 February 27, 2010 -- The day Jason Varitek leaves the game of baseball, the veteran catcher who has played his whole career with the Boston Red Sox, will forever be remembered as a "dirt-dog" who helped bring home two titles.
But that day has yet to come and for Sox fans who look at the (soon-to-be) 38-year-old catcher, many wish Varitek would play the role of a beloved K-9 and retire with his good name still intact. Yet as spring training begins, the praise on Friday of Red Sox bullpen coach Gary Tuck had Sox fans shouting at the television/radio.
"I think Jason Varitek can catch as long as he wants to catch," Tuck said. "I think his body will hold up to that. Obviously, there's the shape he gets himself in, and in the [backup] role he is in now with Victor [Martinez] here, I think he can catch at least four, five more years.
"His game hasn't really slowed down. It's the wear and tear of the physical that has affected him along the way. The formula for him this year is to stay strong and healthy. You've got a pretty irreplaceable guy there. No one has the same experience. Only one other guy sticks out, and that's Jorge [Posada]."
When asked about Tuck's comments, Varitek replied, "Let's get to 40 first. Get through this, see how things change for me, see how my health will be. When I'm healthy and keep my strength, some things can be good. There are things that are not in my control, but as long as I'm healthy ..."
Although he is still seen as a good game-caller and slightly-above-average defensive catcher, Varitek's hitting abilities have diminished severely over the past few seasons. If he is to stay in the league, it is certain that he will need a bat to go along with a healthy body.
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