Should the Red Sox resign Jason Varitek?
Simply put, it was painful watching the captain bat this season. He did hit a clutch home run to help the Sox win Game Six, but many of his at-bats this year were similar to last night, when he struck out three times. Clearly, his bat speed has diminished, especially from the left side, yet he is still solid defensively and manages the pitching staff effectively. I believe that Varitek should and will be resigned. A two-year deal is likely. However, the Sox MUST acquire a second catcher who can either platoon with Varitek, or at least play a couple times a week. They need their “catcher of the future.” Chances are, Boston will pursue Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Taylor Teagarden of Texas. Gerald Laird, who is number one on the Rangers’ depth chart, is also a possibility, as is a fourth Texas catcher, Max Ramirez. The Rangers are desperate for starting pitching, and Saltalamacchia and Teagarden are so good that it would be worth dealing Clay Buchholz or Michael Bowden. • Should the Sox resi
