2008-12-09T00:19:54-05:00 2008-12-08T23:43:36-05:00 0 2008-12-08T23:43:36-05:00 1 0 10 0 <p>LAS VEGAS -- The Red Sox were surprised and disappointed that longtime catcher <strong>Jason Varitek</strong> declined their offer to arbitrate after his poor offensive season.</p> <p>But while the Red Sox have investigated several backup plans, including a deal for Mets catcher <strong>Brian Schneider</strong> (which was first mentioned by the <em>Washington Post</em> and could result in a virtual trade of catchers, as Varitek would become a Mets option if Schneider is dealt), most long-time Red Sox observers believe they will eventually work out a deal to retain Varitek.</p> <p>The Mets' front office has debated whether to try to upgrade the team's catching situation. A trade of Schneider to Boston would allow them to do it, if it meant they could then land Varitek. Some Mets people like Cooperstown-bound <strong>Ivan Rodriguez</strong>, but they'd probably prefer Varitek.&nbsp;</p> http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/100/64/thumb/Heyman_Jon.png 0 NY Jon Heyman New York 10084 30482 <p>LAS VEGAS -- The Red Sox were surprised and disappointed that longtime catcher <strong>Jason Varitek</strong> declined their offer to arbitrate after his poor offensive season.</p> <p>But while the Red Sox have investigated several backup plans, including a deal for Mets catcher <strong>Brian Schneider</strong> (which was first mentioned by the <em>Washington Post</em> and could result in a virtual trade of catchers, as Varitek would become a Mets option if Schneider is dealt), most long-time Red Sox observers believe they will eventually work out a deal to retain Varitek.</p>