John Flaherty, who was considered to be the front-runner to be Jason Varitek's backup, has decided to retire.
"It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement from Major League Baseball today," said Flaherty in a press release issued by the Red Sox. "I am grateful to Theo Epstein and Ben Cherington for giving me the opportunity to play on a world class team and my appreciation is not diminished because of the judgment call I am making today.
It is now a two horse race between Josh Bard and Ken Huckaby for the backup position.