MLB.com has reported that the Red Sox re-signed C Jason Varitek, who has been their team captain.
Despite some late posturing that he wouldn't accept a one-year contract, Varitek really had little choice. Boston was the only team that would have signed him even for the one-year, $5-million deal between the team and the player.
That's because:
1. The Red Sox have the money to overpay.
2. Varitek has value to the team as its captain, and because of the continuity of already having played 11 seasons in Beantown.
Other teams no doubt looked at Varitek and saw:
1. He'll be 37 during the first week of the regular season.
2. Vartiek is clearly in decline. During the past three seasons the .263 career batter has had averages of .238, .255 and .220. Last season, his on-base percentage dropped 54 points and his slugging percentage fell 62 points.
The reported contract includes a mutual option for 2010. If the team decides to trigger the clause, it would pay another $5 million next year. If the decision is Varitek's, he would make $3 million in '10. There also are incentive clauses totaling $2 million for 2010.
It says here that next year Varitek will play for $3 million, reach no incentives and ride off into the sunset.
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