Varitek An Option for Yanks?
By Mike Silva ~ November 17th, 2008. Filed under: Mike Silva.
Steve Lombardi of Was Watching linked up a story via Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald. Silverman reports that the Yankees might be a possibility because of the uncertainty to the health of Jorge Posada. Personally, we have no information here about the Yankees interest in Varitek. It would make sense that Scott Boras would float the Yankees name out there to drive his price up.
The fact that Varitek is asking for “Jorge Posada money” is absurd. He is three years removed from his last “All Star offensive season”. His leadership characteristics would be devalued leaving Boston. At this point you can get similar offensive numbers from Brian Schneider. Imagine if a NL (see Mets) signed Posada to that contract last year? I bet the Yanks might regret giving Jorge all that money.
Vartiek has made his name in Boston and should probably end his career there. As Steve mentioned, the Yankees should go with a Cervelli/Molina combo in the event that Posada can’t catch. Also knowing the depth at the minor league level signing a long term, mid thirties catcher, is clearly the wrong way to go at the position.
I think players and agents will be surprised how difficult it will be to obtain the big money contract this off season. That is everyone that is not a starting pitcher. Gone are the off seasons of 2000, 2001, and 2002 when top flight free agents could fill in the blank check.
