Felger: Have you settled on the catching situation through the post season? Is Victor Martinez going to be your everyday catcher? And, the follow-up to this is: it sure looks like from where we're sitting that there's been certainly a preference for Beckett to have Varitek, and Tito called it a 'stubbornness' on Beckett's part...has that been an issue internally shaking that thing out and what's it going to look like in the playoffs?

Theo Epstein: "You know what, that's not something that I'm going to address right now or is it even my place going forward because obviously Tito makes up the lineup, and as is customary, we will announce it the day before the first playoff game.

"Victor has done a really nice job adjusting to the pitchers since he's been here - all of them - now that's he worked with them, I think maybe Paul Byrd is the one starter he hasn't worked with...and big part of that has actually been Jason's 'Team First' attitude. A lot of people have assumed that because Jason's role has been reduced somewhat, and he hasn't been performing that well lately that he's unhappy and that's just not true!

"I give Tek a lot of credit. When we made the trade, he made it clear that his priority is that the Red Sox win. And he saw that part of his job when Victor got here was to take him under his wing and get him up to speed with the idiosyncrasies of each pitcher and how they prefer to prepare, what pitches they can execute, what pitches to stay away from in certain situations, and he's done a really good job with that.

"This might seem like a bit of a 'cop out', but I look at our catching situation as a partnership right now. When Victor is out there he's got a lot of Tek's preparation in him because those two have been working together to put the Red Sox in the position to win."

To listen to the entire interview, click here and download.

Johnny Pesky "Hits" The First Pitch...

September 29, 2009

...and the Captain was behind the plate to catch it!

Congratulations to Johnny Pesky on his 90th birthday!

The Red Sox presented a video montage of Mr. Pesky's career to commemorate his special day during a pre-game ceremony at Fenway Park yesterday afternoon.

Mr. Pesky, using his fungo bat, rolled a grounder to Tek to start the first game of a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

To see some great screen captures of the moment, taken by my friend Anna (which were far better than mine!), click here.

To read about the celebration, click here.

Monday: Tek-nically Speaking

September 28, 2009

From Alex Speier's column at WEEI.com this morning:

"I don't really give a crap about what they've done. I'm worried about kind of what we're doing," Sox catcher Jason Varitek said matter-of-factly after having calmly glimpsed a bit of the Yankees' on-field celebrations after the game. "I don’t think it's time for us to hang our heads, to be honest with you.

"We've got an opportunity to move forward and get ourselves a chance to play in the postseason. That's all you want: a chance. You don't want to see [the Yankees celebrate] on your watch, but fact of the matter is we have hope."

To read Mr. Speier's column, click here.

Jason Varitek: The Consummate Professional

September 27, 2009

From the column of ESPN's Pedro Gomez this afternoon:

On the other side of Martinez's increased playing time is the decreased role of the Red Sox's captain, Varitek. The 12-year veteran and mainstay behind the plate for Boston during their championship years is no longer a lock to be in the same role once the playoffs begin.

But not surprisingly to those inside the Red Sox clubhouse, Varitek has been first in line to help Martinez any way imaginable.

Said Varitek: "What am I going to do? Turn my back on my teammates? I want to win. If there are things from my experiences that I can pass on to Vic, I will do that. Plus, I like Vic."

[Manager Terry] Francona believes there's a direct connection between Varitek's innings behind the plate and his sinking batting average. But Varitek doesn't -- or won't -- see it that way.

"I don't know. I can't say that," Varitek said. "No, I'm not going to make any excuses."

Varitek's humbleness is a major reasons his teammates voted him as the club's captain* and why he remains one of the sagest voices inside the Sox's clubhouse.

To read the entire column, click here.

*Just to clarify: Mr. Gomez credits Tek's teammates for "voting" him in as the captain, but I've never seen or heard this mentioned before and in fact, Theo Epstein's comments in reference to the honor (from the 2004 press conference) does not mention a vote:

"We're not asking Jason to change at all by giving him that captaincy," Epstein said. "It's just a recognition of something everybody knows."

Also Today:

To see the latest photos...

The only one from the game (at left) and a few really nice fan photos taken by Amy that were taken during the Sox vs. Orioles series on September 20th, click here.

Tough Night For Tek

September 26, 2009

From Ian Browne's column on MLB.com:

"He's having a hard time," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "He's a tough kid. We made a lot of changes late, but we left him in because we wanted him to hit. He continues to work hard. It's not always easy. You do the best you can. You keep plugging away. You know he'll do that."

While Varitek -- Boston's 37-year-old captain -- has a neck injury that has bothered him since at least June, he refused to make any excuses.

"We'll deal with that at the end of the year," said Varitek. "I think, minus today, at times, I think I've had good at-bats. I had good at-bats in Baltimore, I had good at-bats in KC. Today, I didn't have as good of at-bats. I've got to try and stick with the process as much as I can and help this team when I can."

Francona indicated that the barrage of steals had little to do with Varitek.

"Well, with the left-hander [pitching], they go first move," Francona said. "There's not a lot the catcher can do there."

Varitek didn't think there was much he could do to stop the Yankees' speedsters. He said New York didn't catch him off-guard.

"No, we know Jeter will run, we know Alex will run. We know some of the guys that will run, so, no," said Varitek. "The only thing I can do is try to make a good throw. A couple of balls bounced and I had to jump for ball, but I made a good throw on the last one. You just have to try to stay within your game as much as you can."

*One steal, in which pitcher Hunter Jones threw the ball to Victor Martinez at first base (after the runner had taken off for second), was then thrown by Martinez well over the head of Dustin Pedrioa and into centerfield. The steal went against the Jones and Varitek total on the night.

To read Mr. Browne's column, click here.

From the Boston Globe:

After Varitek dressed, zipping up his boots while he answered each question, he said he planned on returning to the park early. He will take extra batting practice, as he always does, and help the man who is replacing him.

"I'm going to get with him and Daisuke," Martinez said. 'That way I'll have a better idea of what to [expect]."

No proclamations have been made about Varitek's role. On Wednesday, Martinez caught Josh Beckett, with whom Varitek shares a strong chemistry. Matsuzaka will make his 72nd start with the Red Sox today. It will be the fourth time someone other than Varitek is crouched behind the plate.

Varitek, the nerve center of two world championship teams, will still play a role on the team. It will less often be on the field.

"He's a big help," Martinez said. "A guy like him, you really want to have on your team. He's been a huge part for me since I got here. He's been open to me. Anything, if I have a question or something like that, he’s told me, 'Don't hesitate. Come to me any time.' He was one of the guys that I really look up to, the way he plays the game and the way he goes about his business. You really have to respect him.

"Things happen. He really does a lot of things for this team, this organization. You can't really talk about that."

Said Terry Francona, "There's a reason they put that 'C' on his chest. Even through maybe disappointment or...a little bit of a reduced role, he still exhibits a lot of leadership."

To read the article, click here.

Taking it past the "importance" of a baseball game....

From the Nashua Telegraph:

"A mom, her son, his wish for space to grow"

Fifteen-year-old Andrew Ostlund, who suffers ongoing seizures and has learning disabilities due to a brain tumor, has had his wish for a new, larger room in his Mont Vernon home granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but the project is currently on hold because of a lack of funds to purchase the necessary building materials.

Andrew was just entering first grade when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Ostlund said. At 6, he underwent surgery at Children's Hospital Boston, where surgeons resected the tumor but also had to involve part of his brain in the procedure, which left Andrew learning disabled and prone to seizures, [his mother] Melissa Ostlund said.

The seizures increased in frequency and severity around the time Andrew turned 12. Since, she said, he's watched his friends reach milestones, like preparing to get their driver's license, things he'll likely never be able to do. Having a new, larger space equipped with things he likes to do would boost his spirits, Andrew said.

"Just to get away . . . to not think about my problems...to get horrible thoughts out of my head," Andrew said about a new space.

As it stands now, Andrew's proposed new room has been narrowed to two options – putting it over the existing garage, or renovating the garage into living space. The former is preferable, Ostlund said, as Andrew would be within earshot should an overnight medical emergency arise.

Once upstairs, what appears from the curb to be a rather spacious second floor is more like a series of small rooms separated by a narrow hallway. The first room is Andrew's, closer to a walk-in closet in size than a bedroom. He tries to make do, however, showing a visitor where he now plays his video games by opening the closet door. "Thank goodness I'm not claustrophobic," he says with a smile.

Above a mini-fridge hang posters of sports figures, among them Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, whom Andrew met in August at a game organized by Children's Hospital. "He's a really nice guy," Andrew said. "He let us take our time, asking questions . . . He signed whatever we asked him to sign."

Volunteers, including many from Habitat for Humanity, are prepared to begin work as soon as materials become available.

*Anyone able to assist financially with the project can make checks payable to The Andrew Ostlund Fund, and send them to St. Joseph Hospital Employees Credit Union, care of Lucy Descoteau, 172 Kinsley St., Nashua.

Those interested in donating materials can e-mail Andrew's mother, Melissa Ostlund at heartfelt333@aol.com.

To read the entire story, click here.

Seems Like Old Times!

September 25, 2009

Jason will catch Jon Lester tonight in the start of the final regular season series against the Yankees in New York.

Victor Martinez will play first, and Kevin Youkilis will man third base.

Mike Lowell is getting the night off against Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain.

According to NESN, the team did not get into New York from their series against the Royals until 4:30 am.

Reminder: If you don't have the NESN channel, Friday's game will also be on TBS (7:05pm), Saturday's game will be on FOX (4:10pm), and Sunday's game will be on ESPN (1:05pm).

Added: Just A Few Fantastic Photos...

September 24, 2009

...from Kelly O'Connor!

Kelly was on hand for both games against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 13th and got some great shots once again! (She's the gift that keeps on giving!)

To see just a few of her latest, click here.

For the links to see more of her photography, click here.

Tek-nically Speaking...

"He is prepared, there is no question about it. To the extent Jason is? Victor goes about his game calling a little bit different than Jason does. Jason has a lot more recall based on scouting reports and based on past history with individual hitters. Victor goes a lot more on feel. When a certain starter or a certain reliever has going for him on that particular day, and the feel from what he gets from the hitter standing at the plate. That is not to say that Victor's approach is wrong, it’s a little bit different." -- Pitching coach John Farrell, on the difference in the game calling approach between Victor Martinez and Tek. (WEEI).

"It was fine. We're still feeling each other out. Obviously, you can't expect him to go out there and he and I be like me and Jason have been for three years now. It was good." -- Josh Beckett, on being caught by Victor Martinez on Wednesday night. (Boston Globe)

"I think Josh is stubborn. Remember his first year here? I remember even saying, 'there's going to be a day when we say that fondly'. And we do now. He's a stubborn kid. There's a lot to be said - that's why Tek has gotten all the accolades from us because it's important. There's some guys, maybe it's more important than others. Josh is one of them.

"I guess I think between the time they've been together, when Tek puts something down, Beckett throws it with conviction. Even if it's the wrong pitch, if you're throwing 96 with a good curveball and actually a pretty decent changeup, even if it's maybe the wrong pitch on the scouting report, if he's throwing it with conviction, it's probably the right pitch. I think Beckett moreso than a lot of people. When he throws it with conviction, he's OK." -- Terry Francona, on Beckett's comfort level working with Tek. (Boston Globe)

Today's Tek Stats:

-- Going into Wednesday night's game - Beckett was 0-2 with an 11.25 ERA in the three starts he had made with catchers other than Tek. With With Tek behind the plate, Beckett is 15-4 with a 3.16 ERA.

-- Going into the final week of September - Tek is the ONLY player on the Red Sox to hit a grand slam this season.

The Feeling Is Mutual...

September 22, 2009 - Afternoon Update

Actress Jennifer Garner was a guest last night on the Jay Leno Show to plug her new movie, "The Invention of Lying."

During her appearance, she was asked by Leno to name each player in the Red Sox starting lineup. She took this request very seriously and asked him if she was supposed to give the batting order from their last game against the Orioles, or last night's batting order against the Kansas City Royals. Leno told her to do the lineup as it was "right now". She was then given a New York Yankees cap and told she had to wear it while she gave the lineup or he wouldn't let her plug her new movie afterwards. She thought about it for a few moments, made several faces, and then promptly turned it around backwards before placing it on her head. She was then forced to hold a photo of Derek Jeter, which she held at the tips of her fingers as if holding a dead fish.

On to the lineup...

She did fine with Jacoby Ellsbury leading off and Dustin Pedrioa batting second, but then couldn't remember the third batter's name, eventually settling on Alex Gonzalez at catcher rather than Victor Martinez, and then explained, "but I'm a Varitek girl". She did the rest of the lineup 4 through 9 without any further problems (eventually giving Alex Gonzalez his proper place in the batting order as well as his position).

Tek would have been pleased. During a few interviews over the years (like this one from 2005), he has been asked to name his favorite actress...and guess who it was? Jennifer Garner!

You can see Jennifer's funny guest segment on Leno here.

Celebrity Spotlight On Jason's Putt Putt Tournament

September 22, 2009

NESN's Celebrity Spotlight Series, hosted by Ray Bourque, will premiere the "2009 Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament" on Thursday, October 8th at 10:30 p.m.

The show will re-air throughout the month of October.

You can "catch" some of the action on the Red Sox Report today at 5pm.

You can also watch video highlights of the Tournament here.

And if you missed the fan photos, you can check them out here and screen caps here.

Thank you to Anna and Audrey!

Sox Sweep Orioles - Sunday's game: Red Sox 9, Orioles 3

September 20, 2009

Daisuke Matsuzaka extended an outstanding stretch by Boston's rotation, and the Red Sox cruised past the Orioles 9-3 Sunday for a three-game sweep.

Ramon Ramirez, Hideki Okajima and Takashi Saito combined to finish off the game and send the Sox on their way to Kansas City for a four-game series against the Royals.

Jason Bay and Jacoby Ellsbury both homered and drove in three runs for the Red Sox, who captured the season series 16-2 by winning the final eight games.

As in other Sox vs. Orioles match-ups this season, The Sox delivered the knockout blow early and the Orioles couldn't respond. Orioles starter Jason Berken was hit early and hit hard. Bergen gave up an RBI single to Jason Bay and a 2-RBI single to Mike Lowell in the first. He gave up another RBI to Victor Martinez in the second. Jacoby Ellsbury got to him quickly in the third, drilling a ground-rule double to cash in Jason Varitek, who singled with two out, and Alex Gonzalez, who lined a double down the left-field line.

The victory, combined with the Texas Rangers' loss to Los Angeles, reduced Boston's magic number to win the AL wild card to seven. The Red Sox have an eight-game lead over the Rangers.

Sox starters have allowed three runs or fewer in 13 straight games, going 8-1 with a 2.18 ERA. That's one reason why the Red Sox have won 10 of 11, including a 3-1 win Friday night.

"When we throw quality starts we've been in pretty much every game," Jason Varitek said. "It's a big part of how we win."

Sorry, I couldn't locate any photos or video of Jason from the game!

Tek-nically Speaking...

September 19, 2009

"I love catching. I love the relationship a catcher has with pitchers and the responsibility. But if we have had success with me catching, it's because of Jason Varitek. He has been unbelievable working with me to know the pitchers and work on game plans. I am very fortunate to be able to work with Jason. I look up to him." -- Victor Martinez, as quoted in Peter Gammons' blog today at ESPN.com.

"I'll throw to whomever they put back there...

"It matters. Don't get me wrong. It matters. Jason Varitek is very special to me because we end up getting in a rhythm very, very quickly. But the bottom line is that it's your fault. If you can't execute a pitch and you give up a hard hit ball it's your fault. Anybody who tells you different is probably a (wimp).

"For me the thing is that I throw so many pitches. For somebody new it's very difficult to remember everything I throw because I throw everything to both sides of the plate. I might want that pitch, but they might set up to the wrong spot, which, like I said, is still my fault. I need to shake until I get what I want." -- Josh Beckett, on the idea of throwing to a new catcher (Martinez) - from Rob Bradford's blog at WEEI.com.

When Tek catches Beckett:

Beckett has been far more effective with Varitek behind the plate than any other catcher. In three starts without Varitek, Beckett is 0-2 with an 11.25 ERA and a 2.13 WHIP. In 27 starts throwing to Varitek, Beckett is 15-4 with a 3.16 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. (Boston Globe)

Also from Mr. Gammons' blog:

How much Martinez will catch next season is an unknown. Indians people have warned the Red Sox that Martinez will wear down if he catches 130-something games. Varitek can exercise his player option for $3 million for 2010 or the club can bring him back for $5 million. Or the Red Sox can find a veteran catcher who can start 80 games or they can bring along one of the young catchers in their organization. No one knows for now, especially considering what Varitek has meant to the Red Sox.

To read the entire blog, click here.

To read Mr. Bradford's entire blog, click here.

To see a larger version of Kelly O'Connor's photo above, click here.

*Thanks to Lynn for the heads-up on the ESPN blog!

New Photos Added...

September 18, 2009 - Evening Update

Kim and her friend Heather attended Jason's Putt Putt Tournament as spectators on Monday, and she sent me a couple of photos to share with other fans.

One photo took honors as the new Picture of the Week (at right).

The others, along with Kim's comments about the attending the event, can be found here.

Kim, thank you so much!

Josh Beckett: "There Isn't A Son Of A (Gun) Alive I'd Rather Have Back There!"

September 18, 2009

Excerpts from articles in the Boston Herald and at RedSox.com this morning:

Jason Varitek is built like a hunk of granite, which is fitting, because for years he has been an absolute rock behind the plate.

With Varitek at catcher, the Red Sox have counted on a number of certainties. Detailed preparation. Encyclopedic knowledge of opponents. A willingness to sacrifice his body for the team.

One of Varitek’s most underrated skills, however, is the one that let him down each of the last two nights. The Red Sox overcame it during Wednesday’s 9-8 victory over the Angels, but it directly contributed to last night’s 4-3 loss to end an otherwise outstanding homestand and a seven-game winning streak.

"I guess it's frustrating, but there isn’t a son of a (gun) alive I'd rather have back there," said Sox starter Josh Beckett. "Over the last four years, I can't remember one time where that's happened. I think it's a freak deal. I've seen curveballs stay down like that before. Generally they hit the plate or just hit a soft piece of dirt or something. I'm quite sure that's what happened, because usually my curveball bounces higher than that."

The play didn’t decide the game, but was a mighty contributor.

"I don't know if it hit a piece of dirt and just stayed down," Beckett said. "Over the last four years, I can't remember one time where Tek doesn't block that ball. He's so good at it. I just think it took kind of a wild hop and stayed down on him."

Varitek will seek some video evidence before he gives a true breakdown of the play.

"I have to see the replay and look at it for myself," Varitek said. "I thought I was in a position to block it. Obviously, I didn't keep it in front of me. It's something that I usually do well, blocking the ball. I have to look and see what adjustments that I need to make."

To watch video of Jason's post-game interview, click here.

Winter Is Just Around The Corner...

September 17, 2009

And what could be better than a handmade, autographed Red Sox quilt to keep you warm?

The New England Quilt Museum is pleased to announce that a unique work of quilt art and sports memorabilia is up for auction NOW on eBay.

The quilt has a white center panel (bottom of photo) signed by 23 players from the 2009 Red Sox team, including:

Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz, Hideki Okajima, Dustin Pedroia, J.D. Drew, Nick Green, Jed Lowrie, Jason Bay, Daniel Bard, Takashi Saito, and Jonathan Papelbon, as well as Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino.

The autographed fabric was then made into a quilt by nationally-renowned quilt artist Rosemary Bawn, who is known nationwide for her pictorial Red Sox works.

Featuring a panorama of Fenway Park, the piece was hand-quilted by the artist. Measuring 54” by 40”, the work took a total of 175 hours to complete. It incorporates fabrics that are reproductions from a quilt soon to be exhibited at the museum, made around 1910, with early twentieth century baseball players depicted in the fabric.

The New England Quilt Museum, located in downtown Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors a wide range of activities to bring art education to children in public schools, make comfort quilts for hospitalized children in cooperation with Project Linus, help Scouts earn their badges, raise awareness for breast and cervical cancer, and a host of other projects.

The Museum sent the Red Sox Foundation a panel of fabric this spring, asking that the players and management sign the cloth to be made into a fundraising quilt, to further the Museum’s mission. The Foundation responded with virtually the entire team signing.

Massachusetts artist and longtime Sox fan Ms. Bawn transformed that signed panel into the quilt that is being auctioned, using her popular style, which combines traditional quilt motifs with images of players, fans, and Fenway Park. The auction of the quilt is expected to bring funding that will help the museum maintain its 150-year old building, as well as the community projects that they host.

You can place your bid for the quilt here.

You can also check out the the New England Quilt Museum's website here to see a larger version of this beautiful quilt and sign up to be notified of the specific time of the auction, and to be sent a direct link to the eBay page.

*Thank you to Jennifer Rogers, Founder of Crafters Quarters, LLC.

You can check out Crafters Quarters website here.

Quotes from last night's game...

"Ramon Ramirez's slider had such wicked movement that not only did Kendry Morales swing and miss at it for strike three of what looked to be the third out of the seventh, but Jason Varitek got handcuffed. Morales reached on a what was ruled a passed ball." -- Red Sox reporter Ian Browne, in his summary of the game last night.

"It was a slider that broke in the other direction. We were trying to go back foot, it kind of back-ended a little bit...it just hit off the end of my glove, and I couldn't get to it". -- Jason, on the movement of his first passed ball of the season.

"You saw the swing and miss. The ball had such good movement." -- Terry Francona, on the Ramon Ramirez pitch and passed ball.

"What he does out at short, there's not many in the game who can match what he does out there. That's still a level of importance. But he's come up with some big hits for us." -- Jason, on the importance of Alex Gonzalez to the team.

To watch video of Jason's post-game interview, click here.

Note to the Armchair GM's: Regardless of the passed ball - Tek is STILL the League leader for the lowest WP + PB/G! (BaseballReference.com)

Also Today:

Beckett Tipping Pitches? The Captain doesn't think so!

"I don't know. I don't think so," said catcher Jason Varitek, before Beckett's last start, a rain-shortened, five-inning win over the Rays Saturday at Fenway.

"The home runs haven't been all on the same pitches."

Indeed, in that stretch, Beckett allowed nine home runs on fastballs, four on curveballs, and one on a cutter.

"It's just refinement," Varitek said. "The majority of those, (Hideki) Matsui's (second home run on Aug. 23, on the cutter) was a pretty good pitch as far as location, what we were tying to do, all of the above. That happens. (Matsui's) first one (on a first-pitch fastball in the second inning) was misfired. I don't put a whole lot of stock in that. Even if a guy is tipping, for the most part, still if they execute their pitches, I think that your pitcher has much more advantage. So, I don't really know exactly. But Josh will be fine."

To read the entire article, click here.

Fan Photos From The Putt Putt Tournament...

September 15, 2009 - Evening Update (see below)

...have been added!

Audrey Humphreys attended Jason's Putt Putt Tournament last night and sent me several photos soon after!

She had the opportunity to speak with Jason and told me that not only was the event "awesome", but so was he (and I believe there may have been a mention of how handsome he was too!).

To view them all, click here.

*Thank you so much Audrey!

Check out Sox1Fan's blog and photos on the event here.

If you attended and would like to share your photos, just email me (Erin@Jason-Varitek.com).

Tek-nically Speaking...

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein was a guest on ESPN's Jim Rome radio show today:

Jim Rome: "How receptive was Varitek to Martinez coming in? And, when you consider how much Varitek knows and how much he can share, has he been helpful in moving Martinez along?"

Theo Epstein: "Had it been someone besides Jason Varitek it could have been a sticky situation, but the thing you have to keep in mind about Jason is that the first and most important thing to him always is that the Red Sox win. He is a Red Sox through and through and he wants to win.

"I think the way he took the move is instead of seeing through the selfish lens, he saw it through the Red Sox lens and said, 'You know what, this is great. Victor Martinez is great. He's a good player and is going to help us win games and I need to do everything I can to help get him comfortable, teach him about our pitching staff and make this work' - and that's exactly what he's done.

"There has been no ego involved. Obviously, he's playing less that he has in the past, but that also enables him to stay a little bit healthier. You know, he wouldn't tell anyone, but at the time of the trade he was nursing some injuries of his own. Now that he's playing a little less, he's fresher out there and the combination of those two behind the plate and how they compliment each other has worked out well."

To listen to Theo's full chat with Jim Rome, click here (you must purchase to listen).

*Thank you to Sterling for the heads-up!

Quotes from the game...

"I don't see how anybody doesn't have nerves. You play your first spring training game you have a little nerves. You play your first game you haven't played in a little while, you have a little nerves. I can't speak for him but nerves, excitement, all the above, I had them, too. I didn't know what to expect." -- Jason, on what he was feeling as he got ready to catch the Red Sox righty. (WEEI)

"There's not much left in the season, but in the limited time, in the limited opportunity that I do have, I want to show my appreciation to the fans and my teammates by contributing in a positive way." -- Daisuke Matsuzaka on making up for time lost. (Providence Journal)

"It was nice to see for him, because everybody forgets this guy won us 18 games last year. And it was nice for him to go out there and finally have some results. You want to see somebody succeed, because he's a valuable part of this team." -- Jason, on the crowd's reaction to Matsuzaka's return and performance. (Boston Globe)

"He came after guys. He used his fastball in and out of the zone; he had his cutter working today. He did really good for a guy who hasn't pitched since June 19th. It shocked all of us." -- Angels outfielder Torii Hunter on Matsuzaka's performance. (ESPN)

"We are playing well. But it's the pitching. It's been tremendous. It's always the pitching that wins." -- Jason on the state of the Red Sox pitching staff. (Eagle Tribune)

"I've been a burden on my teammates. More than anything, I feel that I owe them." -- Daisuke Matsuzaka, during post-game comments. (ESPN)

"You can’t put everything into one start because he had to get out there and get a feel. It could have just as well gone the other way, but the good thing is he was strong." -- Jason, cautioning both media and fans to keep this start by Matsuzaka in perspective. (Providence Journal)

"He did good. Thumbs up." -- Josh Beckett on Daisuke's performance. (Providence Journal)

"He was a blast to play behind!" -- Jason Bay, on his view of Daisuke's performance. (Patriot Ledger)

“Don’t ask me. That's new. Three from back there, five on the rubber. He got his eight. That was a surprise." -- Jason, on Dice-K's new warm-up technique between innings. (Boston Globe)

"It’s something that I used to do in Japan." -- Daisuke explaining his "new" old warm-up technique. (Boston Globe)

To read an interview with Jason after the game, click here.

To watch a video of Jason's post-game interview from NESN, click here.

To see a couple of photos from the game, click here.

No Red Sox Game? No Problem!

September 14, 2009

Instead, you can check out this video on the success of Josh Beckett's Beckett Bowl which took place on September 10th!

You'll see both highlights and interviews with your favorite players...including a certain Red Sox captain!

To watch it, click here.

*Thanks to Anna for the heads-up!

Tek-nically Speaking...

"We've always been pretty good at home and there's a reason - it has to do with our support system, and it always has. The fans are able to create that energy in a positive way. When they get behind us, they make a difference. I've always said that, and I believe that." -- Jason, on the 10 shutouts this season at Fenway Park. (Boston Globe)

"I think it's a testament to things finally getting settled. We've played better -- much better. We still need to pitch the ball well. That's a key. Our lineup's gotten longer and it's gotten better." -- Jason, on the positive weekend of Red Sox baseball. (Red Sox Official Site)

And a Tek-related comment...

"I really like to play both. I like to be behind the plate. I like to be at first. I think playing first gives me a needed break for my legs and my knees. Playing first also takes away a lot of stress mentally, too. I'm very happy with the way it's going right now." -- Victor Martinez, on whether he would rather have a permanent position. (Sporting News article)

Lester & Tek Help Sox Sweep Rays In Game 2 of Twinbill

September 13, 2009 - NFL Sunday Kickoff

"Tek did a great job behind the plate, as usual...calling a good game and keeping them off balance." - Jon Lester, during a post-game interview on Red Sox Radio.

Jon Lester hurled eight scoreless innings and Jason Varitek drove in two runs (his 50th and 51st RBI of the season), as Boston downed reeling Tampa Bay, 4-0, in the back end of a day-night doubleheader from Fenway Park.

Jason Bay homered and Mike Lowell knocked in the other run for the Red Sox, who took the opener by a 3-1 count thanks to Dustin Pedroia's game-winning two-run homer in the eighth and have won five in a row.

Lester (13-7) won his third consecutive start, yielding only two hits while fanning seven with three walks for Boston, whose lead in the AL wild card race remained 3 1/2 games over Texas, which beat Seattle, 7-2, later Sunday.

"I think any game here takes on more importance. Obviously, we're trying to make the playoffs and grind that out through the season," Lester said of the Sox possibly letting down in a game or two down the stretch. "But if you ask anyone in that clubhouse, I don't think the intensity changes from April to September. Once you get into the playoffs, that changes a little bit."

Evan Longoria doubled for the Rays, who extended their losing streak to 11 consecutive games.

James Shields (9-11) was tagged for six hits and three runs with six strikeouts and three walks over six full frames.

The Sox picked up a run in the second as J.D. Drew walked, David Ortiz doubled and Lowell's groundout plated Drew.

Lester held the Rays in check, yielding just one hit -- a two-out Gabe Kapler single in the second -- through six innings.

Mike Lowell got the Sox on the board in the bottom of the second with an RBI groundout and later doubled with a runner on first in the bottom of the sixth. In stepped captain Jason Varitek, who ripped a hot shot at first baseman Willy Aybar. The ball took a sharp hop and Aybar couldn't handle it, letting the ball go into right field and allowing two crucial insurance runs to score.

Lester worked around a leadoff walk in the seventh, then Dioner Navarro singled in the eighth and moved to second on a wild pitch. B.J. Upton's fly out advanced him to third, but pinch-hitter Pat Burrell struck out and was ejected for arguing the call, then Jason Bartlett flew out.

Bay began the home frame with his 32nd homer of the season, and Billy Wagner locked down the win despite allowing a double and single in the ninth.

To watch Jason's post-game interview, click here.

To see the latest photos, click here.

Tomorrow:

The Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament will be held tomorrow at the Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton, Massachusetts from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Money raised from the event will benefit the Saints Medical Center and the Celebrities for Charity Foundation.

If you attend and would like to share your photos on the site, please email me!

Tek-nically Speaking...

This was just too much fun to pass up:

"Is Jason Varitek the most physically perfect male ever constructed? Discuss." - a comment from an adoring fan on the popular Centerfield blog.

You can check out a larger version of that photo here.

Hope everyone has a good start to their week after a good weekend of Red Sox baseball!

Tek Is A Fan Of Martinez

September 12, 2009

Excerpts from another excellent article/interview by Joe McDonald at the Providence Journal:

Jason Varitek knows the exact moment during the offseason when he can begin his winter workouts in preparation for spring training. When he can walk down a flight of stairs without feeling discomfort, it's time to end his hibernation and get ready for some baseball.

"You need a point of recovery and let your body heal, but if I'm still really struggling physically I have to wait a little bit longer," he said.

It's a common occurrence for Varitek, a 13-year major-league player, to be covered in ice packs with only his head and toes showing. The 37-year-old averages 130 games per season, and the majority of his days off have usually come when knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield is on the mound.

Varitek's body typically feels the toll in the second half of the season, but this summer has been a little different. That's because the Red Sox acquired catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez from Cleveland at the trade deadline. His presence has allowed manager Terry Francona to give Varitek more days off of late, which has helped him strengthen and recover for the final push of the regular season and the postseason.

"He's given us a huge bat right smack in the middle of the order, batting third every night," said Francona. "He's a switch-hitting presence and brings energy. All the things we've heard in Cleveland are proving out here. He's been a good teammate and has worked with Jason. I think Jason deserves a lot of credit. He's been very open with Victor."

Having Martinez around has helped Varitek, too, the manager said.

"I think a lot," said Francona. "He was pretty beat up. And he always plays and never says a word, but it's been really good for him."

Varitek acknowledges that having Martinez around has helped him physically.

"There's a level where your body gets used to playing every day, so you have to keep the motor running to make sure I do enough things, especially for my catching joints," said Varitek. "He's been such a great addition to our team. We work well together and he's brought a lot to this team."

At the time of the trade it was only natural to wonder what Martinez's presence would mean for Varitek's future. It was clear the captain's playing time would be affected, but he's maintained the mind-set that the end result –– a chance to win another World Series –– is more important.

"I'm going to be there for him any way I can," said Varitek. "I'll teach him and let him know about our pitchers, signs or whatever we need to do. Team-wise you can look at what somebody can bring talent-wise to a team and understand what his bat can do, and has done, in this lineup. You'd hate to keep him as a pinch-hitter, but he’s pretty good at that, too."

Varitek is a guy who would play every single game if he was allowed, but it’s almost impossible.

It’s almost certain the Red Sox will pick up the $7.5-million option on Martinez’s contract for the 2010 season. Varitek also has a club option. Talking offseason business, however, when a club is in the middle of a playoff race is not what anyone involved would like to do.

"That has to stop. It really does," said Varitek. "That can go in a thousand different directions. We have to focus on what we have and what we have to do. We have a really big month ahead of us to keep that opportunity to get into the postseason."

Entering Friday’s game, Martinez had played a total of 36 games (21 starts as catcher) since arriving in Boston. The switch-hitter has compiled a .326 average with six homers and 28 RBI in a Red Sox uniform.

"I love Vic and so far it's been a great back and forth," said Varitek. "He helps me with my hitting and being able to watch him on a daily basis helps me, so it's good."

If you have a few moments, please take them to read the complete article/interview here.

Bowled Over!

September 11, 2009 - Always Remember!

"He's just another person on this team that does something to try and give back, and with Josh being a long-time friend now along with a teammate, of course I'd be here!" -- Jason at Josh Beckett's "Beckett Bowl" event last night.

Comcast Sportsnet's Mary Paoletti shares some of the funnier moments with some of the Sox' most serious men at last night's charity event:

The boisterous fun of Thursday night’s Beckett Bowl brought me back to my school days. As I walked up the stairs at Jillian’s and into the bowlathon HQ, the back-to-UConn-blowout-bash party feeling was powerful enough to stop me in my tracks.

There I was hanging out with the pros, media pass around my neck...

As for my momentary star-shock, I decided to take a seat and shake it off while doing what I do best: being a geek. The truth is that my memory is awful and I need to write things down as they happen or else poof–it’s gone. I’d probably go home and write something like "Somebody bowled better than somebody else. Regardless of the reasoning, if I had looked behind my little island where I sat I would have noticed that I was the only person there–media or otherwise–taking notes.

Some people certainly noticed me though.

"Don't keep that last score in the book,' a voice said. It was Josh Beckett. "Sorry," I said, glancing up at his numbers for the first few bowling frames. "Already got it down." Beckett frowned–ever the competitor. "Is that in pencil? You should always write in pencil," he said.

Okay. I thought, inhaling slowly. I just got writing utensil advice from the man they call Commander Kickass. Of course I had to write that down. Which is when Jason Varitek walked over.

"What are you doing?" he asked me. I looked down at my glossy white folder. "Taking notes. Observing. I'm working," I replied. Varitek smiled but looked skeptical. "It's just that you're frowning and writing all this stuff down..." he said. In that moment I tried to imagine what I looked like to the bowlers and revelers who were enjoying their non-seasonal beer. I narrowed my eyes at the Red Sox Captain. "You realize I'm going to write terrible things about you now," I said. He laughed, clearly unworried. "Like what? That I suck at bowling??

Varitek: 1; Mary: 0.

Because he didn't suck. At least, not when Beckett left their shared lane.

While Mike Lowell claimed he deserved honor of best bowler, Beckett performed as an Ace is expected to. Buchholz, however, should apparently stick with pitching. His fiancée out-bowled him, making it clear who would be wearing the pants (or at least the bowling shirt) in the marriage.

To read the rest of Ms. Paoletti "notes" on the event, click here.

Oh, and be sure to keep an eye on Texy's Centerfield blog...

Not only is she back, but she has promised to give a complete report on "all the goings-on at Josh Beckett's afterparty last night", some of which apparently involves Tek in a cowboy hat!

(which is not the first time we've seen the Cowboy Tek look, which proves that good guys can wear black hats!)

Tek Support

September 10, 2009 - Afternoon Update

Josh Beckett was a guest on the Hill-Man Morning Show today to talk about his "Beckett Bowl" charity event that will take place this evening at Lucky Strike in Boston. He also took just a few moments to talk about his working relationship with Jason:

Q "What do you think about the difference between Varitek and Victor Martinez?"

Beckett: "Well, Victor's only caught me one time, but you know, Varitek and I have a little system that we use, and for the most part it's been pretty successful."

Q: "Does he get mad if you're calling him off? You seemed to be calling him off a lot on Monday."

Beckett: "No, he doesn't get mad! Like I said, we're out there trying to do one thing. We're together on that. And whoever comes up with the best plan, two heads is always better than one. And I think Tek always believes that."

(Okay, that was it! I told you it was brief, although it was considerably more than he said on a lot of other topics. Another man of few words!)

To learn more about Josh's event and his Foundation, click here.

*Thank you to Anna for the "heads-up"!

Victor Martinez was interviewed by NESN's Tom Caron about his time in Boston so far and shared his thoughts about working with Tek:

Victor: "I am very respectful for Jason Varitek. He is a great guy and a great catcher. We have been playing a little bit, behind the plate and man, he has been great for me. Varitek you know, he's been there for me. He's always saying, 'if you need anything, you just come out and ask me'. That's the one thing that I really appreciate, that is one of the things that makes me feel more comfortable in the clubhouse and on the field."

Tom Caron: "Are you able to learn that much more about these pitchers because of someone like Jason Varitek?"

Victor: "Oh yeah, definitely. He's telling me 'this guy is very good with this part', and 'that guy is very good with that part' and that helps me a lot."

To watch the entire video, click here.

*Thank you to Sterling for the "heads-up"!

Red Sox 7, Orioles 5

September 10, 2009

"Hats off to Jason Varitek tonight for calming me down - I was a little frustrated early. He got a couple of hits, came out of the game, and in the locker room I wanted to talk about his hitting and he wanted to talk about my pitching. It's nice to have a guy behind the plate who cares that much about the pitchers and what they do. He did a good job of getting me through tonight." -- Sox starting pitcher Paul Byrd during his post-game press conference.

Five days after a rough outing in Chicago in which he allowed seven runs on 10 hits in just 2-1/3 innings, Paul Byrd rebounded nicely by scattering six hits over five innings and giving up just 2 runs against the Orioles last night.

"I was OK," Byrd said. "I got better as the game went on. I thought I had better stuff in Chicago, but it just didn't work out for me. Baseball's a weird game. It really is."

His efforts weren't rewarded with a victory, as the Orioles erased the Red Sox's 3-2 edge through five with a two-spot in the sixth against relievers Manny Delcarmen and Ramon Ramirez.

Jason Bay put Boston on top in the first, stroking a two-out, two-run single to left off Baltimore starter Jason Berken for his 99th and 100th RBIs of the season. The O's halved the deficit one inning later, when Matt Wieters scored on a bases-loaded double-play ball off the bat of Cesar Izturis.

After reaching on a fourth-inning error by first baseman Ty Wigginton and claiming second with a rare stolen base, Lowell came around on Jason Varitek's RBI double (his 23rd of the season) to left-center that armed the Red Sox with a 3-1 advantage.

Baltimore responded with three unanswered runs over the next two frames to take a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the sixth.

Relieving Byrd, Delcarmen retired just one of the five batters he faced to open the sixth before being pulled, with his bases-loaded walk to Brian Roberts tying the game at 3. Ramirez replaced Delcarmen and promptly surrendered an RBI single to Felix Pie, but he bounced back to fan Nolan Reimold and Nick Markakis.

"He really saved the game right there," Reliever Billy Wagner said of Ramirez.

Boston plated the equalizer in the bottom of the frame, as Dustin Pedroia smashed a two-out comebacker off Matt Albers that ricocheted off the pitcher and toward third base, allowing pinch-runner Joey Gathright (who came in after Jason Varitek's single to start the inning) to dash home from third.

Pedroia's knock and Wagner's 1-2-3 seventh set the stage for Martinez, who lined the first pitch he saw from Baez to left-center for a bases-clearing three-run double.

You can read more here.

Also Today:

The Red Sox Captain has great respect for the Yankees Captain -

From an article in the New York Daily News today on both Derek Jeter and Tim Wakefield:

Like Jeter, Wakefield also has a special place in his team's history. With 175 wins for the Red Sox, Wakefield trails only Roger Clemens and Cy Young (192 each) on Boston's all-time list, and his 1,865 strikeouts rank second in Red Sox history only to Clemens' 2,590.

For those who would consider Wakefield's appearance on those lists as solely a product of a long tenure with the Red Sox, consider Jason Varitek, a September call-up in 1997 who has been Boston's regular catcher since 1998. With 1,226 hits, Varitek is the Red Sox's active leader. But the 37-year-old switch-hitter could only laugh about the possibility of matching Carl Yastrzemski's team record of 3,419 - he's not even in the top 10.

"Oh, no," Varitek said. "Jeter is a career .300 hitter - there's quite a bit of difference. What he's meant to that team and that organization, it's a great feat, and what he's meant to baseball."

To read the article, click here.

MLBN's Reynolds On Tek: "I want him calling games for me!"

September 9, 2009

Former three-time gold glove winning second baseman and current MLB analyst Harold Reynolds discusses the effect of the Victor Martinez trade on MLB-Network last night:

"I looked at it this way - when they made the trade, I said nice player, great player. But I didn't like the pick-up, because I thought it affected five guys in their lineup, and it does!

"First of all, when he plays first base, Youkilis has to move to third or he's got to move out to left field. And one of those guys - Lowell or Bay has to sit down. If you decided you're going to give him the day off and let him DH, then Big Papi's going to sit down. So all of a sudden you got to change everything with how this club is built, and built together, for this one guy.

"Now I know that when this all started, people were quick to say, 'Well, egos will go away because you know what, this is a playoff team and they are veterans'....No it's not!! You are affecting playing time! And any time you are affecting playing time, it WILL have an effect on your ballclub!

"Here's the record before the trade, and after the trade!"

(graphic of the team record with both Martinez and Varitek catching)

Before the trade: 60-42

After the trade: 19-16

Average before: .264

Average after: .270

Runs/Game before: 5.16

Runs/Games after: 5.54

"Here is the impact of Jason Varitek: Catch the ball - Call the game! Let's talk about their pitching staff because they STINK! And they have stunk since this trade. Look at this:"

(graphic of the Red Sox catchers record and ERA)

Martinez - Record: 11-7

Varitek - Record: 54-41

Martinez - CERA: 5.58

Varitek - CERA: 3.91

"They've spent all this time with one guy puttin' down the fingers, training them, 'this is what we're gonna throw, I'm gonna sit with ya, talk to ya'....and now they've scuffled. You bring in a new catcher and tell him to "learn our staff" in the middle of a pennant race and they have scuffled!

"I don't care if Varitek hits .100 or doesn't get a hit the rest of the year, I want him calling games for me.

"The Red Sox offense has never been a problem, they're gonna hit.

"The problem is, and I'll end it with this, the problem I had with the Red Sox at that time - they are going to HIT. They are playing in one of the best offensive ballparks in America - period! It's all about the pitching. And I think we've put too much worry about Jason Varitek and his offensive production. His job was to call the games. I think when he's consistently in there, consistently in the flow, he does it! and [now] it's tough!"

*Thank you to Sterling for the quick "heads-up" on the show!

And speaking of catching...

From WEEI this afternoon:

Drew hitting third, Varitek eighth as Martinez gets night off.

With Victor Martinez getting a night off, the Red Sox will have J.D. Drew hitting third, with Mike Lowell returning to the lineup as a third baseman for Wednesday's game against the Orioles. The Sox are looking to continue their season-long feast on the Orioles -- Boston is 12-2 (.857) against Baltimore this year, the team's second-best single-season record against the O's, behind only a 12-1 (.923) mark in 1987.

Tek will be catching Paul Byrd.

Today's Tek Stat:

Among regular catchers on the thirty major league teams, Jason Varitek is tenth in home runs with 14.

Carla Comes Through...

September 8, 2009

...with photos from Cellular Field this weekend!

Fan Carla Lockwood spent her birthday weekend in Chicago watching the Red Sox take on the White Sox, and in the process took some good photos of Tek to share.

To see Carla's photos, click here.

*Thank you to Carla and Happy Belated Birthday!

Today's Tek Stat:

Despite the "noise" to the contrary...

Opposing batter splits based on Sox catchers w/pitching staff -

Varitek: .254 BA / .322 OBP / .408 SLG

Martinez: .284 BA / .357 OBP / .464 SLG

Varitek: 8.1% BB / 21.3% K / 2.7% HR

Martinez: 11.6% BB / 16.9% K / 3.1% HR

*Thanks Dennis!

Tek On Wake: "He's Doing Everything He Possibly Can..."

September 6, 2009 - Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

From Joe McDonald's column at the Providence Journal:

Tim Wakefield continues to showcase his courage. He's staving off a number of health issues, including a torn labrum in his shoulder, but more importantly a back injury that is causing weakness and numbness in his legs.

But even though he was clearly in discomfort, he returned to the mound on Saturday and pitched six innings. He allowed four runs on six hits as the White Sox received a stellar performance from their starter, Gavin Floyd, en route to a 5-1 victory at U.S. Cellular Field.

While Floyd's dominance helped the White Sox to victory, Wakefield's bravery on the mound was equally impressive.

His lack of mobility was quite evident in the bottom of the sixth when the White Sox' Chris Getz hit an easy two-out grounder to the right of first baseman Kevin Youkilis. Youkilis grabbed the ball and was looking to flip the ball to Wakefield.

Only he wasn't there. Limping heavily because of his back injury, he wasn't able to get to the bag ahead of Getz.

Wakefield retired the next batter, Alexei Ramirez, to end the inning and also his outing.

Jason Varitek always has a day off when Wakefield is on the mound.

Even though Varitek did not play, he was still wrapped in ice packs in order to keep his banged and bruised body somewhat healthy for the stretch run. He can empathize with the patriarch of the club.

"He's doing everything he possibly can to get himself on the mound," said Varitek. "That can probably be overlooked in a lot of ways. He's had to do a lot to get himself on the field."

The key for Wakefield moving forward is how he feels in the next few days. He knows the team needs his effective pitching right now and he wants to be a factor in October. With the way he pitched on Saturday, it sure looks like he's willing himself to do just that.

"It's a grind. But I'm here to go pitch and try to win games for us right now," he said as he gingerly limped out of the clubhouse.

To read Mr. McDonald's full column, click here.

To see larger versions of Kelly O'Connor's pics of Tek and Wake, click here & here.

Just A Couple Of Reminders...

September 5, 2009 - Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

Monday is the deadline to purchase raffle tickets for the 2009 Beckett Bowl!

On September 10, 2009, the Josh Beckett Foundation will host the Third Annual Beckett Bowl at Lucky Strike in Boston. The Beckett Bowl includes a celebrity bowling tournament, live and silent auctions, as well as a post-event party and a live concert at the House of Blues.

On hand to help Josh and his Foundation will be his Sox teammates (including the captain), members of the Bruins, Patriots and Revolution as well as other Boston celebrities...and you too, if you are the lucky winner!

The winner's prize package includes:

- 4 bowler credentials with your family name or company's logo over the lane

- A personal coaching lesson for one frame by ace pitcher and bowler Josh Beckett

- 2 autographed Josh Beckett jerseys

- 2 tickets to a Red Sox game, enjoyed in Josh's personal seats

- parking passes, gift bags, t-shirts and more...

Tickets start at just $2.00 each and decrease for orders of more than 5 tickets.

Entry deadline is Monday, September 7th at 11:00 a.m.

The raffle is sponsored by Netraffle.org and the Celebrities for Charity organization.

Proceeds from The Beckett Bowl and the raffle benefit Children's Hospital Boston!

For more information on the raffle and to purchase your tickets, click here.

For more information on the event, click here.

To see a couple of photos from the 2007 Beckett Bowl, click here.

Also this weekend:

There's Still Time To Purchase Tickets...

...for the 2009 Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt Tournament!

The Tournament is just a week away (Monday, September 14th, 2009, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m) at the Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton, Massachusetts.

Spectator tickets are still available and just $23.00 per person.

Money raised from the event will benefit the Saints Medical Center and the Celebrities for Charity Foundation.

To purchase your spectator tickets, click here.

You can check out the fun from previous Putt-Putt's here, here and here.

Tek Stat:

Hit Kings - (from an article in the New York Daily News)-

Boston Red Sox:

All-time leader - Carl Yastrzemski: 3419

Active leader - Jason Varitek: 1226

Click here to see the "Hit Kings" for all the Major League clubs.

Thursday Afternoon: Notes & Quotes

September 3, 2009

From Joe McDonald's blog at the Providence Journal:

There are some things Red Sox manager Terry Francona usually won't do during a game.

Pinch-hitting for Jason Varitek is one of them.

So when he did just that Wednesday night, sending up Casey Kotchmann with one out and two men on base and the Red Sox trailing by a run in the eighth inning, he was asked about his decision.

Francona explained that Varitek was 0-for-15 in his career against Rays reliever Grant Balfour, which is why he made the switch. Kotchman drew a walk to load the bases, and the Sox eventually scored the tying run on a wild pitch.

"It's a little different when you have more bodies [because of September callups]," said Francona. "I think you have to be somewhat realistic that the season takes a toll on [Varitek]. That's not a shot, that's being realistic. He . . . just gets beat up [playing behind the plate]. I don't want to run to start hitting for him because I don't know if that always helps us maybe as much as other people [think]."

From Bob Ryan's column in the Boston Globe earlier this week:

There is no more inconsequential sampling in American sport than one baseball game, or two, or five. Baseball was never meant to be football, a game played once a week and then dissected in detail the day after. Baseball is a game in which you’ve got to let go. Tomorrow is another day. But in this age of talk radio and Internet chats, people are encouraged to micro-manage on a daily basis. People are less forgiving.

Perspective and a common-sense approach to baseball are hard to find these days. Players don’t understand why fans don’t understand. Some, like the emotional and volatile Kevin Youkilis, say what they think. But others keep their counsel. What does 12-year veteran Jason Varitek think about all this? We don't know. He doesn’t say. But he appears to cope very well with the reality of a ballplayer’s life in Boston. Perhaps he should give a seminar.

And from Jack Perry's blog at the Providence Journal:

It didn't take long for former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling to announce he's interested in the vacant U.S. Senate seat held by the recently departed Ted Kennedy.

Once the news hit the Red Sox clubhouse, there was a bit of friendly ribbing from Schilling's former teammates.

His former batterymate, Jason Varitek, did not want to discuss the subject.

"I don't tip my hand," he said with a smile.

Tek is Back As The Backstop At The Trop!

September 2, 2009 - (try and say that title three times fast!)

Jason will start at catcher tonight with Josh Beckett on the mound, said manager Terry Francona during his weekly conversation with the hosts of WEEI's "The Dale and Holley Show" today.

It's gotta be the cowbells...

In Josh Beckett's last start at Tropicana Field on April 30th, he gave up seven runs in 4-2/3 innings. In five career starts at the Trop, Beckett has a record of 1-3 with a 3.58 ERA.

But their is some good news...

Rays starting pitcher Matt Garza has a six-game winless streak and has not won at home in his last five starts.

And some not so good news...

Garza has a career record of 5-1 with a 2.93 ERA (20 earned runs in 61 1/3 innings).This season he is 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA against the Sox. His last start against the Sox was Aug. 4th in Tampa Bay. He did not get a decision but the Rays won 4-2 in 13 innings.

Jason is 2-for-13 (.154) against Garza. It's not much better for the back-up, Victor Martinez is 3-for-13 (.231).

Tek-nically Speaking...

Wagner's arrival in Boston carried with it two significant unknowns, even for the pitcher himself. He was facing a new league for the first time in his 15 years in the majors, and he was 11 months removed from Tommy John surgery.

It has been only two outings, but Wagner has shown he may be a force in the Red Sox bullpen setting up Jonathan Papelbon.

He has overcome pitching in the American League for the first time with a similarly basic approach. He throws exclusively what Martinez or Jason Varitek call. "Whatever they put down, I throw it," Wagner said. "They know what they're doing. I don't."

To read the rest, click here.

No Tek Tonight At The Trop!

September 1, 2009

Even though manager Terry Francona has mentioned in several interviews over the past month that his plan is to have Tek catch Jon Lester because of the "comfort level" between the two (see August 27th news below for his last mention of it on WEEI) ....

And even though Tek has great numbers against Rays pitcher Andy Sonnastine - he's hitting .462 (6-for-13) with a home run, four RBIs and two walks against Sonnanstine....

Tek is NOT in tonight's lineup.

Victor Martinez will be catching Jon Lester.

Francona said the Sox are "trying to mix and match and mix on the right nights."

What?

And later...

Manager Terry Francona said he was happy with the way Lester and Martinez worked together last time out.

"We're just trying to put out the best lineups," Francona said.

...Okay, so putting Tek out there with his .462 average against Sonnastine would not be putting out the best lineup?

...Or perhaps this is a defensive improvement? No. The Rays have stolen 11 bases in 12 attempts against Victor Martinez this season.

Things that make you go "hmmm".

No Game? No Problem!

August 31, 2009

Okay, so my good friend Becky Cooley decided I didn't need a night off...

So she went through her portfolio of photos and sent me several today to add to her album in the gallery. They are from last season's ALDS and this season's Sox vs. Angels series that took place in May.

To see the latest additions to her collection, click here.

*Becky, I am so happy to hear that you are feeling better! Stay strong!

New Pitchers Byrd & Wagner Help Sox Sweep Jays

August 30, 2009 - Afternoon Update

"Tek made it really comfortable for me. I didn't have to do too much, he just let the game come to me. He made it easy for me." -- New Sox pitcher Billy Wagner, during post-game comments.

Post-Game Notes:

It was a scene right out of the movies. A former major league right-hander spends the spring and early summer throwing batting practice to his son's team before he returns to the bigs with six shutout innings.

That's exactly what Paul Byrd did Sunday.

Byrd, making his first major league start since last September, held the Blue Jays to three hits and the Boston Red Sox completed a three-game sweep with a 7-0 victory over Roy Halladay and the Toronto Blue Jays.

"I'm throwing to a 13 and under team and the Red Sox called and I say, 'I don't know how long I'll take to get ready,"' said Byrd, still clutching the game ball and wearing the youth league hat in an interview room after the game.

Billy Wagner, acquired by Boston from the Mets for two players to be named Tuesday, pitched one scoreless inning with three strikeouts and one hit in his debut. Takashi Saito, the fourth pitcher, completed the five-hit shutout.

"When you have somebody new on that kind of stage, you want to see them succeed right away. Whether he had the results or not, the ball came out of his hand real well", said Tek about Wagner's stuff. "I got to play catch with him the other day, I didn't get to see him prior to the game, so I was going through my own 'eye-opening experience' (back there). He's got some life on his fastball, and has some depth in his breaking ball and it came out really good."

The win was the sixth in seven games for Boston, which moved 3 1/2 games ahead of Texas in the AL's wild-card race after the Rangers lost to Minnesota, 5-3, on Sunday.

Scoring single runs in each of the first four innings, the Red Sox sent Halladay (13-8) to his third consecutive loss for the first time since last April.

To see Billy Wagner's post-game interview, click here.

To see Jason's post-game interview, click here.

Tek-nically Speaking...

"You heard how happy he was with Jason Varitek, and it's not the first time we've heard that from a pitcher coming over to this team!" -- Tom Caron, highlighting comments made by Billy Wagner during NESN's Post-Game Show.

"Everyone that has pitched to Jason knows that Jason has done his homework real well. The key thing right there - making a pitcher feel comfortable! Because you know that the pitcher out there does have some credibility, and you got Wagner out there, so I think once you go over the lineup and how you're going to pitch certain guys the only thing he's got to do is go out there and trust Tek." -- Jim Rice, responding to comments by Billy Wagner during NESN's Post-Game Show.

Also Today:

Seriously Clay, enough is enough!

Whether it's intentional or not, the last few interviews with Clay Buchholz have led to him seemingly blaming all of his poor pitching performances on Jason, all the way back to last season!

I thought it was just me, perhaps reading too much into his comments. But I have received several emails from fans over the past few weeks suggesting that I am not alone in this thinking.

His first comments were of the more 'subtle' variety in an attempt to compliment his new catcher. The second time, a little less so.

And after yet another interview (check out some of the comments left by readers!) where Buchholz can't keep from bringing Jason's name into the equation as the target for his past troubles once again, I was pleasantly surprised to find the writer of the East Bay Dirt Dog blog taking him to task for it!

It's about time somebody did!

To read this well-written and insightful blog, click here.

(yes, that is the photo of Tek lifting Clay into the air after his No-Hitter in September of 2007)

Red Sox Quilt Auction

August 30, 2009

The New England Quilt Museum is pleased to announce the auction on eBay of a unique work of quilt art and sports memorabilia created for the museum.

A quilt containing a center panel (bottom of photo) signed by 23 players from the 2009 Red Sox team, including:

Captain Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz, Hideki Okajima, Dustin Pedroia, J.D. Drew, Nick Green, Jed Lowrie, Jason Bay, Daniel Bard, Takashi Saito, and Jonathan Papelbon, as well as President and CEO Larry Lucchino, will be auctioned on eBay starting September 15.

The autographed fabric was then made into a quilt by nationally-renowned quilt artist Rosemary Bawn, who is known nationwide for her pictorial Red Sox works.

Featuring a panorama of Fenway Park, the piece was hand-quilted by the artist. Measuring 54” by 40”, the work took a total of 175 hours to complete. It incorporates fabrics that are reproductions from a quilt soon to be exhibited at the museum, made around 1910, with early twentieth century baseball players depicted in the fabric.

The New England Quilt Museum, located in downtown Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors a wide range of activities to bring art education to children in public schools, make comfort quilts for hospitalized children in cooperation with Project Linus, help Scouts earn their badges, raise awareness for breast and cervical cancer, and a host of other projects.

The Museum sent the Red Sox Foundation a panel of fabric this spring, asking that the players and management sign the cloth to be made into a fundraising quilt, to further the Museum’s mission. The Foundation responded with virtually the entire team signing.

Massachusetts artist and longtime Sox fan Ms. Bawn transformed that signed panel into the quilt that is being auctioned, using her popular style, which combines traditional quilt motifs with images of players, fans, and Fenway Park. The auction of the quilt is expected to bring funding that will help the museum maintain its 150-year old building, as well as the community projects that they host.

You can also check out the the New England Quilt Museum's website here to see a larger version of this beautiful quilt and sign up to be notified of the specific time of the auction, and to be sent a direct link to the eBay page.

*Thank you to Jennifer Rogers, Founder of Crafters Quarters, LLC.

You can check out Crafters Quarters website here.

Tek's Plate Protection Saves The Game

August 29, 2009

"This is as good as it gets! You can't block the plate better than this!" -- NESN's Tom Caron, during the replay of the Tek's plate-blocking in the eighth.

"He's a warrior, man. He's intimidating when you see him walking out in his full gear and that's exactly why. He's a competitor and that's the reason the Red Sox still want him here, because he does stuff like that for the team. That's not going to show up in the stats or be in the box score tomorrow, but that’s as big a play as you could ask for tonight." -- Pitcher Daniel Bard during his post-game comments.

From the Boston Herald's John Tomase this morning:

The Sox overcame deficits of 3-0 and 5-3 before winning the game in the eighth on Casey Kotchman’s RBI groundout. Jonathan Papelbon then closed things out for his 31st save after loading the bases.

But in reality, the game had been won an hour earlier when Varitek stoned Snider cold.

With rain coming down in sheets and play certain to be halted, third base coach Nick Leyva frantically waved Snider from first on John McDonald's double to left. Shortstop Alex Gonzalez took Jason Bay’s relay and whirled a throw to the plate.

Like everything Gonzalez does in the field, it was effortless - and a dead strike.

"It all started with J-Bay getting the ball to Alex and Alex getting the ball to me and they were all good throws," Varitek said. "You can't do anything without a good throw."

Even with two good throws, Snider still arrived cleanly ahead of the ball. Varitek planted his left foot in front of the plate and stretched toward fair territory with his right to snare Gonzalez' throw.

"I felt like my foot was down solid," Varitek said. "I knew there was a chance."

Snider is no munchkin. The 245-pounder was coming full speed when he threw himself full force into his slide. What happened next defied the laws of physics.

Snider slammed into Varitek's shin guard with his ankle and foot . . . and bounced away like a pinball. He landed in a heap at a 45-degree angle from the point of contact and Varitek ambled over to apply the tag.

And from Ian Browne's column on RedSox.com:

After getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the first, Beckett wasn't quite so lucky in the second. The right-hander retired the first two batters of the inning, but then he got himself into a mess by walking Jose Bautista and McDonald. Hill rocketed a three-run homer to left, giving Toronto (58-68) a 3-0 lead.

The Red Sox got the rally they were looking for against Jays starter Scott Richmond in the fourth. With two on and one out, Drew smashed an RBI single to right. Varitek followed with a sacrifice fly to deep right, scoring Ortiz. Jacoby Ellsbury unloaded for a ground-rule double to the triangle area in right-center, tying the game.

It didn't stay tied for long, as Beckett made another two-out mistake in the fifth, and Barajas made him pay with a two-run homer to left.

"He left a breaking ball up to somebody that has a few home runs under his belt," said Varitek. "He misfired a fastball to Barajas for the second home run. I think with Josh, he's so powerful -- you catch a good part of the bat, the ball is going to go."

While Varitek had little trouble elaborating on Beckett, he was typically humble about his own heroics.

"You only survive off of good throws," said Varitek. "At that point of the game, you have to try and stay in there the best you can. I felt like my foot was down solid, so I knew there was a chance."

As it turned out, Snider had no chance.

"It looked like Snider could have broken his shin on that -- that was impressive," said Bard. "That's how they teach it. That was impressive. I'm not going to lie, especially since you know that ball was wet. The rain was coming down pretty good for like three pitches before that. That ball bounced around the corner and they got it in, and that was the play of the game if you ask me."

Hideki Okajima finished that eighth after the delay by retiring Aaron Hill on a flyout to right. Though he faced just one batter, Okajima (5-0) earned the win, thanks to that Boston rally in the bottom of the eighth.

It started with a leadoff walk by David Ortiz. J.D. Drew followed with the key hit of the inning, a one-out double to center that moved Ortiz to third.

Jays manager Cito Gaston opted for an intentional walk of Varitek, and Francona sent Kotchman up to hit for Gonzalez. The left-handed-hitting Kotchman, facing Shawn Camp, hammered a hard grounder that initially deflected off the glove of first baseman Lyle Overbay, giving Ortiz time to score what wound up to be the winning run.

There was more drama still. Papelbon came out throwing gas, and he struck out Adam Lind on 96-mph heat. Then there were back-to-back bloop singles by Overbay and Vernon Wells. Papelbon then grazed the button of Randy Ruiz's jersey, an incidental hit batter that loaded them up with just one out.

Papelbon then got nasty, striking out Rod Barajas and Snider to end the game. Papelbon has held opponents to one hit in 12 at-bats with the bases loaded this season, striking out nine.

Tek-nically Speaking...

"A lot of things have to work - timing, and you've got to have a clean cut-off, you've got to get a clean throw he can handle. But he's strong and he's got a pretty sturdy lower-half and we have seen him do that before and he's willing to do that and that's not an easy thing to do." -- Terry Francona during his post-game press conference.

"Unbelievable! His foot was maybe six inches in front of the plate and the foot didn't move. It didn't move an inch. It looked like Snider could have broken his shin. I guess he's OK, because he stayed in the game, but I looked at the replay and the way Snider hit, I'm guessing he's got some ice on it now." -- Daniel Bard at his locker last night after the game.

"Lesson learned. I went for the hook slide and at the last second his foot came out and kicked my foot out from going to the plate. It was a good move by him and something I'll definitely put in the memory bank. I needed to go in hard and straight instead of trying to go around him." -- the Blue Jays' Travis Snider after the game.

"On my end, you never win that battle!" -- Jason, when asked if he was concerned he may get injured when he planted his foot in front of the plate.

To see video of Tek's game-saving block, click here.

To see video of Tek's post-game interview, click here.

To see photos, click here.

Tek Stat:

For those that don't remember or don't know...

- Tek is the only catcher not named Doug Mirabelli to catch more than 100 games that Tim Wakefield has pitched!

Mirabelli caught 169 games for the knuckleballer, Tek caught 147 games.

- Tek has caught a Cy Young winner as well - twice!

Pedro Martinez in both 1999 and 2000.

Jason's current stats: AVG .222 | HR 14 | RBI 48 | DBL 22 | OBP .331 | SLG .425

Thursday Notes & Quotes...

August 27, 2009

- Tek out of the lineup AGAIN!

Junichi Tazawa is on the mound tonight but Varitek is on the bench!

He has hits in six of his last eight games and is batting .250 (6-for-24) right now.

- New Red Sox pitcher Billy Wagner's comments during his press conference today on getting ready for the American League...

"I've already talked to Tek. I told him, 'You just call the pitches and I'll throw it!' I have no idea about the American League so you just tell me what to throw and I'll do it!'"

- And his comments to NESN's Heidi Watney during the Pre-Game Show...

"I told Tek that he has to protect me and get me through all this because I know nothing about the American League. He said he's gonna work with me and I'm sure I'll be fine!"

- Terry Francona's comments on WEEI's Dale & Holley Show...

On where on the field is Victor Martinez best suited:

"I'm not quite sure how to answer that. In Cleveland he was catching about half of the time. If you put him back behind the plate every day right now, there will be a certain amount of wear and tear that would probably catch up to him. When you have a catcher who has the ability to hit .300 and drive in 100 runs with his bat that makes him more dangerous. He's a very good first baseman. "

On Jason Varitek catching Jon Lester and Josh Beckett:

"Tek's done a great job with those two. We try to put our team in the best position to win. I am very comfortable with Tek catching those guys, there's no getting around that. It may not be our best offensive lineup, but it's a lineup I'm comfortable with."

- Kevin Youkilis clarifies his comments...

"You know, there's just comments from a select group of fans every once in a while that are directed towards not even me, just towards my teammates," Youkilis said. “Lot of times I feel like I have to stick up for some guys.

"Maybe it's not my platform to do that. But sometimes you get frustrated when you have teammates that go out there and really work hard. Sometimes they’re not producing like they would like to, but they’re putting forth a hard effort. It’s not because they're not trying, it's 'cause they’re just not having success."

Accentuate The Positive!

August 26, 2009 - Afternoon Update

Youk's words worth their own post...

From an interview with the Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy:

"I'm just annoyed with the media as a whole," he said. "People write stuff about players on this team throughout the whole year and it's been going on for years and people just keep writing crap.

"One night we get beat and it's the end of the world and the next night we win big and it’s totally solid. We're back. It's up and down. One night we're getting bashed and the next time they're cheering. One guy has a bad game one night and they’re all over him and the next night he has a good game and he's a hero.

"It's a roller coaster ride for us and it's a roller coaster ride for the fans. Then when it gets expressed to the fans, then it's even more of a roller coaster. You guys don't have to hear what people say to us on the street. People have made comments to me. I've heard them say some things to my teammates.

"The problem with the game and all sports...I understand everything's not positive in this world. And negative stuff sells. But I come to the ballpark and go to a football game or basketball games. I don't even think you can take kids to a game anymore. There's so much negative yelling and screaming at players. People don't even root for their team anymore. They just root against the opposition's players. They're so angry at people."

...Youk is right, it's not just the media, it's the fans...you know the type: the armchair scout "what have you done for me lately" variety who hide behind anonymous screen names and type away on blogs, forums and message boards slamming and trashing players and making unfair assumptions and completely inaccurate statements concerning that player's heart, toughness, professionalism and their career as a whole. They don't think twice about questioning a player's work ethic or commitment to their team...a player they have never even met! And of course truth, statistics and actual fact never seem to factor into these discussions.

Dr. Paul Friday, the director of clinical psychology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center made these comments about "fan trash talkers" in an article that first appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in June of 2006:

"We have a degree of transference on sports figures," Dr. Friday said. "It's a way of vicariously going to battle. People can blog and send thoughts, and feel a self-induced empowerment."

He further stated that posters on Internet message boards hide behind their keyboards and write things they would never have the courage to say aloud in public. He said posters who write tasteless messages use (sports) and the rivalries between teams as a way of getting out their aggression in a non-violent manner. It's not necessarily a new phenomenon, just one that is more evident because of the instant communication that is available via the Internet.

Dr. Friday said that these posters are either too young to know better or are people whose brains never completely wired, which can happen due to a number of circumstances, including class and culture.

...So basically, the negative things you post is more of a reflection on you rather than the person/player you are posting trash about!

On a positive note, if you'd like to see a larger version of Kelly's photo above, click here.

Red Sox 6, White Sox 3

August 26, 2009

Wacky night on the field, but a win for the correct colored Sox!

For the Red Sox it was a nutty night that had a little bit of everything. A lead was lost on a Jon Lester strikeout that turned into a wild pitch. A popup was mishandled by reliever Hideki Okajima. A throw back to the mound by catcher Victor Martinez (who had replaced Varitek behind the plate for the seventh) sailed into center field. Third baseman Mike Lowell had a line drive slip out of his glove.

"[It was like] someone punched me in the stomach," said Francona of Okajima's mishap, "and before I could even look up I got hit with the other hand. The ball's going flying into center."

In spite of it all, the Red Sox won for the third time in four days, chipping their American League East deficit to the Yankees down to six games while maintaining a 1 1/2-game lead over the Rangers in the Wild Card standings.

"That's a big win for us," said Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek.

It was Jason Varitek's one-out double in the seventh (Tek was then pinch-run for by Nick Green) that set up pinch-hitter Victor Martinez' game-tying RBI single that got things going.

Then, after Bay's blast in the eighth, Martinez doubled in another run before Jacoby Ellsbury - who earlier broke Tommy Harper’s 36-year-old single-season franchise record for steals with his 55th - singled in the final run for the 6-3 finale.

Jonathan Papelbon closed things out for his 30th save.

Lester, turning in another strong performance, had a 2-1 lead with two outs in the seventh. Even with two on, it appeared as if he had escaped trouble, striking out Alexei Ramirez on an 0-2 curveball.

The only problem is that the pitch bounced, perhaps on the plate, and off of Varitek's leg for a wild pitch, tying the game.

"It's happened before, but not in that type of situation, especially with a guy like Tek behind home plate," said Lester, who went 6-2/3 innings, allowing three runs on four hits with six strikeouts. "Nine times out of 10 that ball stays in front of the plate and we get out of the inning."

Jayson Nix stung a liner off third baseman Lowell's glove for an infield hit that scored the go-ahead run. It was the 18th quality start of the season for Lester, surpassing ace Josh Beckett for the staff lead.

"I wasn't able to keep the ball in front of me on the one and the other ball just hit the top of Mikey's glove, but that ball was hit well," Varitek said. "Jonny threw the ball great."

And that's why the Red Sox were especially happy he didn't wind up with the loss.

To see Tek's post-game interview, click here.

Congratulations to Jacoby Ellsbury!

As Jacoby Ellsbury popped up out of his slide at third base and saw the umpire spreading his arms in the 'safe' sign, the Red Sox center fielder pumped his fist slightly, and a smile spread across his 25-year-old face.

Jacoby Ellsbury, in only his second year, had 55 stolen bases, breaking Tommy Harper's 36-year-old mark for the most stolen bases in a season. Ellsbury is now the record holder for a storied franchise that's been around over 100 years.

"It is pretty exciting," said Ellsbury. "You think of all the great Red Sox players that have played before me and to be on top in this category., it hasn't really hit me yet but I am sure that I will look back on the season and it is something that I will be proud of."

Ellsbury is so good because he has equal parts pure speed, and excellent instincts, Catcher Jason Varitek said.

"I think it's a combination of both. Jacoby's really fast, and he's got some good basestealing instincts also," Varitek said. "It's a great achievement that he had today."

Jason's current stats: AVG .224 | HR 14 | RBI 47 | DBL 22 | OBP .332 | SLG .428

Sunday: Picture This!

August 23, 2009

I have added several new photos to the gallery - found here and there and from different times and different years!

The best place to find them all in one place is right here.

And if you keep scrolling, you will see Kelly O'Connor's latest as well!

(Oh...and yes, I know there are three of the same photo in the "last uploads" section...it's okay, that photo was placed in three different albums within the gallery).

Notes & Quotes from last night's game:

"I just followed the catcher's lead," Tazawa said through a translator, applauding the work of Jason Varitek. "I knew I would allow a couple of hits but I didn't want to give in. I didn't allow runs (because) I was able to locate my pitches to the corners." -- Boston Herald.

"He did a good job. He did a real good job," catcher Jason Varitek said. “You can’t say much more than that." -- Providence Journal.

Perhaps the defining at-bat came against Alex Rodriguez in the third inning. Rodriguez had ruined Tazawa's major-league debut on Aug. 7, breaking a scoreless tie with a home run to left center, on a hanging curveball by Tazawa.

Despite the way Rodriguez mashed that pitch, Tazawa and Varitek didn't shy away from Tazawa's hybrid slider/curveball this time. With two runners on, two out and a 1-2 count to the man occupying ninth place on the all-time home run list, Tazawa threw the breaking pitch three times. He missed twice, then froze Rodriguez for strike three with his third straight breaking ball. Inning over.

"I remember sitting there thinking, 'Be careful.' You go one too many times and he'll hunt it," Francona said. "And he actually threw one, I think 2-2, that was close and didn’t get it, and then came back and threw another one. That was an interesting sequence." -- Providence Journal.

"We had people come up with big hits today," said Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. "You need those, and we made big pitches to complement the big hits." -- MLB.com.

"I think our identity is starting to solidify itself," Jason Varitek said Saturday, in the wake of that 14-1 win. -- CBS Sportsline.com.

Tek Comes In For The Seventh, Hits A Home Run In The Ninth...

August 22, 2009

...and the Red Sox tried to mount a rally that sadly, would end all too soon - Final score: Yankees 20, Red Sox 11.

Jason, who had missed three games because of muscle spasms in his neck, replaced Victor Martinez and hit a solo home run in the ninth inning. Terry Francona planned to have Tek catch today and tomorrow night, but brought him in during last night's game after Victor Martinez fouled a ball off his left toe in an earlier at-bat. The score at that time was 15-7 Yankees.

Jason's homer (his 14th of the season) gave him his 700th RBI, making him the 15th Sox player to reach the milestone!!

Congratulations to Jason!

And congratulations to Jacoby Ellsbury! With a stolen base in the first inning, after walking to open the game, Jacoby Ellsbury tied a 36-year-old Sox record: for the most steals in a season. Jacoby's 54th this season tied Tommy Harper (1973) for the club record. Jacoby's steal last night was his ninth against the Yankees this season. Only Rickey Henderson has had more against New York in one season since 1954, with 12 in 1983 and 1992. (Boston Globe)

Also This Morning:

Thank you to Joshua Trudell for the great photo of Tek in his new gear (above) - especially since game photos have been so few and far between lately! Joshua took more great photos of the Captain from the Rangers series last week, which you can see here.

You can see more of Joshua's Red Sox photos on his Flickr page here.

*Thank you also to my eagle-eyed friend Sterling!

Varitek vs. Posada: "Catchers Unmasked"

August 21, 2009

"I don't think they get the credit they deserve. I believe they are taken for granted, especially in this great rivalry. But I've been involved in coaching for 34 years and I never seen anything like these two guys when it comes to catching, leading, work ethic. The fact that they've been matched up against each other for so long and have had the success they've had, winning multiple championships...I believe they are in a class of their own."-- Gary Tuck, bullpen coach for the Red Sox and former catching coordinator for the Yankees.

"Neither guy likes to draw attention to themselves. They both are from the same mold. They don't want the fanfare. The irony is that Posada doesn't get enough credit for the way he handles pitchers and Varitek doesn't get credit for his offense, which is better than his numbers show."-- John Flaherty, YES Network play-by-play man and former Yankees catcher who worked with Tek in spring training, 2006.

Excerpts from an excellent article written by Bill Burt in The Eagle Tribune today:

It has been obscured in the world renowned Red Sox-Yankees rivalry.

The thrilling victories, the agonizing losses and everything else in between have given fans more excitement and drama than they deserve. Here's one matchup that we haven't properly paid homage to:

Jason Varitek vs. Jorge Posada.

Posada, 38, took over as the everyday catcher midway through 1997. Varitek, 37, took over a year later, before the All-Star break.

With respect to Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk and the deceased Thurman Munson, the catching cornerstones of the oftentimes ugly Red Sox-Yankees matchup in the 1970s, this weekend's starting catchers might be the best ever in the modern era in this historic rivalry.

Some might disagree, but not somebody with special insight.

"I have no problem with that statement at all," said third-year Red Sox bullpen coach Gary Tuck, who is also the organization's "catching" coordinator, a position he held for the Yankees for several years in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The roads they traveled were very different.

Varitek was acquired July 31, 1997 in one of the best deals in the franchise' history. Out of the pennant race, the Sox sent Heathcliff Slocumb to Seattle for Varitek and Derek Lowe.

Varitek, an All-American at Georgia Tech, had been a first round pick in 1993 and 1994.

"I scouted Jason in college when I was with the Yankees," said Tuck. "He had a reputation, even back then, for preparation and work ethic."

In 1990, the Yankees drafted Posada, a native of Puerto Rico, as a second baseman.

It was in Double-A, with guidance from Tuck, the then-Yankees catching instructor, Posada was turned into a catcher.

Jason is Navy Seal," said Tuck. "He's programed like a computer. His recall is second to none. His prep dwarfs everyone's. I really believe he is the most selfless guy in the game.

"Jorge isn't the captain, but he might as well be. He doesn't do as much when it comes to writing things down as Jason does, but he works on feel. He has a great feel for the game. And nobody outworks him. Nobody."

Both get high marks for playing with pain.

Tuck said, "The injuries these two have played with is amazing. Jorge has played through some tough knee injuries and Jason's had elbow and shoulder problems that would have forced other catchers to miss a series or longer. The most you would see either one of these guys out is a game or two."

Over the last 12 seasons the Sox and Yankees have played each other 200 times, but the two catchers have had only one conversation lasting a few minutes.

They're just not sure when or where it happened.

"I believe it was at the All-Star game in 2003," recalled Varitek, of their brief discussion during the Home Run Derby at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

"I just remember having a nice conversation about how he was doing," said Posada. "It was nice to chat a little bit with him because we had never really spoken before that."

The reason for the lack of communication is obvious.

"It's sort of hard, you know, being that I'm on the Red Sox and he's on the Yankees," said Varitek. "If you're asking me why (we don't talk a lot), I'd probably say that has more to do with it than anything."

Posada concurred.

"I say 'Hi' to a lot of guys from a lot of teams, but I don't sit there behind the plate and have conversations during a game," said Posada. "There is an intensity to the Yankees and Red Sox, which has been going on a long time. Personally, I like to stay out of peoples' way."

Jeter and Garciaparra appeared to be best friends (they weren't) when one was standing on second base and other was at shortstop.

But Varitek and Posada don't acknowledge the other guy.

"I know Jorge really well and he is really an outgoing guy, very funny," said Flaherty. "I don't know Jason as well, but he's definitely got a tougher exterior. He's all business out there. He's not really an approachable guy."

When each was cornered during the last homestand in Boston, you'd have thought Varitek and Posada were best friends.

"There's a reason the Yankees have been as good as they have been since I've been going against them," said Varitek. "Jorge plays the game right. He has an extreme respect for the game, which you can't help but notice. And his bat is obviously pretty special and he's durable.

"Jorge doesn't get the credit he deserves as a catcher. You can tell he is very good at handling pitchers. ... I respect the way he plays, as I do with their shortstop (Jeter) and closer (Mariano Rivera)."

Posada brought out the sweet sauce in his breakdown of his Red Sox adversary.

"The thing I notice is that pitchers love him. And that means a lot as a catcher," said Posada. "He's the guy that seems to keep that team together. He's a captain for a reason ... I respect him greatly."

Varitek has one year left on his contract and Posada has two more years remaining, maybe then they'll have a beer together?

"We'll see," said Posada. "Maybe we will have dinner some time when we're old and gray. I'd like that."

Varitek smiled when told of Posada's answer.

"I don't know," said Varitek, taking time to think. "We might. We'd probably have a lot to talk to about."

They could talk about experiences only those two could understand.

To read the full article and interview, click here.

Injury Update:

According to the Boston Herald's Clubhouse Insider this afternoon -

Jason will sit one more game to shake off the stiffness he's felt in his neck, but Terry Francona says he will catch both Saturday (Tazaway) and Sunday (Beckett).

Also Today:

Curt Schilling and Lou Merloni were co-hosts on WEEI's The Big Show on Thursday. The two former Red Sox players discussed the Red Sox catching situation.

Curt: "The big thing for me is that Jason Varitek is here. If he is not catching everyday, he still has an impact and I think that gets lost in the shuffle...his interaction with Victor, his interaction with the pitching staff."

Jason is, and always has been a team first guy. I think if he acted in a way that was contradictory to that, I would be one of the more shocked people on the planet."

Lou: "I can tell you that Varitek has had a shoulder (injury) for about a month and a half and the neck (injury) for about month. This has been bothering him now for the last month and he has been playing because deep down he realizes, just like last year, 'my offense will struggle, but I can still bring things to the team defensively when I catch these big guns.'"

To listen to the complete audio segment, click here.

Thursday: Injury Update

August 20, 2009

Tek out again...

Jason is not in the starting lineup again tonight.

He was scratched on Tuesday with neck spasms and did not play on Wednesday for the same reason (see news below).

From the Boston Herald's Clubhouse Insider:

Varitek reiterated that he could play tonight if absolutely needed, but said he and the team were taking the cautious approach. Varitek’s still not sure if he’ll have an MRI when he returns to Boston.

"I don't know what we have to do to find out, but we're not going to do it in Canada," Varitek said. "I'm not going to leave the team. We'll figure out something this homestand as far as what we're going to do. And if it gets better, we'll do it later."

Varitek said he's feeling marginally better, two days after locking up and having trouble moving his head.

To read the complete "Clubhouse Insider", click here.

To see a larger version of the screen capture above, click here.

*Let's hope he gets better and back out there real fast!!

Tek Stats:

From NESN this afternoon -

According to Hit Tracker, the longest home run by a Red Sox player this season so far came from the Captain: his 454-footer on May 28th to the upper deck of the Minnesota Twins' Target Field.

From a football perspective (since the 2009 NFL season is just around the corner): his home run traveled the length of one football field plus the opponents' 49-yard line of a second field!

It was the first of two home runs that Tek hit in that memorable game that the Sox won 3-1.

Made even more memorable by Tek's ejection from the game, along with Terry Francona by umpire Todd Tichenor in the bottom of the seventh. Twins catcher Mike Redmond and his manager, Ron Gardenhire, had already been ejected by Tichenor in the top of the seventh.

To see a series of photos from that game, click here (12th row down).

Tek A Late Scratch From Tuesday's Lineup

August 18-19, 2009 - Wednesday Afternoon Update (see below)

"Tek is one of the toughest guys in baseball, but his neck got the best of him tonight!" -- Frank Viola, former Red Sox pitcher and NESN baseball analyst tonight.

From Heidi Watney on NESN's Tuesday Pre-Game Show:

"At about 3:30 p.m. today, Jason Varitek and trainer Paul Lessard walked into Terry Francona's office. Varitek was clearly in pain. A short while later he was scratched from the lineup.

"Varitek told me that his neck is 'completely locked up' and Terry Francona said Varitek has been able to play through a lot of pain this year, but with his neck spasms today, he just couldn't go."

From Terry Francona's interview:

"He's been battling the neck for two months. I think he might be the only guy in the league that hasn't missed time, or the only guy with what he's had happen (with neck issues) has been able to stay out there. And today, the way it's been grabbing him I didn't think it was fair to play him. He'll have it looked at today, he'll have it worked on by our medical people and hopefully let it settle down as opposed to playing him and making it worse."

Tek Stats:

WEEI's Alex Speier, prior to the game...

This is the third time that Beckett will start with a catcher other than Varitek this year. In the prior two starts, when paired with George Kottaras, he is 0-2 with a 10.97 ERA. When paired with Varitek, Beckett is 14-2 with a 2.52 ERA. Varitek caught all of Beckett’s starts in 2008, and caught all but one of his starts in 2007. In '07, Beckett allowed two runs in eight innings (2.25 ERA) in the only game caught by Doug Mirabelli, and had a 3.32 ERA in 29 games when paired with Varitek.

Wednesday Afternoon Update:

From Terry Francona's interview on the Dale & Holley Show:

On Jason Varitek's injury: "This isn't something new, this is something he has played with all year. It just spasmed up on him, like we've all had. He couldn't look left. Knowing he's tough enough to get through the game, but it's probably going to set him back 3-4 days so we elected not to play him. He wanted to play, thought it wasn't in his best interest."

To listen to the segment, click here.

And from Tek himself to MLB.com's Erika Gilbert:

Jason Varitek still doesn't know exactly what caused the neck spasms that have kept him out of Boston's lineup for two successive games, but he is feeling slightly better.

"It just spasmed up, and it hasn't had a whole lot of movement," Varitek said Wednesday. "I had it adjusted yesterday. I'm a little better today, and I have a little better range. I'm a lot looser than I was yesterday."

The catcher said he's been dealing with soreness in his neck "at different ranges" for a couple of months.

"But not to where I couldn't move my head," he added.

Despite the pain and lack of motion in his neck, Varitek was still available off the bench as the team's backup catcher on Wednesday. He assured reporters he could play if he needed to, but he was not sure if he would be well enough to be back in the starting lineup Thursday.

"I don't know," Varitek said. "It's got to advance from today, but I can play with just about anything, so I can play if I need to."

Varitek has consulted a number of people on the neck issue, and when asked if he had seen a chiropractor, massage therapist, etc., he offered this simple statement:

"All of the above! Trainers, ice, heat -- I don't smell real good right now. After the adjustment I got yesterday, hopefully it'll just calm the spasm down."

To read more, click here.

The Josh Beckett "Beckett Bowl" Raffle

August 17, 2009

Here is your chance to win a lane and much more at the Josh Beckett 2009 Beckett Bowl!

On September 10, 2009, the Josh Beckett Foundation will host the Third Annual Beckett Bowl at Lucky Strike in Boston. The Beckett Bowl includes a celebrity bowling tournament, live and silent auctions, as well as a post-event party and a live concert at House of Blues.

On hand to help Josh and his Foundation will be his Sox teammates (including the captain), members of the Bruins, Patriots and Revolution as well as other Boston celebrities...and you too, if you are the lucky winner!

The winner's prize package includes:

- 4 bowler credentials with your family name or company's logo over the lane

- A personal coaching lesson for one frame by ace pitcher and bowler Josh Beckett

- 2 autographed Josh Beckett jerseys

- 2 tickets to a Red Sox game, enjoyed in Josh's personal seats

- parking passes, gift bags, t-shirts and more...

Tickets start at just $2.00 each and decrease for orders of more than 5 tickets.

Entry deadline is Monday, September 7th at 11:00 a.m.

The raffle is sponsored by Netraffle.org and the Celebrities for Charity organization.

Proceeds from The Beckett Bowl and the raffle benefit Children's Hospital Boston!

For more information on the raffle and to purchase your tickets, click here.

For more information on the event, click here.

To see a couple of photos from the 2007 Beckett Bowl, click here.

*Thank you to Jon from CFC.org!

Sunday: Notes & Quotes

August 16, 2009

On those stolen bases in last night's game...

"You can just probably blame it on me. I'll take full responsibility for their ability to run. I have two things: try and get hitters out, and make a good throw. The rest is out of my hands.

"Keep them off base, that's the best way to do it. I can't really answer that question. Just go out there and try and execute, make a good throw.

"That's some of the best throws I can make. They might not be good enough." -- Jason's post-game comments last night.

Others beg to differ...

"That's not a fair statement. There's things we ask 'Tek to do, like if we want a strikeout and don't want him to come out of a crouch -- sometimes we'll concede a base. If you get behind, it can snowball." -- Terry Francona reacts to Jason's last comment.

"I've gotta pay more attention to it. I've got to not rely on the coaches so much. You've got to [also] keep them from getting on base." -- Brad Penny during his post-game comments.

"In defense of Jason Varitek, because he's getting the brunt of this, I timed Brad Penny's time to home plate [tonight] and it was 1.4 - 1.6 seconds per pitch....Johnny Bench isn't getting these guys stealing with that much time!" -- Buck Showalter, ESPN's 'Baseball Tonight' analyst and former Texas Rangers manager.

"I believe both 8-stolen bases games were on Brad Penny, that tells you that Mr. Penny has to take some of the obligation himself. What you've got to do is alter your head look, speed up your process, throw in a slide-step every once in awhile...there's more to pitching than just throwing the ball to the plate. The problem is when you get a team like Texas, as Terry [Francona] mentioned (in his post-game comments) when you got guys who can flat-out run, they're going to take advantage of the situation, and you're gonna have an 8-stolen bases game! -- Frank Viola, NESN analyst and former Red Sox pitcher on NESN's Pre-Game show today.

"A lot of [fans] have been throwing around the 'Jason Varitek numbers' after the game - how bad it is that he's only thrown out nine runners all year, but I look at last night's game and if you want to talk about that, he really didn't have a chance on a lot of those. You go to the pitch-out, if you can't have a chance on a pitch-out, then you have to look at the pitcher and how he's holding guys on and how he's delivering the ball. I think it's a complete package." -- Rob Bradford, WEEI's Red Sox Insider on the radio this morning.

"It's definitely an area they have to improve on, but I think it's more of an organizational philosophy which says, 'concentrate on the hitter, make sure you get the hitter first'. It's not something that is going to change overnight, and I believe it's the same organizational philosophy that the Cleveland Indians had when John Farrell was there. And if you look at Victor Martinez' and the number of runners he's thrown out, well it's not that great either. So you can tell that the emphasis is on 'concentrate on the hitter'...slide-steps - they're really not big on that, a couple of guys do it, but most of them don't. A lot of them are not really quick to the plate, Tazawa is, but other guys aren't and Penny is terrible." -- the Boston Globe's Nick Cafaro during his guest appearance on NESN's Pre-Game Show.

And even some Red Sox fans weigh in...

"While it is fair to say that Varitek has struggled mightily with stolen bases, one thing that is tough to quantify is how many steals are actually against the pitcher. For example, I counted at least 2, if not 3 steals last night where even if Varitek had made a good throw, he had no shot of catching the runner. Then of course there were the unsuccessful pitch-outs, which is one of the most frustrating things I've seen. And I remember watching the game against TB when Crawford ran wild, and in most of those situations Crawford was more than halfway to second or third before the ball even reached home.

"My point is, we can take away from Varitek because one pitcher on the staff (Lester) does a good job of holding runners on base. But is it truly fair to penalize Varitek when our other pitchers do not do a good (and in the case of Penny, a really bad) job?

"Caught Stealing is kind of like RBIs; if guys aren't getting on base, it's tough to get one's RBI numbers up. Likewise, if the majority of your pitchers are doing a [bad] job checking the runners, you aren't giving the catcher a fair chance to get his CS numbers up. I feel this is partly a team stat and it is up to Farrell to emphasize this with the pitching staff." -- HA

"The Red Sox really don't care to defend the run. Just look at the number of pitchouts, only 8 last year, 2nd lowest in the AL. Penny acounts for like 27 of Tek's Stolen bases. I doubt V-Mart does much better. The Tampa Bay Rays stole 10 of 11 bases against V-Mart when he was in Cleveland, and thats without Penny." -- Paul

"Stolen bases don't always translate into runs for the team that swipes them. Example: for all the talk of Carl Crawford's record 6 Stolen Bases against Penny, Tek and the Sox last May 3rd, he only scored two runs." -- TW

As to the hit-by-a-pitch to Ian Kinsler...

"You don't want to see that happen to anybody. First and foremost, you want to make sure he's okay. He got a little riled up, whatever, and he called over (to the clubhouse) and apologized for it. But in no way, shape or form do you want to see someone get hit in the head... and in that situation nobody was trying to hit anybody." -- Jason during his post-game comments last night.

"It's just something that's scary. You never want to be a part of something like that. You're not thinking it's intentional or unintentional in the process. Me and Varitek had words, we had a chance to talk later and put it behind us.

"We talked after the game on the phone and everything is fine. I understand it was not on purpose, it's just the way you react when the ball is thrown at your head. They were throwing inside on me all day yesterday." -- Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler during an interview today.

And leave it to Dan Shaughnessy (yes, I said Dan Shaughnessy!) to come up with the odd, off-topic, but humorous Quote of the Day, from his column...

"When you see Jason Varitek interviewed in front of his locker after games, he appears to be wearing one of the "Snuggies" advertised on late-night television."

You can view some of Jason's post-game interview here.

Also Today:

Game Notes...

- Jason is out of today's line-up (day game after a night game).

- After today's game, the Red Sox head to Toronto for a three-game series that starts Tuesday.

And:

Congratulations...

The Little League team from Peabody, Massachusetts beat Lincoln, Rhode Island yesterday by a score of 11-7 after Peabody Western's Matt Hosman hit a walkoff grand slam in the seventh inning!

With the win, the team will represent the New England Region in the Little League World Series.

On Friday, Peabody Western will take on Texas West, the Southwest Region Champs, in Williamsport, PA.

Did you know that both Jason Varitek and Jason Bay played in the Little League World Series along with eight other current Major League players?

Tek (above) played in the 1984 Little League World Series when he was 12 years old. His Altamonte Springs team lost in the finals to Seoul, South Korea by a score of 6-2. He played shortstop, third base and catcher in his three LLWS games.

Jason Bay played in the 1990 Little League World Series for the Trail Team from British Columbia. His team came in third place.

You can check out more pics of Tek from his Little League playin' days here.

Red Sox 8, Rangers 4

August 15, 2009

"He's fit right in! I mean I don't what more to say than that. He's a good man. He swings the bat well and gives up some versatility. That was a huge hit.-- Jason in his post-game comments about Victor Martinez.

A different perspective...

From an article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram this morning:

Ready or not, it's pennant race time.

It's Aug. 15th and, as baseball tradition has it, today is when the pennant races officially begin. Unless my eyes — and, yes, the ol' ticker — are even worse off than I thought, the Rangers and Red Sox got a head start on things 24 hours early.

This one had that jaw-clenching, teeth-grinding, nail-biting pennant race feel from beginning to end, and for good reason. These two teams are each not only trying to make up ground in their own divisions, but at the same time, battling each other head to head for the American League wild-card spot.

Watching your closer cough up a career-high six runs, five with two outs in the ninth, is enough to shake any team's confidence.

Until Francisco's stunning ninth-inning collapse — shocking because the Rangers hadn't lost a game at home in which they were leading after eight innings since September 2007, a remarkable 72-game winning streak — this one had followed the same winning formula the Rangers have used all season, with just one slight glitch.

That was also a bullpen meltdown when Eddie Guardado, the Rangers' situational lefty, relieved a worn-out Kevin Millwood with two outs in the sixth and promptly served up a game-tying two-run homer to David Ortiz, blowing a 2-0 lead Millwood had battled to hold since Michael Young’s two-run homer off Lester in the first.

A 4-2 lead going into the eighth with the way the back end of the Rangers' bullpen has been pitching this season? Money in the bank, right?

Except the check bounced at the worst possible time.

C.J. Wilson did his part, breezing through the eighth with only a walk and handing off the two-run lead to Francisco.

That's when the fun started for the multitude of Red Sox fans at The Ballpark.

Ortiz doubled and Jason Varitek hit a slow bouncer that second baseman Omar Vizquel speared moving to his right, but his lob throw — all he could get on it — to first baseman Hank Blalock was a hair too late.

Jacoby Ellsbury singled up the middle to cut it to 4-3, but Francisco fanned Chris Woodward, setting up the strangest play of the night.

Dustin Pedroia slammed one deep to left, just over the glove of a leaping David Murphy at the wall. But Murphy grabbed the carom barehanded and fired it to Young, whose relay throw nailed a sliding pitcher-pinch runner Clay Buchholz at the plate for the second out.

"I felt good when that happened," Washington said. "Frankie had had pretty good success against [Victor] Martinez."

Not this time. Martinez fouled off pitch after pitch before finally lining the ninth pitch of the at-bat, a 95 mph fastball, into the right-field corner for a two-run double.

Jason Bay's RBI single and J.D. Drew's two-run home run after that was just gravy for the Red Sox.

"That's my closer," Washington said with a shrug, referring to Francisco. "His job was to get us three outs. Once he was in the game, he's the best I had out there. He just didn't get it done, that’s the bottom line."

To read the rest, click here.

To see video of Tek's interview, click here.

For a game photo and a screen cap with quotes from Tek's post-game interview, click here.

Tek-nically Speaking...

From WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Show with phone-in guest Curt Schilling on Friday -

D&C: "I thought the interesting thing was how Edwin Jackson was a bad ass until Tek grabbed him and then suddenly he went limp. Then when Tek let him go to turn his attention on someone else, he became a bad ass again."

Curt: "That generally happens to most human beings when Tek's around. A lot of people get 'beer muscles' out there, and Tek is generally 'The Equalizer'....you see that Tek's kinda like a magnet out there, things kind of bounce away from him in a pile like that."

To see Kelly O'Connor's photos of Tek from the brawl, click here (second row).

"That's What I Want To Be"

August 14, 2009

Excerpts from an interview & article about Victor Martinez for ESPN.com today:

Playing first base at Camden Yards nearly two weeks ago, sharing the field with strangers and wearing the same colors but with a different team name on his chest, Victor Martinez envisioned a goal, in what was the first game of his Boston career.

Down the line, he saw Jason Varitek -- the gold standard of catching preparation and fundamentals -- effortlessly blocking balls in the dirt. It wasn't just the way Varitek stopped them; it was the control he had over them. Once the game ended, Martinez -- his first time outside of the Indians' organization since he was 17 years old -- turned to Red Sox bullpen coach Gary Tuck.

"That's what I want to be," Martinez said to Tuck.

It wasn't about being the starting catcher or taking Varitek's job; it was about bettering himself, even on a difficult day when everything was foreign. On July 31, Martinez was traded to Boston from Cleveland, where he spent 13 years -- almost half of his life.

When Martinez was traded, there was the tricky situation of cohabiting with Varitek. The move was widely characterized as Martinez being the club's possible catcher of the future (he has a team option for the 2010 season; Varitek has both a team and player option for 2010). It could have been a bit awkward, but both men have been professional about it.

When Boston pitching coach John Farrell was running the Indians' farm system, he oversaw Martinez and knew how special he was. When told his current team was acquiring the 30-year-old catcher, Farrell had no doubt that Martinez would fit in. And Farrell has watched how active Martinez has been in pitchers' meetings, asking important questions, eager to learn from Varitek.

To read the rest, click here.

*Note: There are some rather surprising and questionable comments in the article from rookie pitcher Clay Buchholz, given the fact that Tek not only guided him through a No-Hitter, but that Tek also has such a excellent (league-wide) reputation for his handling of a pitching staff.

Today's Tek Stat...

Jason is 1 RBI shy of reaching 700 career RBI's!

There's Still Time To Purchase Tickets...

August 13, 2009 - Afternoon Update

...for the 2009 Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt Tournament!

The Tournament is scheduled for Monday, September 14th, 2009, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton, Massachusetts.

Spectator tickets are still available and just $23.00 per person.

Money raised from the event will benefit the Saints Medical Center and the Celebrities for Charity Foundation.

To purchase your spectator tickets, click here.

You can check out the fun from previous Putt-Putt's here, here and here.

...for the Josh Beckett Foundation's "2009 Beckett Bowl"!

On September 10, 2009, the Josh Beckett Foundation will host the Third Annual Beckett Bowl at Lucky Strike in Boston. The Beckett Bowl includes a celebrity bowling tournament, live and silent auctions, as well as a post-event party and a live concert at House of Blues.

On hand to help Josh and his Foundation will be his Sox teammates, members of the Bruins, Patriots and Revolution as well as actors and a celebrity chef or two!

Proceeds from The Beckett Bowl benefit Children's Hospital Boston!

For more information and to purchase tickets to attend, click here.

To see a couple of photos from the 2007 Beckett Bowl, click here.

...for the Mike Lowell Foundation "Night At The Copa" event!

Join Mike Lowell and his teammates for an exclusive event called,"A Night at the Copa" on Sunday, August 30, 2009. The event will start one hour after the Red Sox vs. Blue Jays game.

This charitable fundraising event includes casino games, great food, drinks and music at the House of Blues.

Proceeds benefit the Mike Lowell Foundation's charitable programs serving at-risk families struggling with cancer and inner city youth baseball.

For more information and to purchae your tickets, click here.

Now, I don't have any photos from past Copa events...

but click here for photos the last time the Sox kicked up their heels for Mike!

Red Sox 8, Tigers 2

August 13, 2009

Josh Beckett turned in another strong outing to become the first 14-game winner in the majors this year, and Jason Bay went 3-for-3 with a two-run homer, as Boston crushed Detroit, 8-2, in the third installment of a four-game set from Fenway Park.

The Tigers' first hit against Beckett was a long one, as Carlos Guillen unloaded for a solo shot to right to open the fifth.

Marcus Thames also homered.

"Josh is a flyball pitcher," said Tek at his locker after the game. "Both home runs were mistakes, but he recovered."

But no sooner had Detroit (59-54) chipped into the lead than the Red Sox opened it right back up again. They erupted for a five-spot in the bottom of the fifth. Mike Lowell (RBI single), Casey Kotchman (RBI single) and Jason Varitek (bases-loaded walk) accounted for some of the damage.

Mike Lowell and Jason Bay accounted for six hits in seven at-bats in the game.

"Mikey has been swinging the bat well for a long time," Tek said. "J-Bay, it's nice to get him going. He's having good at-bats. Even his outs are good."

With a seven-run cushion, Beckett then put it in cruise control.

"It's huge when you can rely on a guy to do that, especially where it gives us a chance to set up our bullpen for matchups," said Tek.

Hideki Okajima pitched a perfect eighth, striking out two, and Ramon Ramirez did the exact same thing in the ninth.

Zach Miner (5-3) took the loss after yielding five runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings for Detroit, which fell for the seventh straight time to Boston.

It was announced prior to the game that Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello and Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis would both be suspended five games and fined an undisclosed amount for their actions in Tuesday's benches-clearing brawl. Porcello decided to appeal, but Youkilis started serving his suspension Wednesday. Tigers pitcher Edwin Jackson, who was held back from entering the fray by Tek, was also fined an undisclosed amount.

To see photos from this week's games, click here.

Tek-nically Speaking...

"Mikey wants to play, of course. Mikey wants to be out there every day. You don't play this game not to want to be out there." -- Jason, in an article about Mike Lowell on the daily juggling of the line-up to accomodate the aquisitions of Victor Martinez and Casey Kotchman.

New Photos To Share...

August 11, 2009

Sharon Tetreault of North Kingston, Rhode Island was at Fenway Park last night to receive her autographed gear from Jason.

Sharon won the Jason Varitek Equipment Raffle on August 3rd, sponsored by Celebrities for Charities. The raffle raised over $20,000 for Saints Medical Center!

The equipment (Jason's All-Star Fourth of July game-used and autographed mask, chest protector, and shin guards) was presented to Sharon just prior to the game. Sharon and her family stayed to watch the Red Sox' 6-5 win over the Tigers.

To see the photos of the presentation, click here.

*A big THANK YOU to Sharon for allowing her photos to be shared, and to Kaitlyn Montagna, Production Manager for Celebrity Marketing Inc., for sending them!

Pre-Game Notes...

Junichi Tazawa will make his first major league start tonight with Jason behind the plate and Victor Martinez at first base. Mike Lowell is out of the lineup again.

Jason enters the series hitting .311 (75-for-241) in 68 career games against the Tigers, his best mark against an AL opponent. In two games against the Tigers this season, he has gone 3-for-7.

According to a report in the Boston Globe, Tazawa will be on a modified pitch count for tonight's start. The Sox typically are cautious with young pitchers, particularly early in their development, and it is likely the Sox will not ask Tazawa to give them more than five innings.

Monday: Tek-nically Speaking

August 10, 2009

NESN's Heidi Watney caught up with Jason for a quick interview in the dugout prior to tonight's game:

Q: The team comes in struggling with a 6-game losing streak, do you see frustration with the guys on the team?

Jason: "We were just one hit away from winning three of those games easily, maybe even four, so it's just a matter of getting things clicking with all facets of the game at the right time."

Q: Terry Francona has been shuffling the lineup a lot with the new members of the team, Casey Kotchman and Victor Martinez. You are one of the guys whose playing time is getting affected, do you see that as a good thing - kind of letting you heal and recover from the grueling schedule of catching?

Jason: I don't know! I really don't know what that means. Terry's making the lineup and we have to stick with it.

Q: Do you feel like you could use a few days off?

Jason: "Well, I mean we're paid to play. So you know, at diffferent times this year I've had to play with some things that I could just as well have taken some time off. But you never know what you're body is going to do the day that you play and what you can expect from it, no matter how good or bad you feel."

Q: Junichi Tazawa gets the start tomorrow night. You caught him the other night...what do you think of him?

Jason: "Well, it was for a short time the other night, but I saw a little life on his fastball. He elevated the balls when I asked him to, saw his split, saw two different breaking balls...so we've just got to get through this lineup with him and see how he can react to different situations."

Q: This past weekend Daniel Bard had a little bit of diffficulty, especially after being so perfect earlier in the season. We expect him to be perfect all the time. What have you seen from him lately?

Jason: "It's just a pitch here, a pitch there. People forget this is his first go-round. He had some success, we moved him into a different role. Whatever role he's in, you're going to eventually run into some spots where he's going to make some mistakes and get into trouble with it. The big thing is the first night in New York he held things where they were when we gave up a run...and he was one pitch away from being out of it last night. There's no lack of confidence in Daniel from us."

Q: What do you think it's going to take to get the Red Sox back on track?

Jason: "One hit. Just one hit at the right time will get this team going. I mean, we could have just as well won a game if a lot of the balls had fallen for a lot of different people in different situations. Offensively, we really can't be worse than we've been over the stretch, so that's a good thing."

Also Today:

From an article/interview with Victor Martinez that appeared on RedSox.com: -

"I'm feeling pretty good," Martinez said about his adjustments to the pitchers. "These guys, they are making it easier for me, the way they treat me. They give me a great welcome here. It makes me feel even more comfortable here."

Jason Varitek, who holds a reputation as a premier defensive backstop, has lent his helping hand as well.

"Great, man, great," Martinez said of his relationship with Varitek. "He's so open to me. He's always saying, 'Anything you need, anything you want help with, come to me.'"

To read the rest, click here.

"Hard Play but Less Fight From Behind the Plate"

August 8, 2009 - Afternoon Update

From an article by George Vecsey in The New York Times this afternoon:

The Red Sox and Yankees were due to go back at it in Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon after Friday night's 2-0 victory by the Yanks on a two-run homer by Alex Rodriguez in the 15th inning. Posada caught 14 innings and the Red Sox' Jason Varitek 15 in the marathon.

Posada never met Thurmon Munson, except through the eyes and the words of old Yankees from the antic years, the '70s, when Munson was the captain and resident grump.

"Nobody loved the game more than he did," Posada said.

Posada is not the captain; his friend Derek Jeter is. But if a touch of Munsonian goading is needed, Posada may voluntarily do it.

Unlike Munson, Posada does not have an active rivalry going on with his opposite number, Varitek, the Red Sox' captain. Varitek keeps his counsel to outsiders, but his major league glower probably works wonders in the cramped Red Sox home clubhouse.

The two hard old catchers have not rolled in the dust and flailed at each other the way Munson and Carlton Fisk once did.

"We say 'hello', 'good luck', at home plate," Posada said.

Posada and Varitek are not the universal yin and yang of catchers. Varitek, who turned 37 on April 11, entered Saturday with 1,413 games played and 174 home runs. Posada, who turns 38 on Aug. 17, had played 1,559 games with 235 home runs.

Varitek is a Georgia Tech guy, and Posada is from Puerto Rico with roots in Cuba and has become fluent in English.

"They are two of a kind - all business," said Bruce Froemming, the retired umpire who holds the record of 37 seasons in the majors. Now a roving supervisor of umpires, Froemming was in the press box this weekend and was also behind the plate on July 24, 2004, when Varitek got into it with Rodriguez after Bronson Arroyo hit A-Rod with a pitch.

Actually, Varitek landed a classic hockey-style shot with grungy glove and right paw. What did Froemming do?

"Never beat a man at his own game," he said. "I got out of there. Those are athletes. You can get hurt." Froemming lived to work another day; both combatants were suspended four days.

"You know what, they both play hard all the time," Froemming said of Varitek and Posada, noting that they are also polite to umpires, a wise tactic for catchers.

Just as Fisk and Munson arrived together — Fisk late in 1969, Munson at the start of 1970 — Varitek and Posada have coexisted in the same division for a long time. Varitek had one at-bat for the Sox in 1997; Posada played nine games for the Yankees before 1997.

"They're both switch-hitters with some power, they're both leaders," said Manager Joe Girardi of the Yankees, their regular catcher before Posada.

"I don't know Posada, but I do see what he does," said Terry Francona, the manager of the Red Sox. "Jason’' our captain. He's a leader. When he hits a home run, that's great, and when he doesn't, we still feel he will help us win."

This is also Posada's credo. In his locker, he has taped a quote from Munson, circa 1975: "Look, I like hitting fourth, and I like the good batting average. But what I do every day behind the plate is a lot more important because it touches so many more people, and so many more aspects of the game."

Posada and Varitek got to know each other as members of the All-Star team in 2003.

"Smart guy, does his job, does his homework, is always prepared," Posada said of Varitek. "He's a guy who does what it takes."

Both catchers do what it takes. They probably have one more October between them, although without the sneers of their legendary ancestors.

To read the rest of this long but excellent article by Mr. Vecsey, click here .

Another reason he wears the "C" on his chest...

From Tony Massarotti's column in the Boston Globe:

Two months ago, had these same teams played a similar game, Jason Varitek never would have made the walk across the clubhouse, as he did this morning, virtually his entire body wrapped in ice. Varitek never would have risen from his seat, the clock on the clubhouse wall reading precisely 1:02 a.m., to console a young man who had just surrendered a game-winning home run in the 15th inning of a 2-0 loss.

Back then, after all, the Red Sox would have won this game because the New York Yankees simply did not have the bullpen to match up with Boston’s vaunted relief corps.

But the Yankees do now.

"I just don't want him to hang his head," Varitek said later of Junichi Tazawa, the 23-year-old who made his major league debut as the Red Sox’ sixth and final reliever in last night's draining loss to the Yankees. "His stuff’s too good and he’s too good for that to happen."

So Varitek ambled over to a seemingly catatonic Tazawa, who sat in a chair before his locker in a spacious and largely vacant clubhouse at the new Yankee Stadium. The catcher crouched and looked Tazawa squarely in the eyes, the young man nodding as the 37-year-old captain of the Red Sox spoke. And with his left arm wrapped so thoroughly in ice and an ace bandage that he might as well have been wearing a catcher's mitt, Varitek gave Tazawa a soft, reassuring tap on the head.

To read Mr. Massarotti's full column, click here.

*For more news about last night's game, see this morning's post below!

Tek Support...

As Ortiz Speaks Out, Varitek Voices Support -

Throughout the ordeal, Ortiz has had the unwavering support of his teammates to fall back on, and it's helped him take his usual fearless approach to the plate.

"He's appeared to be himself and continue to go out there," Varitek told NESN's Heidi Watney after Ortiz's press conference. "I think he's handled it extremely well. We just had to show him that we have his back and we do support him."

As for the revelations that stemmed from Ortiz's press conference -- including the fact that it is impossible that all 104 players on the list used PEDs -- Varitek is still trying to sort everything out.

"It's all new information to us," Varitek said. "To sit there and pass judgment in any way, shape or form before you have all of the facts is a tough thing to do."

To see video of Tek's interview, click here.

Tek On Smoltz: "I Can't Do Anything But Commend The Effort That He Went Out There With"

August 7-8, 2009

The Red Sox have designated John Smoltz for assignment. By designating him for assignment - if he is not claimed off waivers, the Red Sox have 10 days to trade or release him.

Jason was in the visitors clubhouse at Yankee Stadium yesterday afternoon when he was asked about the situation. He told reporters that he had only just learned about it a few minutes before their arrival and was reluctant to get into details. He did give his take on how hard Smoltz worked while he was with the team:

"I just know the man has put in a tremendous amount of work to even be where he was, and that's commendable in itself. I can't tell you, in the Baltimore start, what he went through to even take the ball for six innings and that should be recognized, no matter what happens. I think it's just him adjusting to the new (surgically repaired) shoulder. I think that you have somebody that is a potential Hall of Famer making the adjustments he was trying to go through to make himself the best that he could be at this point - he did those things. He didn't necessarily have the best results. I can't do anything but commend the effort that he went out there with."

To watch Tek's pre-game interview on Smoltz, click here.

The Friday into Saturday game....

There are still two games left in this four-game showdown between the rivals, and Boston's focus will be on trying to salvage a split.

"Our season is not over," said Jason Varitek (who caught all 267 pitches). "We've got two months and, obviously, we haven't played our best baseball recently, and the good thing was what I saw pitching-wise today. That's what's going to help us get over the hump."

The game started as a riveting duel between Josh Beckett (seven innings, four hits, two walks, seven K's) and A.J. Burnett, who were once the bright lights of a young Florida Marlins staff. Now they are established veterans thrust into the middle of baseball's most storied rivalry.

Neither pitcher blinked, and it came down to the bullpens on both sides.

Tazawa, the 23-year-old from Japan who was promoted from Triple-A Pawtucket earlier in the day, was all the Red Sox had left in the bullpen.

Derek Jeter started the 15th inning with a bloop single, but Tazawa retired the next two batters and came close to pushing the epic game to the 16th. But A-Rod picked a crushing time -- from the perspective of the Red Sox -- to end a 72-at-bat homerless streak.

"That was my regret," said Tazawa through an interpreter. "I left the ball a little too high."

As Tazawa sat by his locker, several teammates approached him and offered encouraging words. Varitek, the team captain, crouched in front of Tazawa and spoke to him.

So what was the red-eyed Tazawa thinking as he sat in his chair? He said he was reviewing the game and thinking about his next opportunity to pitch.

"Every pitcher that played today did very well," Tazawa said. "I couldn't do it. So I was thinking how I could be better like the pitchers who did really well in the game."

But Josh Beckett said the game has to be put in perspective, "The one good thing about baseball is there's always tomorrow...we've just got to come back and continue to do the things we need to make us successful."

As for Junichi Tazawa?

The captain is not worried, "He's going to help us a lot. And he's going to have a long career."

*Synopsis and quotes taken from post-game articles in the New York Times, Boston Globe, RedSox.com, and the Providence Journal.

Tek Stats:

As of Friday...

Out of the 15 American League starting catchers*: Tek has more home runs than 11 other catchers, more doubles than 14 other catchers, more RBI than 12 other catchers, a better OBP than 9 other catchers, a higher SLG than 11 other catchers, and a higher OPS than 11 other catchers.

*(two teams - the Orioles and the Mariners - use an almost "even split" between their two catchers, so I figured in the stats for both).

Wednesday: Notes & Quotes

August 5, 2009

From the Boston Globe's Chad Finn this afternoon:

One thing that Francona believes will work is the split in playing time behind the plate with Jason Varitek and newcomer Victor Martinez. Francona explained some of the factors that will be considered when he decides who will catch on a particular night.

"Who's pitching for us, who's pitching for them, rest, production, health. There's a number of things taken into consideration," Francona said. ". . .We'll catch Victor tomorrow [because Varitek is catching tonight and the Sox will have an early-morning arrival in New York]. It's [John] Smoltz, who hasn't been here for years and has that relationship with Tek etched in stone. Even though Victor's new, Smoltzy is relatively new too. There's a level of cooperation that needs to go on here right now, which I think our guys are doing a great job of. Ultimately what we're tying to do is win, and guys are sacrificing a little bit of their personal stuff for the good of the team. I think it's working out really well.

"There's probably some comfort level with guys who Tek has caught here, and caught very well with success," he added. "There's a lot of things that go into it. We try to use good judgment. We try to look ahead and have somewhat of an idea, and when things crop up, you’re prepared to make a change and have some balance in your lineup."

To read Mr. Finn's complete Extra Bases blog, click here.

From MLB.com's Ian Browne in his game summary from last night:

Saito was the last reliever the Red Sox had. If the game had gone to the 14th inning, Clay Buchholz, who started on Sunday in Baltimore, would have come on.

But it never got that far, thanks to Longoria, who drilled a 1-0 fastball from Saito to send everybody home. It was Saito's 31st pitch. "Actually, Tek wanted something else, but I shook my head and decided myself to [throw a fastball]," said Saito.

To read Mr. Browne's full post-game summary, click here.

Sox vs. Trop...

The Red Sox still can't figure out Tropicana Field. They are 2-12 at the Juice Box since the start of last season.

Also Today:

From Tony Massarotti's "Chat with Mazz" today -

Q: Mazz, is it time for Jason Varitek to assume the role of "personal catcher"? He clearly cannot handle the rigors offensively or defensively playing several times a week.

Tony Massarotti: Don't agree with you on this. Varitek has been struggling with shoulder/neck issues for much of the last two months. The Red Sox value him greatly for his work behind the plate. Something tells me they are far more aware of his sacrifices than we are.

To read the full chat, click here.

Tuesday Edition of "Tek-nically Speaking..."

August 4, 2009

Quotes from an article on NESN.com today by Maureen Mullen entitled, "Even with Martinez, Varitek's value still sky high":

For Justin Masterson, who departed Friday in the trade for Martinez, Varitek helped ease the young pitcher’s transition to the big leagues.

"He knows how I am, a laid-back guy having a good ole time, of course serious on the mound, but he knows I like to have fun," Masterson said. "And he came along those lines and was there just to make sure if anything didn’t go right, wherever there's a time, a few struggles here and there, to make sure I'm keeping my head up, saying, 'Hey, you’ve got the stuff.' Just simple things like that, always in his mind saying, 'Hey, let's try this pitch here to this batter.' Just talking through things, and that's helped me be a better pitcher in general. And, whenever his career is over, I'll have a better idea of who I am as a pitcher because of him."

But there was a time this offseason when it appeared Varitek would be anywhere else but Boston this season. Negotiations between the team and Scott Boras, Varitek's agent, lagged before the sides finally reached a deal Jan. 31.

"Ludicrous," said closer Jonathan Papelbon. "I thought it was ludicrous that they were thinking about not bringing him back. The biggest thing that he brings to our team and means to our team is leadership by example. And when I say that, I mean he shows everyone by his examples how to play, how to be a consistent player and he shows everyone how to play through pain, just everything that goes along with leading by example."

And that carries over to the rest of the team.

"I think he's such a stable force behind our pitching staff," said Mike Lowell. "I think, in today's game, we analyze things so much. I think there’s actually an added 'oomph' to guys that can handle a pitching staff. I was actually talking to [Orioles catcher] Gregg Zaun the other day. And I was like, 'So, how’s it going? I see that you've been swinging the bat pretty good.' He goes, 'I’m just trying to do my best to call a good game, put the pitcher in a position to win, and if I hit, it's icing on the cake.'

"It's almost gotten to that point where if you have someone who can handle a staff so well, you can almost offset the offense. Well, that being said, no one wants to not hit. And I think Tek's got to be happy with his power numbers. His average I'm sure is lower than what he would want. But I think he's shown that we can play a lot of winning baseball with him behind there. I think there would have been a lot more openings and question marks and inconsistencies if he wasn't here this year."

Handling a pitching staff, helping young pitchers acclimate to the major leagues, knowing the opposition. For most catchers, those aspects will always be more important than offensive numbers.

"I think the most concise and most appropriate thing is that every guy who takes the mound has the utmost trust in his game-calling, and his pitch selection to execute a game plan," said pitching coach John Farrell. "That's because of the preparation that he puts in, his priority of getting the most out of the given pitcher that’s on the mound at the time.

"He's got such a vast personal reference and history with a lot of guys, particularly with the constant rosters in New York, particularly in our division. There's a lot of history there and a lot of understanding of what the thought process is of certain hitters on those rosters when they’re trying to attack a certain pitcher that we have on the mound at the time. So he's able to factor all those things in and yet still have a very clear-cut plan for his own selection based on what’s working for the individual pitcher on a given night."

This season, batting .233 (.228 left-handed, .242 right-handed) with a .346 OBP and .448 slugging percentage, he has already surpassed his RBI total of last season with 44, and he has met his home run output. But for Varitek, it’s never been about what he can do from the sides of the plate.

"His batting average is whatever his batting average is," Francona said. "I don't know that that's the way we need to measure Tek, because I think what he does for this team, he's always going to suffer offensively. He's also hit some huge home runs and when he catches we feel like we're going to win. That's, to me, the best way to measure him."

To read Ms. Mullen's complete article, click here.

And The Winner Is...

August 3, 2009

Congratulations to Sharon Tetreault of North Kingston, RI!

Sharon won the Jason Varitek Equipment Raffle sponsored by Celebrities for Charities.

The equipment (his All-Star Fourth of July game-used and autographed mask, chest protector, and shin guards) will be presented to Sharon by Jason on Monday, August 10, 2009 when the Red Sox face the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. As the winning ticket holder, Sharon will also receive four tickets to the game.

Thank you to everyone who entered the raffle, which raised over $20,000 for Saints Medical Center!

*Also, thank you to Kaitlyn Montagna from CFC for the info!

Now you may have lost out on the raffle for the July 4th equipment, but...

There's still time to win tickets to a RED SOX vs. YANKEES Game and take three of your closest friends!

Entry Deadline: 11:00 AM EDT, August 20, 2009

That Grand Prize again...

- Winner will receive 4 Premium Tickets to the August 22, 2009 Sox vs. Yankees game at Fenway Park (Game Time 4:10 PM)

- Winner and 3 guests will enjoy a pregame tour of Fenway Park

- Winner will receive a $100.00 gift certificate to Tresca Restaurant (located in Boston' historic North End)

- Winner will receive an autographed 8 x 10 photo of Jason

Help Jason and the Celebrities for Charity Foundation in their efforts to provide support to local charities and, in return, you could be enjoy an incredible experience at Fenway this month!

Tickets start at just $2.00 each and decrease for orders of more than 5 tickets.

The CFC Foundation is utilizing NetRaffle to conduct this raffle and tickets are only available online at their web site.

For more info, check out their Charity Raffles page here.

Also Today:

From the Providence Journal's Daniel Barbari in his column entitled, "Everything's in order for suddenly potent Sox" -

Some teams look on the upcoming schedule and wince when they see they'll face a pitcher who is hard on batters hitting from one side, but weak on the other.

Like the powerful Yankees, for instance, who are hitting 25 points better against lefties (.295) than righties (.269). Or the Royals, who hit a woeful .245 against righties but a respectable .260 against left-handers. Both have significant splits that can play to the advantage of certain pitchers.

The Red Sox have been effective against pitchers both sides this season, hitting .270 against lefties and .267 against righties.

Now, the addition of switch-hitting catcher Victor Martinez could make them much, much better against specialist types, particularly left-handers, by allowing Boston to stack the lineup to one side or another without sacrificing lineup quality in the way that some teams must.

Since Martinez was acquired Friday, much of the focus has been on the difficulty of splitting playing time amongst Martinez, Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, and Mike Lowell. But the fact that all these veteran hitters will be available for matchup duty provides a significant edge.

Lowell is hitting .316 with 6 home runs against lefties in 89 at-bats (though his numbers against right-handers are pretty good, as well), and Baldelli is hitting .296 with 3 homers in 71 at-bats. Varitek, too, is hitting better against left-handers, with a .253 average and 6 home runs in 75 at-bats.

It wouldn't be the kind of lineup that would be victimized by righty relievers once the starter has left the game, either, as the three switch-hitters would move to the other side of the plate and ensure that there were never more than two right-handers batting in a row. For added pop, Baldelli could leave the game in favor of Drew in the later innings.

These lineups run deep, as well, with the promise of having an eighth-place hitter, whether it Varitek or perhaps Lowell, boasting double-digit home runs.

To read Mr. Barbarisi's complete column, click here.

Tek-nically Speaking...

From the Boston Globe's Adam Gilgore this afternoon:

Francona said Varitek will view Martinez's arrival as an opportunity for more breaks, not a detriment to his playing time.

"I think what the payoff is, is he’ll be a little better physically," Francona said. "There will be some days when we'll have to even it out a little bit. I think it will certainly help him. I don’t know how a guy can be out there and does what Tek does and not get beat up. We get to see it firsthand. I have a lot of respect for him."

Varitek's bat, a major question at the start of the season, is worth keeping fresh. Among major league catchers, Varitek ranks third in home runs (13), fourth in RBIs (44), and eighth in on-base plus slugging percentage (.797). His offensive season has been unusual in one regard -- 51 percent of his hits have been for extra bases, the second-highest rate in the AL.

"He has carried a big load, and gets beat up for it," Francona said. "There’s a reason that 'C' was put on his chest. That's why. Things like that. There’s nothing more important to him than us winning. We've always believed that."

Sunday: Notes & Quotes

August 2, 2009

Game Notes:

While it seemed that all eyes were on the newly-acquired Victor Martinez, it was Josh Beckett who stole the show Saturday in Baltimore as the Sox shutout the Orioles 4-0. Josh pitched seven innings of six-hit ball last night for his major league-leading 13th win.

The win also brought Boston to within a half game of the first place Yankees who got crushed Saturday afternoon in Chicago, 14-4.

The Sox play the final game of the weekend series at 1:35 this afternoon.

Martinez will catch Clay Buchholz in today's game, giving Tek the day off. According to Nick Cafardo's report in the Boston Globe late this morning - both catching coach Gary Tuck and Tek both huddled with Victor Martinez this morning to go over the Oriole hitters and just to chat about his catching debut with the Red Sox today.

Francona feels that Varitek has carried a big load and often played when he was far less than 100 percent. He hopes the addition of Martinez will lessen the load and help him heal. "There's a reason he wears the "C" because there's nothing more important to Tek than winning. He's sacrificed a lot for us," Francona said.

More Quotes:

"That's one of the guys that I really look up to...I really love the way he plays the game - with passion and always plays hard. You know, just watching him play you learn a lot. He's one of the best catchers in the game. I really look forward to talking to him a lot, just to be beside him and learn from him. I'll learn a lot of stuff from him." -- Victor Martinez during an interview on NESN's Pre-Game Show yesterday.

"I'll do whatever I can to help him with the staff. But Victor is a hard-working player. I'm sure he’ll get this on his own." -- Tek on helping Martinez get comfortable.

"We're trying to get better as a team, which is stating the obvious. Physically, we will try to help Tek with the workload. I don't know if I would say, 'Take away'; I would say 'help' is a better word. [Martinez] will also maybe DH, play some first against left-handers. There's going to have to be some cooperation all the way around, which I'd be surprised if there wasn't, because that's how our guys do things." -- Terry Francona on Martinez' role on the team, from an interview yesterday.

"Varitek has been the starting catcher for more than 75 percent of the Sox’ games this season. His left shoulder soreness continues to be an issue, and as much as the Red Sox want to make sure that he gets plenty of time to rest and heal, they still value him quite highly for his work with pitchers. He will still be the first choice to catch aces Jon Lester and Josh Beckett, and tellingly, Varitek was in the starting lineup last night, batting seventh and catching Beckett." -- Michael Silverman, from his column in the Boston Herald this morning.

"Although Varitek wants to play a lot, even though his body is banged up, the Red Sox feel the rest will benefit him. Certainly, egos will have to be set aside, but if it does work, there's no reason the Martinez-Varitek tandem couldn't exist through next year." -- Nick Cafardo, from his column in the Boston Globe this morning.

"'Martinez isn't going to run that pitching staff like Varitek does,' another American League scout said. 'He just does not run a pitching staff like Varitek.'" -- Danny Knobler, senior writer for CBS Sports.com, from his column today.

And last, but certainly not least...

"He's a good player; he plays the game right. I was trying to not drop that ball. I probably tagged him a little harder than I should, but that was an important play at the time." -- Baltimore relief pitcher Danys Baez after the game. Earlier, Baez had some "choice" words for Tek from the safety of his dugout, after a botched rundown play by the Orioles. The captain apparently wasn't pleased with how hard he was tagged.

To see a larger version of the photo, click here.

Captain Clutch!

July 31, 2009 - Evening Update (see below)

From the Worcester Telegram's Bill Ballou today:

"Jason Varitek was a career .208 hitter with the bases loaded going into 2009, but he has been Boston’s most productive bases-loaded hitter this season. He had an RBI single with the bases full in the second and is 3 for 11 (.273) with 12 RBIs with the bases loaded this season. That is the highest RBI total on the Red Sox."

To read Mr. Ballou's complete Red Sox Notebook, click here.

Tek-nically Speaking...

"Vic is a good dude!"

Tek during an interview that took place in the visitor's clubhouse today at Camden Yards:

On his reaction to the Victor Martinez trade -

"Oh, I think it will be a good thing for our team. He should be able to help us in a lot of different facets."

On his own playing time being affected -

"I don't really know. We'll see as time dictates. I don’t think, with the chaos of everything, they’ve had that opportunity to go through that. Either way, I think he's going to come help our ballclub."

On what Martinez brings as far as offense -

"Victor is a tough out, from both sides of the plate. Obviously, we've had our troubles scoring runs so I think he's going to help."

On whether having Martinez spell him behind the plate on occasion will help him stay healthy for the rest of the season -

"I don't know. I go out and play everyday, no matter what's going on."

On losing Justin Masterson in the trade -

"Justin's awesome. He gave us a lot of flexibility as a starter, a reliever, as a long guy and as a short guy. You have all of that and [the fact] that he's a pretty good human being. He will be missed."

On how quickly they lost teammate Adam LaRoche (in a trade to the Atlanta Braves) -

"Yeah, that was an interesting dynamic! There are a lot of pieces and parts moving right now and the dust will all settle."

On how well he knows Martinez -

"I would say from a catching standpoint, we have that mutual respect. Vic is a good dude and a really good player."

On the difficulty for Martinez coming to a new team and playing multiple positions -

"We'll have to do what we can to aid that along in any way that we can that will ultimately help us win more games."

On Martinez' defense -

"His most impressive attribute is his offense. You've seen Vic develop as a catcher, he got better over the years in all different parts of it."

On the stress of the trading deadline on the team -

"Well, I mean just like you guys, you guys are running around trying to figure out what's going on and shortly after you guys find out, we find out. It's the same thing, it will all settle itself down and the game will be played tonight, and we'll go on with our business.

"When your name is involved, there's some apprehension. But outside of that, you still gotta play the game. At some level, whether you're in the minors or the majors, you've probably been involved in trade rumors or have been traded so everybody goes through it."

More...

"What we're getting in Victor is a middle of the order, switch-hitting batter, who can catch, play first, DH. It's a very valuable piece, There are a lot of things to like about Victor. He can help take a little off Tek and we can do a lot to hopefully be able to attack a lot of the better pitching in the league." -- Terry Francona on Martinez, prior to the game.

"He has the ability to catch, but not to do so every day, [that] just wears his legs down. He'll spend enough time at first base and DH, stay fresh, and that works for our club because Jason Varitek is, has been, and will continue to be a very important part of our club and the pitching staff." -- Theo Epstein on Martinez, during a post-trade deadline interview.

"The difference between Martinez's 22.4 runs above replacement and Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek's 13.8 is worth roughly a half a win over the remainder of the season, but a closer look at their seasons reveals that Martinez did most of his hitting in April and May and has hit just .211/.303/.378 since June 1 to Varitek's .238/.366/.389 over the same span. Martinez could very easily rebound down the stretch; his .313/.361/.552 line at Fenway Park is well above his career rates despite the fact that it was compiled against the often excellent Red Sox pitching. As of right now, however, he doesn't represent a meaningful improvement over Varitek behind the plate." -- Sports Illustrated's Inside Baseball analyst Cliff Corcoran.

Tek Goes 3-4 With 3 RBI In Afternoon Win Against A's

July 30, 2009

"The Red Sox catcher having quite a day for himself, his third run driven in of the game on his third hit. Two singles, and now this double! -- Guest game announcer and former Red Sox catcher Bob Montgomery in the NESN booth.

NESN's Michael Hurley sums up Tek's day, and gives him the game's "Dirt Dog" award:

Dirt Dog: As usual, nothing Jason Varitek did on Thursday afternoon was flashy. Though he and Sox pitchers allowed three stolen bases on the day, the captain's bat did some damage.

Varitek singled to short right field to drive in the first run of the game. When the Sox began a rally in the bottom of the sixth, Varitek plated Mike Lowell on another RBI single, cutting the lead to just one run.

He wasn't done yet, as Varitek doubled in the bottom of the eighth to give the Sox some cushion, driving in J.D. Drew.

A close-up of Tek from one of the NESN cameras showed him standing on second base in the eighth inning smiling and shaking his head as if in disbelief of his day at the plate. Ands he was a man of even fewer words than normal when he spoke with NESN's Heidi Watney on the field (above) after the game:

Q: "What had you so locked in at the plate?"

Jason: "I have no idea! (long pause) We were just trying to get through the day. It was a tough turn-around (day game after a night game)...I don't know!

His last 3-hit game was on May 31, 2008.

Oakland sent 10 batters to the plate in the sixth inning, scoring four runs to make it 4-1 and chase Jon Lester. But the Red Sox scored two in the bottom half and then, after Oakland made it 5-3, took the lead in the seventh.

With two runners aboard, David Ortiz hit a two-out pitch from Craig Breslow (4-5) to right-center, giving Boston a 6-5 lead. The drive sailed over the Red Sox bullpen and to the right of the 420 foot sign that marks the deepest part of Fenway Park.

Kevin Youkilis reached on a double with a high fly ball that right fielder Jack Cust lost in the sun. Jason Bay walked and Ortiz made it 6-5 with his second homer since the All-Star break. J.D. Drew and Tek hit back-to-back doubles (Tek's 19th of the season) in the eighth, then Jacoby Ellsbury hit a sacrifice fly to make it 8-5.

Jon Lester was doing fine, until a four-run sixth inning gave Oakland a 4-1 lead and drove Lester out.

"He made good pitches. Things just didn't go his way in that inning," said Tek.

"He made a good two-strike pitch to Jack Cust but didn't get the call, and that led to a walk. Rajai Davis had a hit off the handle, or else Jon might have escaped with minimal damage."

Manny Delcarmen (3-2) got four outs for the win, Daniel Bard pitched a perfect eighth and Jonathan Papelbon worked the ninth for his 26th save.

The Sox head to Baltimore after the game.

To see video of Tek's clutch day, click here.

To see video Tek's post-game interview, click here.

And once again, I couldn't find any photos (the above are screen captures)!

Jason's current stats: AVG .239 | HR 13 | RBI 44 | OBP .346 | SLG .458

Tito Talks Tek...

July 28, 2009

From the Providence Journal's Joe McDonald this evening:

Jason Varitek is a virtual walking freezer of ice. From head to toe, almost every part of his body is covered with ice packs. It doesn't matter if it's before the game or after the game, the Red Sox catcher and captain is encased in the cold stuff.

As a result, Francona decided to give Varitek Tuesday night off from the starting lineup.

"He's banged up. Any catcher who catches as much as Tek has to this point [in the season] is going to be," said Francona.

With Wakefield on the disabled list, Francona is trying to work backup receiver George Kottaras into the mix a little more, especially with the Sox facing two left-handers in the last two games of the series against the Athletics. Plus, Kottaras is very familiar with Buchholz, who started Tuesday night. Both were at Pawtucket last year.

"Hopefully we never take Tek for granted, but we take for granted that he's going to be beat up," said Francona. "Rest is not welcomed for him because he likes to play, but it's needed and hopefully we take advantage of it. Whatever his batting average is, that's not how we measure Tek. What he does for this team, he'll always suffer offensively."

Varitek averages 130 games per season and shows no signs — other than the ice — of slowing down.

"He's also hit some huge home runs and when he catches we feel like we're going to win. We do want to be cognizant of the fact that as he gets beat up during the year we need to at least recognize that and not run him into the ground."

To read Mr. McDonald's complete Red Sox journal, click here.

Also This Evening:

Limited Edition Charity Wines Still Available...but not for long!

EventWines.com, the online retailer for Charity Wines is offering an internet special through August 31th on their in-stock limited edition wines.

Order 12 or more bottles of any of their Charity Wines and receive free shipping.

You can still choose from the following Red Sox wines: Jason Varitek's "Captain's Cabernet", Curt Schilling's "Schilling Schardonnay", Tim Wakefield's "Caberknuckle Cabernet", Kevin Youkilis' "Sauvignyoouuk Blanc" and David Ortiz' "Vintage Papi California Blend". All are still in stock, but stock is limited!

For more info and to order online, click here.

To see Martin Leiberman's pics from the Charity Wine Event last year, click here (8th row).

Red Sox 8, Athletics 3

July 27, 2009

"I thought Tek and I did a really good job. Most normal people probably wouldn't have been playing if they were Tek. I am amazed by what he does, how he goes out there whether he's feeling 100 percent or 5 percent. I think today was probably closer to 5 percent than 100 percent, he deserves a lot of credit for that....we had a game plan and we stuck to it, and like I said, he deserves a lot of credit for that, he really does." -- Josh Beckett during his post-game press conference.

Tek was also on base three times tonight with an RBI-single and two walks in the Sox win.

Game Summary:

Dustin Pedroia went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs batted in, while Josh Beckett was solid in seven-plus innings, as the Boston Red Sox handled the Oakland Athletics, 8-3, in the opener of a four-game series at Fenway Park.

Beckett (12-4) allowed three runs on eight hits to remain perfect at home this season. Beckett, who tied a season high with 10 strikeouts, is 7-0 in 10 starts this year at Fenway Park. The righty has won five of his past seven starts.

Jacoby Ellsbury went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored for the Red Sox, who have won three of their past four tilts. Adam LaRoche hit a pair of doubles, drove in a run, and scored once. Jed Lowrie stroked a two-run double, and Jason Varitek and Jason Bay each knocked in a run and walked twice for Boston, which improved its MLB-best home record to 34-15.

Trevor Cahill (6-9) got rocked in five frames, giving up six runs on a career- high 10 hits. The rookie right-hander tied a career-high with five strikeouts. Cahill dropped to 1-3 in the month of July.

Pedroia's one-out, solo homer over the Green Monster in the first inning gave the Red Sox the early edge.

Boston added a run in the third to build a two-run margin. Ellsbury started the frame with a triple down the right-field line, and Pedroia stepped to the plate and hit a sacrifice fly to right.

The Red Sox put a three-spot on the board in the fourth to take a comfortable 5-0 lead. Bay walked and J.D. Drew singled to put men on first and second with nobody out. LaRoche and Varitek followed with an RBI double and an RBI single, respectively. Following a Lowrie fly out, Ellsbury knocked in LaRoche with an infield single. Cahill finally got out of the in