Varitek files for free agency.

[Harrison]

On Thursday, October 30, 2008, the Red Sox captain, Jason Varitek, filed for free agency. Thursday was of course the first day that players were eligible to file for free agency as the veteran with over a decade of baseball in Boston under his belt now looks to test the market. The Red Sox now have a 15-day window to negotiate exclusively with Varitek and his agent Scott Boras. If a deal is not done in that span of 15 days then Varitek is free to shop his services to any Major League team that he so chooses.

I hope we give him an offer he'll take. I'll be legitimately sad if Varitek leaves Boston.

[Xaiveir]

My guess is he will get a 2 year deal, probably in the neighborhood of 10 million a year. Although his offense is below average for a catcher, he still handles the pitching staff better than almost anyone in the game. He would be well worth the money, and Boston does not really have any other options at that position that are viable at the moment.

The free agent filing was more a formal thing than anything. I would be shocked if Boston doesnt resign him. I know he doesnt want to leave Boston.

[Harrison]

His offense has been slacking but as you said. I wouldn't want any less behind the plate.