Newest Member of Silver Slugger Team

Dad --

Did you hear? Jason Bay won the Silver Slugger Award this year.

While several Sluggers are repeat offenders, this was Bay's first time receiving the award. And it's about time. Did you know the '09 season was his fourth straight year getting 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBIs.

Not that they needed proof, but this is just one more reason why Theo and his Band of Merry Men should resign the left fielder.

Jenn

We Don't Have to Say Goodbye

Dad --

Thankfully, we spoke too soon.

When the Red Sox decided not to pick up the catcher's five million dollar team option on Monday, I, like you, was sure that was the end of the Varitek era. But thankfully after two long days of deliberating, the Captain has decided to exercise his three million dollar player option.

Although Victor Martinez will take over as the primary catcher in the 2010 season, Varitek will stay on in both the Captain roll and as the backup catcher. While it pains me to use Varitek and backup catcher in the same sentence, his .209 batting average and his decline in defense made that the only reasonable choice.

Although Varitek will be watching a majority of the games from the dugout, his presence will do wonders for team morale. I can't tell you how happy I am the Captain will be donning his C for another season.

Jenn

Captain, My Captain--Farewell and Thanks--Peter

Well, it had to happen sooner or later. Jason Varitek, one of the longest serving members of the Sox teams of the 21st century got his walking papers today. It wasn't a free pass, but it had become very predictable. One of the best handlers of pitchers in the majors almost since his arrival, and the man who drove in 85 ribbies in 2003, the Captain had steadily seen his skills with the stick erode to the point that the past two seasons were arguably his worst by far at the plate. Yes, he still showed occasional bursts of power and could effect a game's outcome by his control of whoever was on the mound, but with the bat slowing down, and now his defensive skills starting to follow, it was time to cut the tie.

In my 62 years of watching the Sox, I've seen all types of players wearing the tools for the Sox, and, in my humble opinion, Tek was one of only two worth remembering (Pudge Fisk is the other). Tek not only had all of the instincts you want in a catcher, he had guts. Regardless of the situation or the opponent, he wasn't ever afraid to face his challenger. Whether it was standing in on 95+ mph heater, or standing up to someone on the other team who was a little too full of himself (hello, A-Rod), Tek never gave an inch. He protected his teammates and played the game. More than that no-one can ask.
Good luck, Tek. I miss you already.