A source tells Boston-based writer Maureen Mullen that the Phillies could be interested in signing Jason Varitek as a backup catcher to Carlos Ruiz.
How seriously should we take this one? Hard to say. Unless the Phillies find a taker for Brian Schneider’s $1.5 million contract for next season, it doesn’t sound like a very realistic fit.
Varitek, who turns 39 next April, batted .232/.293/.473 with seven homers and 16 RBI in 112 at-bats this past season and was 9-for-43 (21 percent) in throwing out would-be basestealers. The veteran backstop was limited to just five games and 17 at-bats after the All-Star break due to a broken right foot.
It’s very possible that his 14-year run in Boston is over, but Peter Gammons of MLB.com presented a scenario this week where Jarrod Saltalammachia and Varitek could be a tandem behind the plate next season if Victor Martinez signs elsewhere this winter. Yeah, that wouldn’t make anybody nervous or anything.
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- pisano - Nov 10, 2010 at 12:04 AM
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He’s just like Posada , they can’t throw anyone out. They are best suited for bullpen catchers at this time of their careers.
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- Jonny 5 - Nov 10, 2010 at 8:57 AM
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Snyder is a pretty solid backup catcher. Varitek might be an upgrade, but I wouldn’t expect much out of him.
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- Utley's Hair - Nov 10, 2010 at 11:17 AM
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With all the money he’s saving by not signing JDub, Rube should make a run at Martinez—at least that way, they’ll get a backup for the Big Man, too.
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