Theo ponders big offseason decisions

October 20, 2008 | RedSox.com | By Ian Browne

 

Whether to keep 'Tek or explore other options tops list

 

BOSTON -- As the Red Sox closed the door on a highly successful 2008 season that ended one win shy of a return trip to the World Series, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein got ready for his busy season -- the offseason.


While Epstein will have a number of issues on his plate as it pertains to the 2009 team, the one hot-button topic surrounds the uncertain status of Jason Varitek, the team's invaluable catcher and captain.


Coming off what was easily his worst season offensively (.220 average, 13 homers, 43 RBIs), Varitek, who will turn 37 in the first month of next season, is a free agent.


But despite the reality of his birth certificate and his struggles offensively, Varitek was still a key asset for the Red Sox in 2008, providing immeasurable leadership for the pitching staff and serving as a rock-like presence behind the plate.


In the near future, Epstein will sit down with Scott Boras, Varitek's agent, and see if the sides can find common ground.


"He's an important part of the organization -- there's no doubt about that," Epstein said. "Obviously he's coming off a year that wasn't his best, but he's important, nonetheless. Now, he's a free agent and we'll be talking to him. We have an obligation to explore all our options. We do that with every position."


It's a little different, however, behind the plate, where there isn't a ton of depth throughout the industry.


"There's not a lot of elite catching out there," Epstein said. "But at the same time, that changes the standards for what you're looking for. What we like to do is be league average at every position, and then be way above league average at as many positions as we can. We try to have no weak links and be at least league average at every position. It's well-documented that there's not a lot of elite catching out there, but we'll figure it out."


As far as the players are concerned, they hope that Epstein's solution is to go with the status quo and bring back Varitek, who wasn't at Fenway Park during Monday's media access period.


"If I walk into Spring Training and don't see Jason Varitek, it will be a day that will be very eye-opening and very sad," said Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis. "He's a guy that I've come to know and come to play next to all the time. I've spent five seasons around him. To not have him there will be a tough thing for me personally and for a lot of guys in this room."


Varitek chose not to discuss his future late Sunday night after the 3-1 loss to the Rays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. But the fact that he had tears when a reporter asked if it could have been his last game with the Red Sox demonstrates the emotional ties Varitek has to the team and the city, which he's been a part of since 1997.


Clearly, Epstein is keeping all options open.


"Jason's an important guy here, and we'll sit down and explore if there's a way for him to come back that will help be a positive solution for our catching situation," Epstein said. "If there is, I'm sure he'll end up coming back. If there are obstacles we can't overcome, sometimes that's beyond our control. It's an important one. He brings a lot to the table here despite not having one of his most productive years. We'll sit down and talk about it."