It will be strange not to see Jason Varitek behind the plate on opening day 2010. But it's very obvious, as shown throughout the 2nd half of 2009 & the playoffs, that Victor Martinez is the new everyday catcher next season.
Victor is coming into his prime & the Red Sox will most definitely pick-up his $7 million option for 2010. He is a 100 RBI guy who will also hit 25 or so HR's. His switch hitting abilities mean you can never bring-in a specialist from the pen to get a better match-up. I did notice where Victor's throwing abilities can improve & hopefully Gary Tuck can work with him in Spring Training. Overall, you can't beat a middle-of-the-order, switch hitter with power as your catcher. He is a young version of Jorge Posada with more speed. And he can play first or DH as needed to take a break behind the plate. Great, great pick-up by Theo & Co.
On the other side you have Jason Varitek. I think the number of games caught is finally catching up to him. His bat has been just about non-existent for 2 years. His arm is poor, but he does call a good game. Ask Josh Beckett. Both Beckett & Lester are big proponents of Varitek's skills behind the plate. Also, let's not forget that he started a fight with A-Rod in 2004 which got things cooking for the rest of that season. Varitek can return to the Sox for $3 million if the club does not exercise it's $5 million option. Would he return in a back-up role? If I'm Varitek, I say why not! He is still more valuable to Boston than any other team.
The switch to get younger at catcher has been coming for a few years. It'll happen for good in 2010.
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