Varitek's glad to stay with Sox

February 15, 2009 | News Press, Fort Myers Florida | By Glenn Miller



Jason Varitek has caught more games than any catcher in Boston Red Sox history. A lot more. He'll add to his franchise record this season.


The veteran catcher re-signed with the team Feb. 6. On Saturday, after the Red Sox held their first official pitchers and catchers workout at their Fort Myers' training facility, Varitek, 36 talked to dozens of media people.


He's been with the Red Sox since 1997. He wears a C on his jersey noting that he's the team captain.


"This is where my heart is," Varitek said. "And this is where I've always wanted to be."


Varitek has caught 1,273 games for the Red Sox. Second on the list is Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk. who caught 990 games for the Red Sox, 283 fewer than Varitek.


Red Sox manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farrell are happy Varitek that is back.


"He wears the C on his uniform," Francona said. "There's a reason. I don't think they hand those (captain's C's) out very often. There's a lot of reasons behind that. He's in great shape. It makes our lives as the coaches and the manager a lot easier knowing he's back there putting those fingers down."


Varitek is universally respected for his game-calling skills and his work ethic. Farrell knows that Varitek means a great deal to his pitching staff.


"Stability, leadership," Farrell said "That translates into confidence for each guy who stands on the mound. When he's behind the plate, you're going to have a confident pitcher. He's (the pitcher) probably more relaxed and has better stuff and its going to come out with more consistency.


"I think we're all extremely pleased that Jason is back in his role as our captain and the leader behind the plate."


Varitek signed a one-year deal for $5 million after uncertainly whether his Boston days were over. His first full season in Boston was in 1998. His teammates included Mo Vaughn, John Valentin, Darren Lewis, Bret Saberhagen and Dennis Eckersley.


All these years later, and after a difficult and uncertain negotiation over the winter, he's back.


"I'm just glad at this point it's over," Varitek said. "I'm ecstatic I'm a Red Sox. I'm ecstatic that I have the peace of mind that I'll be in this uniform getting closer to retiring in this uniform. Not that I'm saying I'm retiring anytime soon. It allows me to do what is most important to me — to wear this C for this group of fans and people and this organization."


Varitek will turn 37 on April 11 and is coming off a career-low .220 batting average last season, 43 points below his career .263.


Can Varitek rebound? Francona doesn't doubt Varitek's dedication or his willingness to work with hitting instructor Dave Magadan, known as Mags.


"I know he's going to work hard with Mags," Francona said.


"I had a very productive winter as far as training and getting a lot of my strength back and working on my agility too," Varitek said. "I'm working on my hitting too. I'm in a good place right now."


That place will soon be Fenway Park. Varitek will be back, wearing a Red Sox jersey with a C on the front and adding to his team record for games caught


Red Sox fans such as Laurie Jannelli, 48, of Brookline, Mass., are happy he's back. And not just for his talent but his attitude toward fans.


"He's the one guy every year who stays out here and signs (autographs) for kids when it's roasting hot," Jannelli said.