NESO'S TAKE ON SPORTS

Recently, the Boston Redsox have upgraded their offer to catcher Jason Varitek, who they clearly want to return as not only their catcher, but as their play caller. Varitek is a key part of  the Redsox team, even though he is a weak htiter, and is towards the end of his career. Without Tek, the Sox’ pitchers have a mighty amount of trouble, and the record shows. Jason Varitek needs to come back, because without him, our pitching staff won’t pitch nearly up to its capabilities, and the if the pitching is bad, then the Sox won’t make the playoffs. Also, if Tek doesn’t come back, the Sox don’t really have a prime, backup catcher who can realy fill Jason’s shoes. Nobody, at this point, can do what Varitek has done. Now, this can change in the future. Varitek can mentor young catchers like George Kottaras, and Kottaras will likely see more time in the big leagues, now that Kevin Cash is a Yankee. Cash was clearly the prime candidate to take Tek’s job, but now, Varitek is needed more than ever to keep the Sox pitching staff afloat, while mentoring young catchers like Kottaras. Also, Tek can help young pitchers if pressure starts to affect them, as he has “been there” and “done that,” and his veteran experience is respected by all pitchers. I mean, even Curt Schilling could have benefited from listening to Tek a couple years ago. Schill was an out.. ONE OUT.. away from a no hitter, but after shaking off what Jason Varitek initially called, he threw a splitter, which Shannon Stewart lined for a base hit to right field. Clearly, listening to tek would have benefited.

So, the Sox would not only benefit because Varitek could mentor younger catchers, but also because he is a valuable asset to the pitchers.