Phillies Interested In Varitek?

I came across a very interesting rumor tonight while browsing the internet. The rumor involved the Philadelphia Phillies and former Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. Maureen Mullen of CSNNE.com says that the Phillies could have interest in the switch hitting catcher. This is fairly surprising as I didn’t think anyone would show interest but it actually does make sense if it happens.

@MaureenaMullen: Phillies could be interested in adding Jason Varitek as back-up catcher, according to a source.

On the surface this makes no sense, whatsoever. At first glance one would go why the Phillies want a 38-year old backup catcher who isn’t much better then the current one, Brian Schneider? He doesn’t provide much offense and his defense, well we’ll just say it leaves much to be desired.

When you take a deeper look at the Phillies roster their interest in Varitek would make sense. Yes, he’s older but he can still provide some decent pop off the bench. Jason hit 7 homeruns and 6 doubles in 112 at-bats, while Schneider had 4 homers and 4 doubles in 123 at-bats. Not much difference but it is something. What’s more important to me thou is how each swings the bat.

If you look at the 2010 Phillies lineup what was their weakness? Lack of right handers in their lineup. Well, current back-up catcher Schneider is a left-handed hitter, while Varitek is a switch hitter.

Jason still hits left handed pitchers well which would give Charlie Manuel an additional late inning option off the bench. Adding Varitek would keep teams from being able to put a lefty on the mound for 3-4 consecutive batters and if they did then Jason could pose a threat.

While its a nice thought, I think the Phillies interest in ‘Tek is just that, a nice thought that won’t go further then that. Peter Gammons suggests that Varitek will be back in Boston in a platoon and mentoring role, I agree.

Just like the Yankees Captain, the Boston captain would like to do nothing better then retire with the only team he’s ever known. I think if Boston treats Jason with respect and offers him a fair deal then he’ll take it.

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