Boston Red Sox top 25-man roster in franchise history
By Sean Penney
Bench – Catcher
Jason Varitek
(1997-2011)
Carer Stats: .256/.341/.435, 193 HR, 757 RBI, 25 SB, 24.7 WAR
With Red Sox: Played entire career in Boston
You might be thinking, wait a minute – Varitek isn’t one of the top dozen or so hitters to ever wear a Red Sox uniform. You would also be correct in that assessment, but this is where we remind you that we’re putting together a team and this hypothetical roster needs a backup catcher.
The Red Sox acquired Varitek in one of the all-time great trades in franchise history, stealing the catching prospect (along with young right-hander Derek Lowe) from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for closer Heathcliff Slocumb. The deal didn’t work out too well for Seattle, while Varitek and Lowe became vital members of the Red Sox resurgence.
Varitek quickly established himself as one of the game’s best catchers, earning high praise for his game-calling abilities and rapport with his pitching staff. He’s a three-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner, but it’s his leadership qualities that provided his most significant value to the franchise. It’s rare that the Red Sox hand out the title of Captain to anyone, but Varitek embodied the role.
Plus, in case the New York Yankees are putting together their own all-time roster that includes Alex Rodriguez, we need someone willing to step up and shove a glove in his face.
Next: Bench Outfielder