Fenway West - A Boston Red Sox Blog

Jason Varitek Picks Up Player Option

odmatt@gmail.com (Matt O'Donnell) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:49:56 +0000

Jason Varitek has picked up his player option and will be back with the Red Sox next season for $3 million. The team had given him until midnight tonight to make a decision on the player option. Theo has already announced that Victor Martinez will be the starting catcher for the '10 season meaning Varitek will be limited to a backup role.

J-Bay, Godzilla or Holliday

odmatt@gmail.com (Matt O'Donnell) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:18:04 +0000

The Red Sox need somebody to play in front of the monster and the three biggest free agent names have all drawn interest.

If Jason Bay goes elsewhere the team may be willing to offer Matsui a mulit-year deal.

The Mariners and Mets are taking a look at Bay.

The Red Sox are also willing to make an offer to Matt Holliday.

After Nov. 20, Jason Bay will be free to sign with any team. It is unlikely that the Red Sox land him before that point, as he will like to see the offers from other teams before returning to negotiations with Boston. I still believe he will return to the Red Sox with a multi-year deal sometime around Thanksgiving. When is Canadian Thanksgiving anyway?

Theo Talks About Red Sox Plans

odmatt@gmail.com (Matt O'Donnell) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:21:30 +0000

Sean McAdam of CSNNE caught up with Theo Epstein at the GM meetings in Chicago last night. Watch below:

Tek Tock Tek Tock

odmatt@gmail.com (Matt O'Donnell) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:40:28 +0000

Jason Varitek has until midnight tonight to pick up his option. He may be looking for a full time gig behind the dish, not the backup job the Red Sox are offering. The Royals are in need of a catcher and could be interested in Varitek if he would play for cheap.

Billy Wagner Could Be Back

odmatt@gmail.com (Matt O'Donnell) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:43:51 +0000

The reports of his retirement have proven to be untrue and now Billy Wagner is seeing what is next. The Red Sox agreed not to pick up his $8 million option as part of the deal sending him to Boston. After proving he could come back from surgery he can look for a full time closer job but his agent told the Boston Herald that he is open to accepting arbitration.

“I just visited with Billy and his family the other day and I can tell you this much: Billy thoroughly enjoyed his time in Boston. It was one of the best experiences he has ever had in baseball. So, does he rule out accepting arbitration? No, he doesn’t.

If the Red Sox offer Wagner arbitration they would get draft picks if he signs elsewhere. Getting Wagner back would be huge for the Red Sox going into 2010; they would have a solid rotation and good bullpen.

Tek, Wake, Replay, and More

odmatt@gmail.com (Matt O'Donnell) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:55:58 +0000

Jason Varitek is still making up his mind about the player option. Scott Boras says he will talk with Tek and Theo in the next day or so. The NESN report said the deal would be finalized today but it looks like that is not going to happen. Oh, and the Mets might want him. or maybe they don't.

Tim Wakefield's surgery went very well and he was instantly without his limp, he should be ready to go this spring fresh off a new two year contract.

The GM's decided they did not want to expand instant replay at the meeting in Chicago today.

The Red Sox were denied any gold gloves this year but some foes are on the list.

Reminder: Fenway West has recently moved

dm522@juno.com (Sonoma Dave) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:33:42 +0000

Please check your bookmark and if it directs you to http://fenwaywest.blogspot.com/, we here at Fenway West would greatly appreciate it if you would change it to http://www.fenwaywest.com/. The old blogspot host redirects you to the new address, but we would much prefer our readers to not go through blogspot. Thank you in advance for checking/changing your bookmark.

And So the Posturing Begins...

odmatt@gmail.com (Matt O'Donnell) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:32:34 +0000

As the Hot Stove begins to heat up the rumor mill will go into action and both sides will use the media to try to raise or lower player values. Today we have news from two teams looking to bring down some prices which in turn could help the Red Sox. First there is the Mets who say that Jason Bay and Matt Holliday will be too expensive for them. The Yankees are also trying this approach by saying they are focusing on Damon and Matsui not Bay or Holliday. Don't believe either of them. The Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox are all in on Holliday and Bay and will be used against each other in negotiations. The only thing teams can do to lower prices is make it appear that there is not a big market nor a bidding war going on.

It will be very interesting to see if Bay or Holliday gets the better contract since the two have different agents but nearly interchangeable for most teams in on the bidding.

Tek to Pick Up Player Option

odmatt@gmail.com (Matt O'Donnell) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:11:20 +0000

UPDATE: Peter Abraham is reporting that Theo has said Varitek has not made a final decision on his option yet.

NESN is reporting that Jason Varitek will pick up his $3 million option to remain with the team.

NESN learned on Monday night that the 37-year-old Varitek will exercise his $3 million player option for 2010 that includes up to another $2 million in incentives. The move is expected to be formalized on Tuesday and will keep Varitek with the Red Sox through at least the end of 2010.

Earlier in the day the Red Sox had declined their option on Jason Varitek and picked up Victor Martinez's option. The captain will be back for 2010, what does everyone think?

Is Marco Scutaro a Fit in Boston?

odmatt@gmail.com (Matt O'Donnell) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:58:32 +0000

MLB Trade Rumors posted its list of the 50 top free agents including where they think each one will end up. They have Holliday going to the Mets, Lackey going to the Yanks and Bay returning to Boston. They also include Marco Scutaro going to the Red Sox:

Marco Scutaro - Red Sox. It's difficult to place Scutaro, because not many teams with shortstop vacancies will be willing to pay the three years and $18MM+ he'll likely demand. The Sox would be getting the best available shortstop here, but they could instead choose Jed Lowrie and/or Alex Gonzalez.

After getting burned on signing Lugo to a 4 year high paying deal it is not as likely that the Red Sox throw that kind of money at Scutaro. Last season Scutaro hit .282 with a .789 OPS and his numbers have been consistent throughout his career. He is a solid player and could improve the offense but he is not the typical bargain diamond in the rough type of guy that Theo likes so sign. Scutaro was more selective at the plate last season drawing 90 walks, an area that may make him more attractive to the Red Sox.