Truth & Rumors > MLB

Report: Boras pitching Varitek to Tigers

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Ken Rosenthal of foxsports.com mentioned that the Tigers might be looking at longtime Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek in free agency. Here's a portion of his report: "(Agent Scott) Boras, according to a rival executive, is trying to sell catcher Jason Varitek to the Tigers as a replacement for another of his clients, Ivan Rodriguez. The idea is not without merit; the Tigers' lineup is strong enough to carry Varitek's declining offense, and his defense and leadership would greatly benefit their pitching staff."

Detroit Free Press

Jason Varitek, AP Jason Varitek, AP
November 1, 2008  10:20 AM ET

The thing about this that doesn't make sense is that the Tigers just shipped away a catcher with veteran leadership and great defense with declining offense... Pudge...

Boras should be aware of this, Pudge is HIS client too...

So I agree it makes sense to have a veteran catcher with our struggling staff, because a good catcher is probably just as important as a good pitching coach, but the timing is odd having just shipped out pudge. Perhaps Varitek is a better bargain at this point. Certainly he has a record of assisting winning pitchers.

Interesting rumor all around.

November 1, 2008  10:39 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

The thing about this that doesn't make sense is that the Tigers just shipped away a catcher with veteran leadership and great defense with declining offense... Pudge...Boras should be aware of this, Pudge is HIS client too...So I agree it makes sense to have a veteran catcher with our struggling staff, because a good catcher is probably just as important as a good pitching coach, but the timing is odd having just shipped out pudge. Perhaps Varitek is a better bargain at this point. Certainly he has a record of assisting winning pitchers.Interesting rumor all around.

biminator:

Had Dombrowski gotten something for Pudge, I could understand why they'd trade him and then go after a player with similar attributes during the offseason, but for Kyle Farnsworth? W TF? It's like he owed a favor to Cashman or something.

Anyway, I agree with you.

November 1, 2008  10:47 AM ET

I agree with both comments, maybe if the price is right for Varitek. Yet I'd rather still have Pudge!

November 1, 2008  10:56 AM ET

i have no idea what this means but looking at the stats for both of these guys. Varitek just sucked throwing guys out. His ratio is not very good at all. About 23% or so. Rodriguez while with Detroit was around 50%, maybe a little less. But with the Yankees that figure drops to only 7 out of 27 runners caught stealing. hmmm.....

November 1, 2008  10:57 AM ET

okay that was my obligatory post of the day. hasta la manana.

November 1, 2008  11:08 AM ET

trade one washed up catcher at mid-season away so you can sign an even bigger washed up player at the same position? I don't think so. It's just Boras trying to get the Sox to overpay to keep Varitek

November 1, 2008  12:01 PM ET
QUOTE(#6):

trade one washed up catcher at mid-season away so you can sign an even bigger washed up player at the same position? I don't think so. It's just Boras trying to get the Sox to overpay to keep Varitek

This is exactly what is going on.

November 1, 2008  12:20 PM ET

To not have to see this frickin dork walkin around with that 'C' on his chest in anymore red sox games would be great. I will miss his .220BA, but i wont miss his defense or the way he is abole to call a game. Please go to Detroit...or better yet..the NL, I rarely hear your name anymore.

November 1, 2008  01:19 PM ET

Good for Jason Varitek if he goes to the Tigers.... What a great player ,hopefully it was just an off ---offensive year for him, I hope so ....Although if the Giants dump Mollina and add a couple of big bats there ,He would be a great fit for any pitcher in San Francisco

... Yeah come to San Francisco Jason

November 1, 2008  01:22 PM ET

We could use Varitek on the Yankees. He and Jorge could switch off, they'd be like "The Odd Couple: The Golden Years."

November 1, 2008  01:23 PM ET

Tigers will continue to overpay for washed-up players.

Dombrowski has 'sucker' written across his forehead- that's why Boarass calls him first!

November 1, 2008  02:01 PM ET
QUOTE(#1):

veteran leadership and great defense with declining offense... Pudge...

Varitek is NOT a great defensive catcher...never was
great leader, great witht he staff....YES
but defensively? average.

November 1, 2008  02:13 PM ET

All GM's should just wait, sooner or later they can find Jason in the bargain bin at the end of aisle 5!

November 1, 2008  02:31 PM ET
QUOTE(#10):

We could use Varitek on the Yankees. He and Jorge could switch off, they'd be like "The Odd Couple: The Golden Years."

Now that would just be weird.

November 1, 2008  02:47 PM ET

COME BACK TO BOSTON

November 1, 2008  03:27 PM ET

Who really wants to move to Detroit?

November 1, 2008  03:30 PM ET

I can't see the Tigers wanting Vartiek. He's the same age as "pudge" and had a bad year. I don't think he is the answer. Pudge was a little better offensively, but neither has any power anymore. I know Boras can convince GM's of anything, but this is a bad move.

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