It was strongly hinted by Jason Varitek during a Fenway Park in-game interview with newly-minted All Fenway Team member Jerry Remy and veteran NESN broadcaster Don Orsillo Tuesday night that he was in the final stages of a negotiation with the Red Sox that would bring him back to the club after just one year in retirement. Although an announcement from the Red Sox has yet to make it formal it’s a done deal if you are to believe all of New England’s talking heads. This is real. It’s a done deal.
July 21, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former catcher Jason Varitek waits in the dugout before being honored in a ceremony before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE
In exactly what capacity Varitek will function both short and long-term are as yet undecided. The safe bet is on a special assistant advisory role with Boston, where he will reportedly be joined by Pedro Martinez, who is also said to be sewing up a deal with the Sox as well. Varitek is expected to be in Fort Myers as early as next week when Boston starts to size up their off season winter meeting, free agent and draft options.
"Speculation has also included a possible 2014 managerial role for Tek, although a lot pieces would need to fall into place, primary of which is answering the question if a player so early after retirement is not only able to manage but to create enough distance from players still on the club that were once teammates."
In any event, this a good deal for everyone. It’s good for the organization. Save for circumstances beyond his control at the end of 2011, Tek has and will be a huge stabilizing influence; a player who’s work ethic and encyclopedic knowledge of pitchers and situations made him the thinking man’s catcher. The fans win. How could they not? Varitek wins by coming back to an organization in which he has instant credibility and respect. It’s hard to imagine former teammates Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz or Jacoby Ellsbury disrespecting Tek or his decisions.
Varitek’s presence in Boston is a win/win. Here’s to hoping it leads to just that.
Baby, even the losers, get lucky sometimes.
Baby, even the losers, keep a little bit of pride, they get lucky sometimes.
– Even The Losers, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers