Theo interested in Varitek and Wakefield?

According to an article in today’s Chicago Tribune by Phil Rogers , a Cubs source says that Theo Epstein  and company are interested in Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield joining the Cubs to add depth to the roster. Varitek, 40 and Wakefield, 45, are both free agents having been with the Red Sox but are currantly unsigned.  Theo is the former GM of the Red Sox before he became the president of the Cubs.

John Henry, one of the three principal owners of the Red Sox, along with GM Ben Cherington, has expressed desires to maintain a relationship with Varitek, but not as a player. He would be invaluable as a coach of young catchers, as he is known for his knowledge of opposing batters and ability to call a game. Some pitchers he has caught, have never shook off his signs and he is the only catcher to catch four no hitters with separate pitchers.  He is wearing out, only throwing out 10 of the 85 base thieves but he still swings a mean bat and as a switch hitter would be a wonderful pinch hitter. As the national league does not use the DH system,  in order for him to hit regularly, he would have to play, which leaves the stolen base very tempting. I’ll let them figure that one out.

Tim Wakefield, 45, is also on Theo’s radar. He is a little more doubtful with an e.r.a.  of 5.12. There are those who envision him in the minor leagues. Both Varitek, who had been the Red Sox captain for six years, and Wakefield were long time Red Sox team mates and both add maturity and leadership in the club house. That influence was not evident last season when the Sox had a historic, horrible September, and could not make the playoffs. Morale was supposedly a big factor. They are both positive influences, good guys and under limited circumstances would be valuable as players. They may get the Cubs to the Series yet.

I do not know where this is going, but Theo Epstein knows what he is doing. If the Sox want to keep either or both of these players, they had best talk fast. Epstein is quick on the draw once a  decision has been made.  It gets more curious and more curious.  Joehan of the Cubbies Crib site has written a post today on the same subject. It is an excellent article if you wish more detail.  He seems to think the rumors are true, at least as far as Varitek is concerned, so don’t scratch them off the active players list.

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