Varitek and Byrd decline arbitration
Posted by Alex Speier
Jason Varitek declined the Red Sox’ offer of salary arbitration. The decision suggests that the catcher and agent Scott Boras believe they can find a better contract than a one-year deal in the $10-11 million range (the likely outcome of an arbitration hearing) by continuing to negotiate with all 30 clubs.
Multiple baseball executives believed that Varitek, coming off a career-worst offensive season in which he hit .220 with a .313 OBP and .672 OPS, would accept the arbitration offer. Thus far this offseason, there has been little evidence of a market for his services—especially since, as a Type A free-agent who was offered arbitration, signing him would require another club to part with an early-round draft pick.
But Varitek and Boras apparently want to hold out for a multi-year deal, leading to the decision to decline the offer. As a result of the decision, Varitek can continue to negotiate with all 30 clubs, including the Red Sox. The danger for the catcher is that he may not be able to match through free agency the money that he would have been awarded through arbitration.
Byrd, likewise, decided to continue his pursuit of a multi-year deal, rather than accepting a guaranteed salary that likely would have been in the $7-8 million range for 2009.
If Varitek signs elsewhere, the Sox would be entitled to two compensatory draft picks. If Byrd signs with another club, the Sox would get one compensation pick.
Powered by FireStats
I hope the Red Sox are doing something in their minor leauge system that addresses this baseball wide shortage of catching prospects. Perhaps Jason Veritek will end up retiring.
dave
8 Dec 08 at 6:36 pm
Is jason’s love of the game being blured by the idea’s being fed to him by Boras, or is it just a manifestation of Veritek’s own mindset, that he believes he is worth x.
If that be the case, Jason has missed the boat. I think he should take what the sox’s are offering him and ” pay it forward “. He’s had a great run. He’s well respected and loved. I can only hope that he’ll do the right thing for the sport.
Jim
9 Dec 08 at 6:44 am
Jason Varitek is so much more valuable than a 220 with a .313 OBP and .672 OPS. He is the heart and soul of a team that is annually in the playoff and world series picture. His ability to handle pitchers is legendary. I wonder how much having a catcher of Varitek’s knowledge and ability would go into the decision of a CC Sabathia-type pitcher coming to the Sox, or a Josh Beckett staying with the Sox?
Howie
9 Dec 08 at 7:49 am
I hope we have Jason for at least one more year! He is our Captain after all. I do wonder how much influence Boras has over him. He has been shown the money….now do it for the love of the game, Jason!
Blondie
9 Dec 08 at 12:22 pm
I can’t imagine Tek would retire after his career-worst offensive season. I’m excited to see his performance in 09… hopefully with the Sox.
Lindsay in Ohio
9 Dec 08 at 1:23 pm
Howie,
I agree he’s the heart and soul of the Sox but he also had a pretty bad season last year. You can’t blame the Redsox for not wanting to throw bou-cou bucks at him. He needs to do what A-Rod did a year ago, tell Boras to take a hike and stop letting other people do his thinking for him. The arbitration numbers are fair given his season last year, take the money.
Rick Schmidt
17 Dec 08 at 4:09 pm