Catching Varitek with his guard down

Well, I’m sure this wasn’t what Varitek had planned as he headed into free agency.

Varitek had arbitration coming and at least a $10 Million payday for the next year. That’s IF the Sox didn’t give him a little bump (let’s say, $11 M) based on their disgust for any arbitration. As a matter of fact, Theo Epstein has not yet had a player reach an arbitration hearing in his years as General Manager; he intends to keep it that way.

But not only does Varitek miss out on the lucrative salary he probably needs, quite a bit more now that he’s been through a divorce, but he doesn’t even do it with as much dignity. You see, arbitration would not have secured him the multi-year deal he desired, but it would have at least been given to him without having to call John Henry to meet with him in his off-season hometown of Atlanta with his tail between his legs.

Varitek wants to retire as a Red Sox. He wants to get a couple final years to end his career with a little money in the bank.

The Red Sox have apparently given him a formal offer that allows for both the first year (with many, many incentives, I’m sure) and the second year option (who knows what the details are like at this point).

Is he worth it? Who will he work with to transition this incredibly pivotal role? Will it be a trade with Texas? Will it be someone coming from Arizona?

Whatever the case, the Sox caught Varitek with his guard down. Not a horrible place to be if you’re the Red Sox brass trying to ensure you get the best of both worlds.