Three Red Sox players past and present who could manage the team
By Rick McNair
JASON VARITEK
When you are a catcher it gives you special insight into the game, especially pitching. Jason Varitek was respected enough to be the team captain and will forever be idolized – at least locally – for placing his catcher’s mitt into the snout of Alex Rodriguez. Varitek may present a level of physical intimidation that John Farrell supposedly had.
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Varitek as a player brought the two skills often associated with successful catchers – leadership and physical skills. Those are transferable into the manager’s clubhouse office as both a tutor and as a team leader. Varitek, the player was one of the best ever to strap on the “tools of ignorance” in Boston.
Catchers are observant since it is an integral part of the job description especially in relation to the fragile psyche of pitchers. I once heard a coach state that managing pitchers are like herding cats. Veritek certainly formed that symbiotic relationship with pitchers that were so necessary for success.
Since his retirement, Varitek has assumed a figurehead role within the organization as a “special assistant” – whatever that is remains a mystery to those of us, not in the management loop at Fenway Park. Maybe that role did encompass more than fetching coffee for the GM? I also wonder about where ‘Tek was with the frivolity of beer and chicken? Another bench coach’s first option?
CHANCES – Good