A Question of Priorities: Jason Varitek and Starbury
These two athletes have very different reputations amongst the media and fans of our sporting world, but right now they appear to be in the same boat: aging ex-stars who must decide how much they value winning a title over making yet another payday.
-------------------------
Varitek is a Red Sox legend and has been one of the mainstays on two World Series winners. He is the second best catcher in the history of the franchise, behind only Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk. That said, he is 37 years old (ancient by even modern catching standards) and was simply awful swinging the bat last year. Tek carries with him a reputation as a skillled handler of pitchers, and wears the captain's "C" on his jersey for the Sox, no small achievement that.
Without any other good options, it would appear that Varitek must decide on the Sox latest reported offer of a one year deal for short money with a second option year. Two thousand eight was the final year of a lucrative, 4 year $40m deal Tek signed when he was still one of the best backstops in the game, so has had plenty in the bank. Right now, at this late stage of his career, he appears to no longer be starter quality on a contending team. For him to sign for less than half what he made last year would take an admission that his skills have deteriorated badly, something few athletes do willingly.
Yet the Sox have apparently offered him a deal, because they also have nowhere else to go. Shame on them for allowing the catching position to hold them hostage this offseason. In my opinion, they should have pulled the trigger on a deal, possibly overpaying by dealing Clay Bucholz, a long time ago. They have enough pitching. What they don't have is a quality, veteran starter behind the plate.
At this late juncture, it appears their best bet is to hope that young and gifted Josh Bard becomes a decent answer. Bard hit well early on in his time with San Diego before having a poor season last year. Yet there is a big difference between a young player like Bard having a down year and an aging veteran like Varitek doing the same. Tek's career appears just about over while Bard's is just beginning.
I would bet on Bard over Tek having better numbers at the plate this season and think he should be the starter going into spring training. For those who believe in the whole "Tek lowers the team ERA all by himself" argument, I offer a dissenting view: a player's primary value comes from their offensive production. Therefore if a player can't offer any offense, he shouldn't be playing. At this stage of his career, considering his age and his position and his build, well, Tek is done.
-------------
Now, Stephon Marbury. If I have to.
Starbury made some noise yesterday by telling a New York paper that the New York Knicks management will not meet his demands for a salary buyout so that he can join the Boston Celtics because the Knicks don't want him to win a title.
What a bunch of bunk! The Knicks are finally falling into the "well run" group of NBA teams, behind General Manager Donnie Walsh and Head Coach Mike D'antoni, and would never let their personal distaste with Starbury ruin their chances of getting out from under his sizable contract. If Starbury really wanted a title, he would simply accept a buyout of one dollar from New York. The man has made a ton of money in his time. What he has never done is win.
Starbury once again has proven himself immature and self centered to the extreme, and Boston would do well to look in another direction for bench help in the team's quest for an 18th title. With the talented Rajon Rondo starting and doing well, though with no real backup, the C's are set for now barring injury at this important position. They should play the hand they were dealt and not sign Starbury.
-------------
So there you have it: I don't want Jason Varitek back as catcher on the Red Sox. And I don't want Stephon Marbury's antics destroying the chemistry on the Celtics.
Addition by doing nothing. Sometimes the best moves you make are the ones you do not make.
-------------------------
Varitek is a Red Sox legend and has been one of the mainstays on two World Series winners. He is the second best catcher in the history of the franchise, behind only Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk. That said, he is 37 years old (ancient by even modern catching standards) and was simply awful swinging the bat last year. Tek carries with him a reputation as a skillled handler of pitchers, and wears the captain's "C" on his jersey for the Sox, no small achievement that.
Without any other good options, it would appear that Varitek must decide on the Sox latest reported offer of a one year deal for short money with a second option year. Two thousand eight was the final year of a lucrative, 4 year $40m deal Tek signed when he was still one of the best backstops in the game, so has had plenty in the bank. Right now, at this late stage of his career, he appears to no longer be starter quality on a contending team. For him to sign for less than half what he made last year would take an admission that his skills have deteriorated badly, something few athletes do willingly.
Yet the Sox have apparently offered him a deal, because they also have nowhere else to go. Shame on them for allowing the catching position to hold them hostage this offseason. In my opinion, they should have pulled the trigger on a deal, possibly overpaying by dealing Clay Bucholz, a long time ago. They have enough pitching. What they don't have is a quality, veteran starter behind the plate.
At this late juncture, it appears their best bet is to hope that young and gifted Josh Bard becomes a decent answer. Bard hit well early on in his time with San Diego before having a poor season last year. Yet there is a big difference between a young player like Bard having a down year and an aging veteran like Varitek doing the same. Tek's career appears just about over while Bard's is just beginning.
I would bet on Bard over Tek having better numbers at the plate this season and think he should be the starter going into spring training. For those who believe in the whole "Tek lowers the team ERA all by himself" argument, I offer a dissenting view: a player's primary value comes from their offensive production. Therefore if a player can't offer any offense, he shouldn't be playing. At this stage of his career, considering his age and his position and his build, well, Tek is done.
-------------
Now, Stephon Marbury. If I have to.
Starbury made some noise yesterday by telling a New York paper that the New York Knicks management will not meet his demands for a salary buyout so that he can join the Boston Celtics because the Knicks don't want him to win a title.
What a bunch of bunk! The Knicks are finally falling into the "well run" group of NBA teams, behind General Manager Donnie Walsh and Head Coach Mike D'antoni, and would never let their personal distaste with Starbury ruin their chances of getting out from under his sizable contract. If Starbury really wanted a title, he would simply accept a buyout of one dollar from New York. The man has made a ton of money in his time. What he has never done is win.
Starbury once again has proven himself immature and self centered to the extreme, and Boston would do well to look in another direction for bench help in the team's quest for an 18th title. With the talented Rajon Rondo starting and doing well, though with no real backup, the C's are set for now barring injury at this important position. They should play the hand they were dealt and not sign Starbury.
-------------
So there you have it: I don't want Jason Varitek back as catcher on the Red Sox. And I don't want Stephon Marbury's antics destroying the chemistry on the Celtics.
Addition by doing nothing. Sometimes the best moves you make are the ones you do not make.
posted by joe sweeney at 6:07 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home