Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

Your Morning Dump... Where Wakefield is back

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

The Red Sox announced yesterday that Wakefield will return to the organization as an honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation and as a special assignment instructor to the club’s baseball operations.

On the baseball side, Wakefield will handle specific assignments for Ben Cherington, including working with any knuckleballers that enter the Red Sox organization. Right now, they have two — Steven Wright (Triple-A Pawtucket) and Charlie Haeger (extended spring training).

“As a special assignment instructor, just being an extra set of eyes for (pitching coach) Juan (Nieves) downstairs or Rich Sauveur in Triple A or within the organization that I might be able to see something mechanically or help out with another pitcher mentally,” Wakefield said. “Just another sounding board for them. Not only working with Steve and Charlie Haeger as knuckleballers but also with other pitchers as well.”

Herald - Tim Wakefield puts Sox back on in dual role

Pedro, Varitek, and now Wakefield get to be "special" somethings in this Red Sox organization.  Somewhere Bill Mueller is pacing around his house, staring at his phone, waiting for his call from Cherington.

I actually think this is pretty cool.  Historically, the Sox haven't had a stellar relationship with past stars.  If they have to buy goodwill with money and titles, I'm OK with that.  It's far better than having them feud. 

Plus, these guys very well could have a positive impact on the field.  We know Varitek is getting groomed to be a manager at some point.  Pedro was already down in Fort Myers working with the young'ns.  And now Wakefield gets to help any knuckleballers in the Sox system hone their craft.  These are all good things.

In Wakefield's case, there's also the charitable role as chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.  The Herald article states that Wake will help with "fundraising events, community service days and personal visits."  As good as he was on the diamond, Wake was even more impressive off of it, being nominated for the Roberto Clemente award eight times. 

Now he gets to continue doing two of his favorite things for the Sox organization: hurling floaters and helping communities.  Win-win.

On page 2, last night's makeup game has been announced.

Your Morning Dump... Where Tek's role is becoming a little more clear

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Ex-captain Jason Varitek [stats] is now a member of the front office, a special assistant to general manager Ben Cherington, and for someone who was here in uniform just a year ago, he sounded ready and willing to help his floundering team as soon as possible.

“That’s why you do it, that’s why I never left this organization,” said Varitek during a conference call yesterday. “That’s why you take part. That could have just as well happened anywhere else. Here, I know a lot of the people still and it’s not that far removed. If I can offer some help in some ways then I want to be able to do it.”

The job description for Varitek does not seem ironclad, yet. He will help with evaluation at the major and minor league levels, mentorship, instruction and personnel decisions.

“First and foremost, it’s starting to be involved and to be involved and to learn a lot in a lot of different areas, that’s the biggest part,” said Varitek. “I’m not going to be removed from what goes on, but yet spend time with a lot of different things. As long as I played, I can still learn.”

Herald - In need of Tek relief

This new Varitek-Red Sox relationship is pretty interesting to me.  And, right now, doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Jason Varitek was born to manage a ballclub.  That's where we all expect this thing to conclude -- with him at the helm of the Red Sox.  As some recent managerial hires have proven, you don't need to have spent several years managing in the minors, or under a different manager to be run a major league club.  But if this is the path that Varitek is on, why make him an assistant general manager (assistant TO the general manager!)? 

I could be reading entirely too much into this, but I wonder if Varitek truly does want to manage a club.  At least at any time in the near future.  The Sox clearly want him as part of the organization, which is smart.  Maybe they'll let him 'explore' different positions hoping he'll realize that in the dugout is the only place he really wants to be.

All that aside, just having him around next year is going to put me at ease a little bit. I can't even speculate as to how much interaction he'll have with the players in 2013, but I would imagine the Sox made sure that some of the duties they expect from the assistant general manager (assistant TO the general manager!) is dealing with the players on the roster. 

Either way, it's just nice to have him aboard again.

Rest of the links:

Herald - Same old result here for Sox | Globe - Held to one hit, it’s a bad night in Baltimore | Varitek’s goal is to help restore the Red Sox | CSNNE -Losses bring Sox closer to protected draft pick | Orioles make short work of Cook, 9-1 | WEEI - A year later, Red Sox still at a loss to explain 2011 swoon | Varitek: Not saying 'yes' or 'no' to managing

Your Morning Dump...where Tek is joining the front office

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

A club source confirmed the team is close to bringing Varitek on board, but offered no further details.

A baseball source with direct knowledge of the talks between Varitek and the Red Sox said he is likely to be named a special assistant to general manager Ben Cherington, a role in which Varitek will be encouraged to learn the Red Sox system from top to bottom and be involved in a variety of areas, including player development and talent evaluation.

The day may come when Varitek will want to try his hand at managing, the source said, but for now he is committed to spending more time with his family. Varitek's wife, Catherine, tweeted this reply to a fan asking if Varitek might manage the Red Sox: "I think he'd be great. BUT... Sorry, going to Greece next summer. He's a bit tied up."

"Would it be a great move?" the source said. "Yes. Do I see it happening? No. Do I think it intrigues him? Absolutely. Is he qualified? Absolutely. Would he enjoy it? Absolutely. But does he want to be manager now? I don't think so. I think Jason will be in the mix for manager in the future, but I think they want to set him up for success. That could change, I suppose, but I don't think so."

ESPNBoston | Jason Varitek: Red Sox job 'close'

First of all, Gordon Edes' source talks like a crazy person.

Secondly, it's good to see that Tek will be back in some form or fashion. The team has clearly identified him as someone they want associated with them for a long time. 

The people calling for Tek to manage next year, though, are a little misguided. Sure, it's worked in Chicago and St. Louis, but to me it seems a bit early for Tek to come back in that role. I'd like to see him learn how the organization works a bit more, learn what they value, work on talent evaluation, and then transition into the manager position. In a few years, it could be a good move.

ESPNBoston | Red Sox recall better times | David Price fans season-high 13 as Rays win again | Herald | Memories of '04 Red Sox magic evoked | Fenway proves a home wrecker | David Price turns tables | Globe | Red Sox pay tribute to 2004 title team | The jacuzzi story Pedro Martinez couldn't wait to share | Home is where the losses are for Sox | CSNNE | McAdam: It could be a Field of Dreams again | Reports: Varitek close to rejoining Red Sox | Baserunning gaffes hurt Red Sox | After another loss, all Buchholz can do is look towards 2013 | Price goes distance as Rays spoil Sox party, 5-2

Sherman: "Varitek a good fit" for manager

NY Post sports columnist, Joel Sherman, sure loves to talk about the Red Sox. Especially since the recent text message controversy. Now, Sherman makes the argument that Jason Varitek would be a good fit for the Red Sox as manager should the organization part ways with Bobby Valentine.

Rumors persist the Red Sox want to make their former pitching coach, John Farrell, manager. The little problem is that Farrell is in his second year as Toronto’s skipper and under contract.

I am not here to fire Valentine, a man I like and think had the thinnest possible chance for success in a soap-opera environment poisoned well before his arrival. But, fair or not, if he truly is one and done, then my managerial suggestion for Boston would be Jason Varitek. He would allow the Red Sox to co-opt the idea of their main rival while honoring what is in vogue in the sport right now.

Like Joe Girardi was for the Yankees, Varitek is a former championship catcher for the Red Sox. So he comes with built-in credibility within this group. Look we can say the Red Sox players need to look in the mirror and not the manager’s office for the problem. But the reality is this core is coming back again next season and, if that is the case, the Red Sox are going to need to find someone who commands instant respect and who can begin to re-establish sanctity and sanity within what has become a Wild West baseball setting. Varitek should have that immediately with this group because it is so familiar with his preparation, professionalism and sturdiness as a teammate.

There is no doubt in my mind that Jason Varitek would be a great manager and he could be a great manager in the near future. But Tek was a teammate of most of these guys just one season ago and how well could he cement himself in the clubhouse as the leader and not just the friend. Varitek is a prime example of professional and has all the leadership qualities, but it just may be too soon.

Jason Varitek will make a great manager, a great manager that gets his job after next season and maybe after that.

As for Joel Sherman, I would recommend stop writing about the Boston Red Sox and focus more on whatever New York bullshit he can come up with.

Your Morning Dump...where it was Tek day

 

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

In fact he may never be over it. But that didn’t stop the last standing Red Sox captain from fully immersing himself in “Jason Varitek Day” at Fenway Park, and enjoying all the gifts, standing ovations and thunderous appreciation that officially comes among with retiring as a conquering sports hero in Boston.

“It was surreal for me. To absorb what just happened I’m going to have to watch it,” said Varitek, who was moving around adroitly without the ice bags that always seemed to accompany his battered body during his playing days. “I tried to absorb it, but I don’t think I could. In my mind I’m there and thinking ‘they’re doing this for you’ and I in turn wanted to say thank you.”

Was it weird being on the Fenway Park grass in street clothes and a Sox jersey that had never been worn in the heat of battle?

“It’s weird. It was the weirdest when I had to retire [in spring training],” said Varitek. “That was the hardest. I just think it’s different. Instead of preparing you’re just in and out. This is a sacred place and a place you appreciate.

“I probably never will [come to terms with retirement]. But I’ll be all right.”

CSNNE | Varitek overwhelmed by "surreal" tribute

I'd rather not talk about yesterday's game, so let's focus on the Varitek tribute.

He's a pretty interesting guy in terms of how a fan base is attached to him. Statistically, he's really nothing to write home about. He had some nice years near his peak but still was a career .256 hitter and was short of 200 homers. He's not going to the Hall of Fame or anything...yet he gets honored at Fenway and probably will be a Johnny Pesky-like presence, coming and going through the park as he gets older. It certainly would not be surprising if in a few years he works his way through their minor league system to learn how to manage.

Anyway, I think it's pretty cool that he holds such a special place in Red Sox history, considering his main contibution was keeping a binder of every piece of information possible, and then calling a game based on it. Salty says he's learned a lot from Tek; hopefully that's true. It's worth mentioning that Tek had a much lower (by a run) catcher's ERA than Salty last year, and the starters certainly haven't improved, but many statty folks don't believe in CERA anyway, and there are certainly many other factors that could explain the pitching woes of this year.

And sure, Tek won a lot of games, got the most out of many pitchers, caught some no-hitters, and won two titles. But I think we all know what his best moment was.

 

CSNNE | Tek to Beckett, Lester: Stop dwelling on the negative | Offensive outage continues to plague Sox | Salty credits success to Varitek's support | Jays belt Cook's two mistakes | ESPNBoston | Red Sox approaching fever pitch | Edwin Encarnacion, JP Arencibia drive Jays past Sox | Lester getting fewer swings and misses | Red Sox honor Jason Varitek | Gordon Edes pays tribute to Tek | Globe | Blue Jays rally to sink Sox | Varitek receives some high praise | Their aces need a change in plans | Ross gives his side of story | A 'planned' day off for Jacoby Ellsbury | Herald | Another step back for frustrating Sox | Pumpsie Green reflects on historic day in '59 | Lester looking for luck | Two pitches spoil Aaron Cook's recipe

Recap: Sox lose another to Toronto

In their defense, Boston didn't want to overshadow Tek's big night with a victory.

The Blue Jays continue to have no problems beating the Red Sox, cruise to a 7-3 victory.

As a change of pace, Boston was the team to jump out in front early in this one thanks to a 2nd inning 3-run blast from Saltalamacchia.  But that was pretty much the end of the excitement as it was all Toronto the rest of the way.

Aaron Cook took the loss for the Red Sox, and despite the 5 runs he surrendered, he pitched fairly well.  Only 3 of the runs were earned, thanks to errors by Ciriaco and Middlebrooks.  Cook not only struck out a batter (!!!) but he only gave up 4 hits.  Unfortunately, two of those hits were home runs, so it wasn't all golden.

Morales and Albers came in in the 7th to relieve Cook and got themselves into all kinds of trouble.  They faced 5 batters combined, and only mustered a single out between them.  It wasn't a whole lot of fun for anybody.  Thankfully Miller came in and struck out Lind before the Jays could do any real damage.  Not that it mattered.  Padilla kicked some ass in the 8th and Tazawa struggled a bit himself in the 9th, but got the final 3 outs.

Beyond Salty's home run, Sox bats did nothing for the second night in a row.  Ross hit a double.  Pedroia, Gonzalez and Ciriaco each got a hit.  Ciriaco stole his 4th base of the year.  That was your Sox offense.

Any momentum Boston built up heading into this series is officially stalled.  If they can't get their pulses up on Jason Varitek night, I don't know that they have pulses.

BOX SCORE

The Red Sox are a sensitive group

Cody Ross was on the Mut & Merloni show today, where he had this to say about manager Bobby Valentine:

"We all came in with an open mind and so did he," Ross said. "He's been great, he's very energetic, he wants us all to succeed and tries to put us all in the best possible situation. It's been tough for him, too, they've got to him quite a bit. But he's handled it well and he's encouraging. He's picking us up all the time, telling us we'll get through it. It's all positive stuff, which is good. It's what we need from our leader."

Picking them up?  Telling them they'll get through it?  Is he running a major league ballclub or the green room for the Dr. Phil show?

And how mentally weak is this team that they constantly need positive affirmations to make it through the day?  Has anyone seen any pictures of the clubhouse since Bobby took over?  Am I right to suspect that the hallways are lined with kitten-themed inspirational posters? 

How many consecutive questions can I ask myself?

And I like Cody Ross, too.  He's got a lot more Trot than JD running through his veins.  But this quote saddens me on so many levels.

If Jason Varitek were still alive, none of this would have ever happened.

Your Morning Dump...Where Beckett and Salty are taking baby steps

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Most everything was like any other first Grapefruit League start for Josh Beckett. Two innings, one hit, two walks, 36 pitches and a whole bunch of change-ups.

“I think it’s just nice to get back out there,” Beckett said. “Get the adrenaline and that’s definitely different than anything we’ve had so far, even with live BPs. I think right now it’s just building up. I felt like I stayed strong through it. I was getting a little bit big out of the stretch in the second inning. Just couldn’t make the adjustment.”

But one thing was missing — Jason Varitek.

[...]

“You’ve got to learn. You work together. That was one thing Jason and I did really, really well. We worked together. There were meetings where I got my way and there were meetings where he got his way. Being able to resolve those differences and making the right call not because one guy’s too stubborn, but making the right decision because that’s what you’ve got to do.

WEEI: Josh Beckett begins life without Jason Varitek (by pitching two innings)

Good for them, these boys are learning to get along. Varitek and Beckett were not firing on all cylinders right from the start, and it took a little bit of time to get it right. It may take a little more time for the Beckett/Salty combo to do so, because Tek had a little more knowledge behind the plate.

One hit and two walks over two innings was not a bad way to get the spring started. With one month left before the beginning of the season, Beckett and Salty should have enough bonding time to get close to the same page.

Oh, by the way, the Sox beat the Twins 8-3 yesterday. Celebrate!

The rest of the links:

WEEI: This just in: Bobby Valentine predicted Tsuyoshi Nishioka's broken leg (sort of) | Herald: Josh Beckett, catchers learning to trust | Providence Journal: Anderson's grand slam lifts Sox to 8-3 win | Controversy surrounds Mayor's Cup

The Variteks don't like the A-Rod picture. I don't care.

Of all the things that Jason Varitek has done during his lengthy career with the Red Sox, none is more recognizable than jamming his catcher's mitt in the face of Alex Rodriguez.  And that's something that doesn't sit well with Jason, nor his father.

Via CSNNE.com:

“It wasn't something that you're proud of. We've been down this road talking with my kids. I was just being a teammate. Things were going on and being said to my teammate and it just happened to happen that way.”
 
He no longer autographs pictures of the incident.

“It became ongoing as soon as the first day my oldest daughter [Ally, now 12] . . . said, 'Oh, Daddy, look: It's the picture of you fighting again,’ ” he said.  “I was like, 'Maybe I shouldn't sign that.' ”

Varitek's father discussed the incident Thursday after the retirement announcement and had slightly stronger feelings than his son.

"I'm not a fan of that picture."

From a 'I don't want my kids to think that fighting is the answer' perspective, I totally get it.  And when anyone talks at length about Tek, this incident undoubtedly surfaces.  You don't want a single heated incident in your past to be constantly shoved in your children's faces.

Even if his children weren't in the picture, I'm sure that Tek would rather be remembered for this or this or this. 

But the A-Rod incident, and the subsequent image, is much larger than Varitek.  That single moment turned the tide for an entire organization and its fan base.  Ask any Red Sox fan and they can tell you where they were the moment Varitek bitch slapped Rodriguez. 

Pushing his mitt into A-Rod's manicured face symbolized Red Sox Nation telling the Yankees that they weren't going to stand idle while the Yankees collected their trophies.  That moment ignited that Sox squad.  The 2004 World Series doesn't happen in October if Varitek doesn't push A-Rod in July. 

The Variteks can collectively despise that picture.  The Captain can refuse to autograph it.  His father can urinate on it every morning when he steps out of bed.  I don't care.  That picture will always bring a tiny smile to my face and goosebumps to my arms.  That picture represents everything that was great and fun and unpredictable and wild about that 2004 season, and the best damn baseball team that I ever cheered for.

Your Morning Dump... Where the Captain says goodbye

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

“This last week,” Varitek said, pausing for nearly 20 seconds to compose himself, “is probably one of the hardest weeks you go through as a player. After months of deliberating what to do, I decided that it’s best for me and my family that I retire — that I retire a Red Sox. This decision wasn’t something I took lightly in any sense of the word, nor did I want to do it more than once. This has probably been the most difficult decision I’ve had to make in my career, but the opportunity to start and finish my major-league career in one place meant more to me, and that’s why I’m standing here today.”

“The hardest thing to do is to walk away from your teammates and what they’ve meant to you over the years,” Varitek said after another lengthy pause. “As I walk away from this game, I can look at the man in the mirror and be proud I gave everything I could to this game, this organization, my teammates.”

During a 20-minute ceremony, Varitek thanked several former coaches and ex-Red Sox managers Jimy Williams, Grady Little and Terry Francona. He credited Williams with helping instill confidence that he could play every day in the majors, and he expressed gratitude to Francona for “allowing me to sail next to you and captain your ship.” And Varitek made special mention of Red Sox catching coach Gary Tuck.

Herald - Jason Varitek proud to retire a Red Sox

Like Wakefield, you have to tip your cap to a guy that would rather leave the game entirely than suit up for a team outside of Boston, regardless of the number of opportunities that actually existed.

There's not a ton left to say about Tek, or his retirement.  Many people feel this announcement is about two years too late, but I disagree.  As a batter, maybe.  Although he did have a few solid months at the plate last season. 

As a catcher, handling his staff, he was still one of the best in the game.  Josh Beckett and his 2011 stat sheet can attest to that.  But more than his immediate impact on the game, having Tek around to mentor Saltalamacchia was worth any dip in production we had to suffer through.  Salty revived his failing career last season, giving much of the credit to Varitek.  Sure, it's possible he could have found his game if Tek was never around, but we don't live in the hypothetical world. 

After all the amazing things Tek did on the field, his last gift very well may be leaving the Sox with a competent catcher that they can rely on for the next several years.  That's something that didn't look possible 12 months ago.

On Page 2, don't talk to Papi about hanging it up