Varitek opens his season with a bang

April 7, 2009 | Providence Journal | By Kevin McNamara



BOSTON — Although he won’t say so, Jason Varitek would like to forget. That’s why he’s so excited that 2009 is up and running.


 Varitek took the first step toward a new start as he began his 12th major-league season catching a sterling effort by Josh Beckett and hitting a sixth-inning solo home run that just sneaked inside the right-field foul pole. The line drive helped the Red Sox extend their lead and go on to an easy 5-3 Opening Day win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.


 Varitek, who will turn 37 next week, didn’t have many offensive highlights in a turbulent 2008. He struggled at the plate all season, hitting a career-low .220. He finished with 13 home runs and 43 RBI, and was especially weak against right-handed pitchers, who limited him to a .201 average.


 That those numbers came in the final year of the captain’s contract made 2008 the most stressful season of his career. After an elongated negotiation, the Red Sox decided to bring back Varitek on a one-year deal that also includes an option for a second season. When he did sign, Varitek made his feelings for retiring with Boston very clear. He wants to bounce back offensively in a big way, as well as provide the defensive security that the Red Sox pitching staff craves.


 When he was asked after the opener about his home run, Varitek quickly refocused the question. “My focus has to be the pitching staff with this team,” he said. “I’m not hitting fourth or third in this lineup. There’s a big difference. I still have three quarters of my job to do.”


 Pressed on how he feels swinging the bat, Varitek said, “I’ve said over and over that I’m not going to talk about my hitting. I’m just going to stick with it.”


 Varitek has been a fixture behind the plate on Opening Day for a decade. Monday was his 10th Opening-Day start, easily the most by any catcher in franchise history. Only Carl Yastrzemski (22), Dwight Evans (17), Jim Rice (14), Bobby Doerr and Ted Williams (13), Rico Petrocelli (12) and Harry Hooper (11) have enjoyed more Opening-Day starts.


 Varitek has enjoyed other good Opening Day starts over his career. In his 10 Opening Days, he owns a .316 average (12-for-38) with two home runs and five RBI. In spring training, Varitek hit just .216 but showed some pop with five home runs and 16 RBI in 18 games.


 “Tek had a tough year all around last year,” said Kevin Youkilis. “There were a lot of things there that was a cause of that but he’s always been a hard worker and he looks good. He’s swung the bat well.”


  Youkilis and some of Varitek’s other teammates pointed out that they feel secure that their captain is hitting ninth in the order. That shows how deep and explosive the Red Sox’ offense can be.


 “He’s hitting ninth for us. Back in the day, he was sixth, fifth,” said Youkilis. “He’s a great hitter. He had an off-year and I think he’s going to have a big year. Whatever he does is an added bonus every day to what he does behind the plate.”


 John Smoltz dresses next to Varitek in the Sox’ clubhouse. The former Atlanta Brave is looking forward to throwing to his new catcher when he regains his shoulder strength.


 “It’s a new year; he looks fresh and his body looks great,” said Smoltz. “He means so much to this team as a catcher. There’s been a lot of people wondering if after last year offensively is this what we’re going to see, but I can pretty much assure you that with the way the man works, this is going to be a good year for Jason.”