Why? Obviously for the money. You and I would do the exact same thing.
Let me explain what I’m talking about. The Red Sox declined the $5 million player option on Tuesday and basically told Varitek he had until midnight yesterday to exercise his option. Around six last night I was at the gym and I saw that Varitek exercised his option.
So like I said, you’d do the same thing. Think about it. You’re going to get the $3 million for exercising the option whether you play in 20 games or zero games. Why not exercise it? You have nothing to lose.
Now the flip side for the team. The backup catcher for the last six years (at least) has been Wakefield’s valet. Be it Mirabelli for a few years killin it or Kottaras this past year. The reason, Varitek can’t catch the knuckleball. Sure Martinez caught him a few times without problem, but what’s the plan for Varitek? Have him catch Beckett exclusively? That does the team no good in big games as you’ll have a gaping hole in the lineup.
George Kottaras is an up and comer. Can he sit in Pawtucket for another year? I guess so but wouldn’t it be better for the team if Varitek just retired? Or make him the bench coach. Brad Mills left the team and there’s an opening, just have Varitek back as the bench coach. Don’t take up an unnecessary roster spot.
