Jason Varitek - Fantasy News & Updates
Jason Varitek - Fantasy News & Updates
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Varitek chose to return to Boston despite the club's decision to decline its $5 million option on Varitek this week and general manager Theo Epstein saying he expects Victor Martinez to be the everyday guy behind the plate. "We're happy to have Jason back, and we look forward to a good year from him in 2010," Epstein told a group of reporters at the GM Meetings in Chicago. "He means an awful lot to the organization, on and off the field. He helps solidify our catching position also and is a big asset to the pitching staff."
Boston's decision to leave Varitek hanging came on the same day the club exercised Victor Martinez's contract. This doesn't rule out Varitek's return, but the Red Sox have made no secrets about their catching preferences.
Varitek got off to a good start, clubbing 10 of his homers in the first two months, but it all went downhill from there, as the aging backstop hit only .190 with four taters and 29 RBIs the rest of the way. His playing time also diminished greatly once the Red Sox acquired Victor Martinez at the Trade Deadline. Considering Tek’s age -- he’ll turn 38 on April 11 -- and the ongoing presence of V-Mart, it’s safe to say his days as an regular catcher are in the past.
The first baseman/catcher needed a day off, according to manager Terry Francona. "Yeah, he's been catching a lot, and he's going to catch tomorrow," said Francona on Sunday. With Martinez resting on the bench, Jason Varitek took over behind the plate and Jason Bay took Martinez's customary spot at the three-hole.
The Red Sox could field the same trio Wednesday, as Martinez and Youkilis likely need another day before returning to action.
That likely leaves Jason Varitek catching, Victor Martinez starting at first and Kevin Youkilis playing third.
The Victor Martinez trade has had little effect on Lowell's playing time, as he's started in almost every Red Sox game over the past couple of weeks with steady production along the way. The main loser of the deal has been Jason Varitek, who's taken a back seat to Martinez behind the plate.
The good news is that Red Sox skipper Terry Francona plans to start Varitek on Saturday. "After the three days [off] in Toronto, I just felt like I wanted him to catch tomorrow and Sunday," Francona said. Francona didn't say who would sit on Saturday to make way for Varitek. The most likely scenario is that Mike Lowell will get a day off, with Kevin Youkilis starting at third and Victor Martinez playing first.
Varitek said he's been dealing with soreness in his neck "at different ranges" for a couple of months. "But not to where I couldn't move my head," he added. The addition of fellow catcher Victor Martinez gives Boston the breathing room to ease Varitek back into action.
With Victor Martinez on board behind the plate and at first, Varitek’s fantasy stock is fading fast. The aging Red Sox catcher is not getting on base with nearly enough consistency, and three homers since the beginning of June just won't cut it in the power department. Consider letting Varitek loose.
A source told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark that the Red Sox would attempt to move newly acquired Adam LaRoche to make room for Martinez in their lineup. In Boston, Martinez would likely split time between first base and catcher, no doubt cutting into playing time of Jason Varitek while adding another run producer to an already seasoned lineup.
Varitek has slumped of late, but he’s already eclipsed his RBI total from last season and is hitting for a better average than most owners expected. With 12 homers and 37 runs, he’s a solid backstop for AL-only owners.
One would think that a few days off would have benefited the veteran backstop, but that hasn't been the case for Varitek, who has only two RBIs to show for his post-All-Star break work. Like most catchers, 'Tek's career second-half numbers don't hold up in comparison to his first-half output, but ven with a poor stretch run, the 37-year-old can still be proud of his '09 season as he is a sure bet to eclipse his '08 marks in homers, runs scored and RBIs.
It was a resurgent first half for the catcher, who has already equaled his home run total for all of last season. His average may not improve much after the break, but expect Varitek's power production to remain steady.
Captain 'Tek has already matched his home run total from last year, helped by a 16.0 HR/FB percentage. His mark last year was just 9.7. Given that hs fly ball and infield fly ball percentages in '08 and '09 are nearly identical, it's apparent he's benefited from more luck on his fly balls.
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