"40 in 40" - Varitek, Jason

Jason Varitek - #33 (Catcher)

Bats: Both, Throws: Right

Age: 38, Size: 6'2" 230lbs

Acquired: Acquired from the Seattle Mariners along with Derek Lowe on July 31, 1997

Contract: $2,000,000 (FA - 2012)

Comments: The Captain is back for one more season with the Red Sox as the backup catcher, team leader and maybe even an extra coach. Varitek has lost a ton from his bat and behind the plate, but he still offers a little bit of pop and can call a game as well as anyone. In 2010, Tek managed a 0.766 OPS with 7 HR in only 123 PA. Used against lefties he can be a useful bat. In Tek's 2003-2005 seasons he was one of the best catchers in the game, posting a consistent OPS+ of 120/121/122. He was the heart and soul of the 04 and 07 World Series squads and his altercation with A-Rod in the summer of 04 lit seemed to light a fire in the Sox as they came back to win that game 11-10 and went on to have the best record in the majors from that point on.

Career Stats:

PA: 5589

BA: 0.258

OBP: 0.343

SLG: 0.436

OPS: 0.778

wOBA: 0.337

wRC+: 102

WAR: 26.3

HR/SB: 182/25

Unique Stats/Facts:: Baseball Americ's college player of the year in 1993. First player from Georgia Tech to have his number retired. Only catcher in baseball history to catch 4 no-hitters (Nomo, Lowe, Buchholz, Lester)

Analysis: This is probably Varitek's last season (I'm betting he retires after this). He provides a little bit of pop aginst lefties and can spell the young Saltalamacchia behind the plate. Offers up a load of intangibles in the clubhouse as well.

Projection:  0.228/0.324/0.386 - wOBA 0.314 9 HR

Tomorrow: Mark Wagner