Report: Varitek faces deal deadline

Necro · 01-27-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

The captain has until Saturday to get on board.

That's the message the Red Sox sent catcher Jason Varitek regarding their contract offer, according to a report on the Boston Herald Web site Monday.

The Red Sox offered Varitek a one-year, $5 million deal to return for his 13th season with the team, the newspaper reported. The captain and leader of two World Series champions, Varitek turned down arbitration in December hoping to work out a multiyear deal. But the sides have not been able to agree.

The Herald reported that the Red Sox's offer contains a $5 million team option for 2010 but also allows Varitek to exercise a $3 million player option if the team declines its opportunity.

Varitek had arguably his worst offensive season in the big leagues last year, batting only .220 with 13 homers and 43 RBIs. The switch hitter is a lifetime .263 hitter who has made three All-Star teams and won the Gold Glove in 2005.

The Red Sox reportedly set the Jan. 31 deadline to help resolve their catching situation before pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 12. They signed backup Josh Bard this offseason but may pursue a trade if Varitek does not sign.

Varitek screwed himself turning down arbitration.