'Tek - "I'm My Own Worst Enemy"

August 20, 2008

Varitek finding his groove at the plate -

For the first time in recent memory, Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek might actually be able to enjoy a day off.

Despite the catcher's recent offensive breakout, manager Terry Francona will stick with his plan of giving Varitek a rest on Wednesday night and have Kevin Cash catch the struggling Clay Buchholz.

"I think he's mad at me right now," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "But I don't think that's in his best interest. We'll run him right into the ground. We'll let him come into the game later. He just can't catch every day. Because [Tim Wakefield] is gone, he can't catch every day. That won't work."

But what finally is working for Varitek is his swing. Maybe it's the crab cakes. Clearly, something has clicked for Varitek in the first two games of this three-game set at Camden Yards. After belting a homer on Monday -- his first since July 21 -- Varitek again left the yard on Tuesday night and later added an RBI double.

Coming into the series, Varitek had driven in just one run in August. But this is right around the time last season that Varitek started hitting home runs. He had seven through Aug. 14, then hit eight between then and the end of the season.

The homer was his 10th, and Varitek has reached double figures in home runs for the ninth straight season, tying Carlton Fisk’s team record for catchers in that category.

"A lot adds to it," said Varitek. "I'm just trying to continue to solidify and simplify things, because I can make things very complicated. I can. It's the truth. I'm my own worst enemy at times."

As much as Varitek does for the Red Sox on defense, when he is providing thump with his switch-hitting bat, it is a big boost for his team.

"He's swinging the bat real well and he needs that," said Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. "It's good for him. Everyone goes through a tough stretch in the season. His is just longer than a lot of people. He'll be fine. He'll get back on track, and hopefully the last 30-something games, he can go on a tear."

"I can’t change my batting average, but I can still help this team win," said the team captain. "I've had competitive at-bats. I went through that month-and-a-half stretch, or whatever it was, where I had some pretty doggone feeble at-bats. But I do that to myself. I’ve done that to myself in the past. Just usually it's not lasted that long."

But the Captain is still at a loss to explain the wonder of Dice-K -

He did what the Red Sox needed him to do, to be sure, though perhaps not in the way they would have wanted. Matsuzaka (15-2) walked five, yet still got the victory as the Sox scorched Daniel Cabrera for six runs on their way to a 7-2 win in front of a sellout crowd of 48,515 at Camden Yards.

"I can't explain it," Varitek said. "Sometimes he loses feel and just misses on pitches. Part of him is still harnessing who he is at all times. I think that when he's able to do that, those [situations] will be less. Sometimes he could be way off, sometimes he could be just missing. It's a combination."

A bond between Captains?

Jason Varitek admits to having only limted exposure to Carl Yastrzemski, who underwent triple bypass surgery Tuesday night at Mass General Hospital. Still, Yaz went out of his way to express delight after the Sox re-signed Varitek following the 2004 season, and he occasionally sends messages to Varitek through intermediaries. Most of them have to do with baseball issues, like Varitek’s swing, for instance.

"I’ve always appreciated that," Varitek said.

To see photos from the game, click here.

To see a video from his post-game interview, click here.

(the above was put together from a variety of news sources today!)

'Tek Hits Home Run #10, double # 18 - Sox Win Again

August 19, 2008

Solo home runs in two consecutive games for the Captain in this series against the Orioles. It's the first time he has hit back-to-back home runs since September 21-22, 2007 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Red Sox established early momentum for the second night in a row. Jacoby Ellsbury led off the game with a single to right and stole second against Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera. Dustin Pedroia drew a walk and David Ortiz drilled an RBI single up the middle. Jason Bay made it 2-0 with a sacrifice fly to left.

Jason Varitek's second homer in two games put Boston up 3-0 in the second inning. The drive enabled Varitek to become the first Boston catcher to hit at least 10 home runs in nine seasons, breaking a tie with Carlton Fisk.

Daisuke Matsuzaka needed every bit of that lead on a night he was far from his sharpest. The Orioles rallied in their half of the third, getting RBI singles from Ramon Hernandez and Luke Scott to slim Boston's lead to 3-2.

An inning later, things almost got much worse for Matsuzaka when he loaded the bases with nobody out. But he got a huge strikeout against Melvin Mora, and then Aubrey Huff popped to third to end the threat.

The Red Sox had another rally in them in the fifth, scoring three runs on a Kevin Youkilis two-run homer and a Varitek RBI double, extending the lead to 6-2.

Daniel Cabrera (8-8) gave up both homers in another poor outing against the Red Sox. The right-hander, who allowed six runs and nine hits in 4 1-3 innings, is 2-11 with a 7.13 ERA in 16 career starts against Boston.

Final score: Red Sox 7, Orioles 2

More tomorrow...

To see photos from the game, click here.

Get Well Wishes -

To Red Sox HOF'er Carl Yastrzemski who underwent triple-bypass surgery this evening. Mr. Yastrzemski was admitted to the hospital earlier today with chest pains. NESN reported during their post-game show that the surgery was successful and he was resting.

The Captain Hits Home run # 9, Sox Win 6-3 Over Orioles

August 18, 2008

Behind Jason Bay's first multi-homer game in a Boston uniform and Jason Varitek's first long ball since July 21, a two-game losing streak was upended by the Red Sox. All in all, it was just the type of start the defending World Series champions were looking for on a night they opened a nine-game road trip.

Meanwhile, Jon Lester continued his breakout season by stifling the Orioles over his seven innings of work. The lefty allowed four hits and one run while striking out five, running his record to 12-4 and lowering his ERA to 3.17. It was Lester's 16th quality start, tying Tim Wakefield for the team lead.

Losing pitcher Jeremy Guthrie nearly matched Lester, giving up five hits and two runs over his seven innings.

The Red Sox got two loud hits for their two runs in the top of the second. Bay led off by belting a solo shot to right-center. With two outs, Varitek smashed a towering drive over the right-field stands and on to Eutaw Street to make it 2-0.

Lester made that lead stand up until bottom of the fourth, when Aubrey Huff hit a fastball over the wall in center to make it 2-1.

Batting left-handed against Jeremy Guthrie, Varitek belted a home run that went 362 feet, over the out-of-town scoreboard in right field. It had been a long time. The captain had gone nearly three months - his last coming May 21 against Brett Tomko - since hitting a home run from the left side.

"Good, it felt good," Varitek said. "Need to fight every once in a while for one at-bat throughout a game, one or two. So maybe it will start coming together."

To see photos from the game, click here.

Sunday: Notes & Quotes

August 17, 2008

From last night's game -

Blue Jays starter Roy Halladay held the powerful Red Sox at bay as Toronto topped Boston, 4-1, in the first of a rain-out shortened two-game series at Fenway Park.

Halladay (14-9) allowed seven hits and one run for his eighth complete game of the season, tops in the major leagues.

Dustin Pedroia homered and Jason Bay collected a pair of hits for the Red Sox, whose four-game win streak was halted.

"Man, he should make a pitching video," Pedroia said of Halladay. "He's got great stuff. It's tough to get in a rhythm on him because he's creating a rhythm for himself. He pretty much controlled us the whole night, and that's why he's one of the best in the league."

Paul Byrd (7-11), in his Boston debut, did not make it out of the first inning unscathed. Joe Inglett singled to start the game but was picked off. Marco Scutaro followed with a base hit and scored when Rios poked a ball over the Green Monster for a 2-0 Toronto lead.

Halladay survived the home half, and though David Ortiz singled and Kevin Youkilis walked with two down, J.D. Drew lined out to end the inning.

From there, the Jays' ace allowed two singles by Bay -- one in the second and another in the fifth -- along with a Jason Varitek base hit in the third and one by Drew in the seventh.

Their last time out, Byrd - then a member of the Indians - got the win and a complete game against Halladay. But that wouldn't happen again.

"I think the pitch [changeup] to Rios bothered me the most. I think I was just trying to strike people out. I was just a little excited, trying to overthrow. I settled down after that, just got ground balls, fly balls, which is kind of my game, just putting the ball in play. I’m not happy we lost, I never am," said Byrd. "I saw some things out there that made me feel like I’m going to be a very good fit for this team.

Byrd's thoughts on his new team, "I love the way this team plays. It's great having guys behind you that play this hard."

"He did fine but we obviously didn't score any runs," Jason Varitek said of Byrd. "We got ourselves a little behind the eight ball a little bit with the two-run homer in the first. He really settled in and was able to pitch and kept us in the game. Hopefully, that's what we're going to get out of him."

Byrd spent Friday afternoon at Varitek's locker. The veteran right-hander was engaged in a scouting session with his new batterymate, going over every Blue Jays hitter.

Asked what it was like working with the captain, Byrd said, "Great! I thought we worked very well together. We seemed to catch a rhythm, once I started locating the ball better. I was very happy with the way he received the ball. We worked well together."

On that note...

From the SI MLB Players Poll in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated magazine -

Jason made the Top 5 in the "Who is the best all-around catcher in baseball?" poll question posed to 449 players throughout the league.

(players could not vote for a teammate!)

The Top 5:

1. Russell Martin, Dodgers
2. Joe Mauer, Twins
3. Ivan Rodriguez, Yankees
4. Jason Varitek, Red Sox
5. Brian McCann, Braves

Afternoon Update (from RedSox.com):

Cash to catch Buchholz -

Tim Wakefield isn't the only one affected by his stint on the DL. Kevin Cash, who generally gets playing time as Wakefield's catcher, has seen his playing time decreased.

Cash's role with the team has changed more to that of a traditional backup catcher, Francona said. Cash was originally scheduled to catch Sunday's game with Toronto, but the rainout on Friday changed those plans.

Cash would have caught Clay Buchholz on Sunday, but with the rotation pushed back, Francona wanted Jason Varitek to catch Josh Beckett instead.

"I think [Cash will] probably catch on Wednesday," Francona said. "It gets more traditional when the knuckleballer isn't active. You're looking at a day game after night game, or strictly to give 'Tek a rest."

** As it was, 'Tek did get some rest. With the Sox so far behind early on in today's game, Cash was brought in to replace Varitek in the fifth inning.

Today's Game:

Jason was 1-2 with a single in the third, but was replaced behind the dish by back-up Kevin Cash in the fourth with the Blue Jays on top 9-1. The Jays went on to win 15-4. As Tek said in his post-game interview, "We got shelled!"

You can check out the video of Jason's post-game interview here...

...or here to check out the caps & quotes.

"He Was Trying To Tell Me Something..."

August 15, 2008

...and I have no clue what actually happened!"

Notes & Quotes from last night -

During Jason's post-game interview last night, a reporter asked the catcher to explain the two mound meetings he had with Dice-K in the same inning - two meetings that left the pitcher with a big smile on his face. Jason started laughing (at left) as he gave his reply -

"The first time I don’t know what happened! He was trying to tell me something, and I have no clue what actually happened! The next time I realized he had the signs mixed up. I think that’s what he was trying to tell me the first time (still laughing). It continued to happen. We’re lucky it didn’t result in balls flying to the backstop."

As for Dice-K's ability to get himself in, and then out of trouble -

"He's not trying to walk people. It just happens sometimes. Sometimes it's just a 'feel' thing.

He runs into those walks where he doesn't quite have a feel on the ball and the ball's not going where he wants it to."

On his experience catching Paul Byrd, tonight's starting pitcher -

"A few times...I used to catch him in the winter, he was a different pitcher, I know. He was more of a power pitcher.

Now, he has changed the tilts of the ball -- cuts it, four-seams it, curveball, changeup. We'll have to get together before Friday and talk through some things."

To see more caps and quotes, click here.

To see a few photos from the game, click here.

Sox Win 10-0, Sweep Rangers In 3-Game Series

August 14, 2008 - Post Game Update

A typical Dice-K performance!

Daisuke Matsuzaka shut down the Rangers over seven innings, walking five and scattering six hits along the way.

While he was effective and in control, he let his hitters do the talking.

The Sox compiled eight hits in the long second inning, highlighted by another three-run blast by David Ortiz. Big Papi came up as the ninth hitter of the inning and quickly did away with a 1-0 changeup from starter Tommy Hunter -- poking it over the right-field wall.

In that one crazy inning: Kevin Youkilis singled to left, Jed Lowrie singled to right, Jason Varitek walked, Crisp singled to left scoring Youkilis. With the bases loaded, Alex Cora was hit by a pitch sending Lowrie home to score, Varitek then scored on a fielder's choice grounder by J.D. Drew. Dustin Pedroia then doubled to left scoring Crisp, Ortiz homered scoring both Drew and Pedrioa. Youkilis came up again and doubled to left, and then Jason Bay followed with a single to left to score Youkilis. After a pitching change, Lowrie doubled to left scoring Bay before the inning finally concluded with an out by Varitek.

Kevin Youkilis added another strong performance from the cleanup spot, as he has all series long. He went 2-for-4. Dustin Pedroia had another big night, going 3-for-5 with 2 doubles. Jed Lowrie was 3-for-4.

Jason Varitek added two nice defensive plays in the 1st and 4th innings. Varitek's perfect throw to Alex Cora ended Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler's bid to steal second base in the top of the 1st. It was only the second time this season that Kinsler has been caught stealing. In the top of the 4th, Varitek and Cora teamed up again with another great throw and tag out to the Rangers' Chris Davis trying to steal second base.

This game marked the Sox' seventh win in as many tries this season against the Rangers. The Red Sox amassed 37 runs in this three-game series, and have outscored Texas, 69-35, in 2008.

Final Score: Red Sox 10, Rangers 0.

Respect For Tek

August 14, 2008

For those who have not read my contact page recently...

Please take note: emails regarding questions or comments about Jason's personal life will not be answered. His personal life is not my business. That is not what this site is about.

I respect his privacy, and ask that others consider doing the same.

ESPN's Peter Gammons On Jason Varitek

August 13, 2008

From his Q&A in the Boston Globe today -

Question: Realistically, what are the Sox options next year in the catching department with Tek waning , Kottaras not really taking it to the next level and Cash basically as Wake's caddy?

Peter Gammons: They've spent a half year looking for young catchers in other organizations so they are prepared should Varitek get a 3-or-4 year deal somewhere else. My guess is that they'll make a run at Jarrod Saltalamacchia in Texas or Mike Napoli with the Angels, but they may have to forge some kind of platoon with someone like Brian Schneider and hope that the next couple of years they can develop a Mark Wagner or a Luis Exposito. Remember, the average production from the catching position per team as of this morning was a .251 ave. with 10 homers and 52 RBIs. The 2005 Jason Varitek is not going to be out there.

My Rant (yes, I know, I am doing that a lot more lately!) -

Salty, Salty, Salty...

All summer long his name has been mentioned by fans and sportswriters as someone that could/should replace the Captain!

Well, perhaps they should read this excerpt from a July 27th article on MLB.com about Jarrod Saltamacchia, when he was taken out of the lineup as the Rangers starting catcher:

The Rangers refer to Saltalamacchia, 23, as a work in progress, especially on the defensive end. Offensively, he is hitting .232 with three home runs and 24 RBIs in 47 games and 164 at-bats, but it's still the defense that concerns the Rangers.

"No. 1, his game-calling can always get better," Ron Washington said. "I'm not getting on him; I'm just talking about what he can improve. No. 2, blocking balls. No. 3, continue working on his throwing. No. 4, understanding catching is most important. All of it together is a process. It takes time. It's called experience."

Read that again!

Gee, did manager Ron Washington miss anything?

Is this really someone the fans want replacing Varitek behind the dish? Will he really be a major improvement or a huge "upgrade" for the Sox next season?

It certainly doesn't sound like it! It sounds more like a repeat of August, 2006 when Tek was out with an injury...only it would last an entire season!

Be careful what you wish for!

To read the entire article, click here.

Red Sox 5, White Sox 1

August 12, 2008

Red Sox Say 'No' To No-Hitter -

At a time the Red Sox are desperate for wins, they simply can't afford to be on the wrong side of history.

So, as John Danks carried a perfect game into the sixth inning, and then simply a no-hitter into the seventh, the Red Sox kept their resolve and spoiled what would have been a career night for the talented left-hander.

Not only that, but they found a way to win the game too, 5-1, over the White Sox, to salvage a split of the four-game series and finish the road trip with a 4-3 mark.

"We had great energy," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "We had nothing to show for it early. But everybody stayed at it. It was a great atmosphere. Tonight was a fun game to play. It's better when you have the lead. But it was well played. We stayed at it and got a win."

With one out in that seventh, Kevin Youkilis stymied the no-hit bid of Danks by hitting a soft liner into center for a broken-bat single. Mike Lowell followed with a walk. And after Jason Bay struck out, Drew stung an 0-1 fastball for what stood up as the game-winning hit.

"This game is hard to figure out sometimes," said Francona. "The good part of it was, it was a 1-0 game. You always feel like you're a hit or a walk [away]. Or like what happened tonight, J.D. hits a ball in the gap and all of a sudden we're winning."

For that, they could thank ace Josh Beckett. Although he was overshadowed by Danks for much of the night, Beckett turned in his second big effort of the road trip. The right-hander went eight innings, allowing seven hits and one run, improving his record to 11-8 and lowering his ERA to 3.92. Beckett didn't walk anyone, striking out eight.

"Any time you hold a team to one run, when you have a lineup like we have, I think you feel pretty good about your chances," Beckett said. "I was pretty focused from pitch to pitch tonight. The result ended up being pretty good. The guys picked me up, scored a couple of runs in that inning, and we ended up tacking three more on."

"He was clean today with his delivery," said Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. "Balls were going where he wanted them to. He's had to fight that quite a bit throughout different points of the year. But no better point than now to figure it out. He's been off, just by a lock, and he's had some real hard luck where we haven't scored runs for him. But today he was really good."

"He’s throwing the ball good," echoed Dustin Pedroia, "and when he’s on, there’s nobody better."

Final Score: Red Sox 5, White Sox 1

To see photos from the game, click here.

Red Sox Take Game Two of a Four-Game Series w/White Sox

August 9, 2008

Daisuke Matsuzaka threw his longest outing of the season and David Ortiz hit a three-run double to help Boston beat the Chicago White Sox 6-2 on Saturday night.

The White Sox's pitching depth took a tumble in the second inning when Jose Contreras left the game with a likely season-ending Achilles' tendon injury. The 36-year-old Contreras ruptured his Achilles' trying to cover first on a grounder. Contreras collapsed on the field and needed help to leave the game.

After D.J. Carrasco pitched 4-1/3 innings in relief of Contreras, Boone Logan took the hill and Ellsbury greeted him with a single. Jason Varitek followed with a base hit and J.D. Drew walked to load the bases. Pedroia squeezed a single through the left side to score Ellsbury for a 2-1 Boston lead, then Big Papi crushed a ball off the wall just to the left of center, clearing the bases.

In the eighth inning, Jacoby Ellsbury hit his seventh homer of the season into the right field bleachers. In the very next at-bat, White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin robbed Jason Varitek of a home run of his own at the left field wall.

Jason Bay and Dustin Pedroia also drove in runs to back a sharp outing by Matsuzaka, who gave up four hits in eight innings.

Jim Thome homered off Mike Timlin with two outs in the ninth, his 23rd of the season before Timlin put an end to the White Sox's evening.

Final Score: Red Sox 6, White Sox 2

As for Jason hitting in the #9 spot (from RedSox.com tonight):

"Since we had Ellsbury ninth and Drew first, rather than have our fastest guy get stuck behind our catcher, we'll do this," Francona said. "And if they want to bring in a lefty, it seems to make some sense."

As far as Varitek goes, Francona sees some improvement from the captain, who entered Saturday's game with a .221 average and had hit .316 in the past seven games.

"I think he feels a little bit better," Francona said. "I know there's been a lot of times he'll come back to the bench, even on a ball that wasn't a hit, and he'll say, 'I feel better,' which is good. He's taking some better passes, more consistent. Sometimes, guys, as cold as they get, they get just as hot."

Varitek has had at least one hit in each of his last five games. He is hitting .316 (6-for-19 with six walks) over his last 16 games.

Television show Reminder: "Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt Putt" On NESN Tonight

August 7, 2008

NESN will air a special Celebrity Spotlight on Thursday, August 7th, at 9:00 p.m. showcasing Jason's charity putt putt event, which was held in June at the Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton.

The show will also feature highlights from Jason's career with the Red Sox.

Other scheduled air times for the show:

Monday, August 11th at 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 21st at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 24th at 6:30 p.m.

Once again, thank you very much to Mr. Sylvester from NESN!

If you would like to see fan photos from the June tournament, click here.

Win tickets to a Red Sox vs. Yankees game and dinner with the Captain!

The Celebrities for Charities Foundation, in association with the Travis Roy Foundation is holding another great raffle this summer - but hurry, this one is over at the end of August!

Tickets are only $2.00 a piece!

The Grand Prize winner will receive:

- 4 Infield Grand Stand Seats to the Red Sox / Yankees Game on September 26, 2008 at Fenway Park.

- You and 3 guests will enjoy dinner with Jason Varitek at Tresca in Boston's North End (not the same evening as the game).

- An autographed Jason Varitek Jersey.

Drawing Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Entry Deadline: 9:00 AM EDT August 27, 2008

Help Jason Varitek and the Travis Roy Foundation in their efforts to support those afflicted with spinal cord injuries.

Click here for more information and to purhase your raffle tickets ($2.00 per ticket, minimum purchase of 5 tickets).

Quotes of the Day:

Thank you to Art Malone from the Providence Journal for the link to Curt Schilling's posts on Sons of Sam Horn defending Jason from the regular "Tek bashers" that post there -

"Jason Varitek is arguably one of the most respected men in the game. There is literally NOTHING he does not do with 100% effort and integrity. If he was hitting 290 he'd be the most beloved person in this city. He's not and at the same time there is an almost 'anti-Jason' movement going on. The amount of hours he puts in rivals Manny when it comes to hitting."

"Jason Varitek is a man I'd lay down my life for, on and off the field, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Mike Lowell, Wake, Dougie, Papi, all of them. Put 24 guys in a clubhouse who'd kill for you and you for the with 1 guy that didn't give a (crap) about you, well, can you see where I am coming from?"

"I take the loss in a game Tek punches out with the bases loaded and I'll sleep like a baby. I know for a guaranteed life betting fact that the man did everything in his God Given ability to succeed at the plate, behind the plate, on the bases and in the clubhouse because of the gut wrenching fear anyone would ever suspect he didn't play the game right, respect the uniform, appreciate the fact that some kid at that game might be watching his first ever baseball game, or care about his teammates."

Interview With Jason Varitek

August 5, 2008

Jason was interviewed by MLB's Jose Mota on Wednesday, July 23th prior to the Sox last game against the Mariners in Seattle:

"Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek has been described by his friends and colleagues as the most prepared catcher and one of the most respected players in the game of baseball and a true winner. With all those attributes, how does that translate into being Jason Varitek?" -- Jose Mota

Jose Mota: "You talk about championships, the wait, then the repeat, but holding that trophy, there is a magnificent picture of you holding that trophy, what goes through your mind? Is there a lot of history involved in that?"

Jason: "Especially the first one! Alot of history because there were a lot of broken hearts in our fans and what they dealt with over the years and the longer you are there as a player, the more you understood what that burden had been on Red Sox Nation. To finally do that and overcome that hurdle - it just changed the whole dynamic of the organization."

Jose Mota: "How passionate are you about that big "C" on your uniform?"

Jason: "I take pride in it. It was a little tough for me in the beginning to wear it, but the organization felt that was something they wanted to do so I went with it. But it's just....I am just more honored to have that opportunity because that's the kind of player I want to be."

Jose Mota: "You don't see that much anymore, Derek Jeter and a few 'un-appointed' captains - but does that change who you are? Do the guys see you differently in the clubhouse?"

Jason: "Some that don't know...that don't know me, maybe. It hasn't changed my role or who I am, it just gave a symbol or an 'extra letter' on my jersey to give them an official title, so to speak."

Jose Mota: "Okay, so you have so many innings under you, a lot of them - how many more do you think are under Jason Varitek's legs knowing that free-agency is close? Do you want to return to the Red Sox?"

Jason: Well, I can't answer that 'yes' or 'no' right now, just hopefully that things work out for the best for both parties, whoever that may be.

Jose Mota: "Given where you are right now, how much longer would you like to catch?"

Jason: "Health! As long as my body is healthy and I can competitively move and do things back there to help a team win. I don't know how long that will be, but I know I am still able to handle the day games after night games on a consistent basis, so I've got a few left in me."

On the Red Sox / Yankees Rivalry -

Jason: "I have so many of those games under my belt and it's an exciting time for baseball. It builds on the history and it builds on the fan involvement. The fan involvement stirs more media involvement, more hype, and stirs the whole thing and it's something great for baseball."

Jose Mota: "Do you have a particular game that you remember the most? on the offensive side or defensive side that you can share?"

Jason: "The one that, I mean I don't even know what I did offensively, but finally winning that Game 7 of the ALCS."

Jose Mota: "What can you share with us about that place they call Fenway Park?"

Jason: "Same thing, our fans! It's a historic stadium, it's huge. It's old but changing all the time. But the same core thing is there, a very knowledgable, passionate fan base."

Jose Mota: "What does Red Sox Nation mean to you?"

Jason: "Our fan base is the strongest in Major League Baseball. Our fan base has changed a little bit (smiles) - from not ever winning a championship and having their hearts broken to being ecstatic about being a Red Sox fan."

On different personalities within the Red Sox clubhouse (word association)-

Jose Mota: "Personalities, what comes to mind? Number 1?"

Jason: "Johnny Damon!"

Jose Mota: "What comes to mind with Johnny Damon?"

Jason: "Johnny was just such a ... he was not only a gamer but he was such a unique personality. We've had a few of 'em over the years, but he was a guy that would play hurt, play with a broken leg if he had to. But yet he had such a flamboyant personality with the media, with the fans, it's a good combination of both!"

Jose Mota: "Curt Schilling?"

Jason: "Gamer!"

Jose Mota: "Pedro Martinez?"

Jason: "Competitor!"

Jose Mota: "Manny Ramirez?"

Jason: "Best right-handed hitter ever to play!"

Jose Mota: "You know Manny says that he has some things that you tell him sometimes that really pick him up. You don't need to share those with us, but do you realize the impact you have had on him?"

Jason: "Uh....especially this year, because Manny has opened up a bit more. He has knowledge, especially about hitting and I have seen him grow, and not only has he always been that great hitter but he's grown in that outfield and has learned how to play that wall better than any player I have ever seen on this team! I appreciate that (in reference to the impact), I don't think I ever knew that about Manny."

Handling Boston's pitchers -

Jose Mota: "Jason Varitek is a master at handling young pitchers. He also has the distinction of catching four no-hitters, the only guy to ever have done that. We asked him 'How do you feel about catching four no-hitters?' "

Jason: "Lucky! Every one of them was so different and how they happened. The uniqueness of them - a lot of things had to go into play. Probably two of the best overall pitchers I've ever caught, we didn't have one - that's Pedro and Curt and I would also throw Josh into that category. So many things have to go right and every one of them just got dominate late (in the game)."

Jose Mota: "Is there anything early in any of those, from Hideo's to Derek Lowe's to Lester to Buchholz that told you that 'there is something special going on in the game or no?"

Jason: "Uh, probably more so with Buchholz than any of them, after three or four innings. Lester's? He struggled early. It was a tough field that day, it was windy, cool, the balls were drying - he couldn't even grip the ball, he was coming to us panicking because he had no feel to the ball and then things just happened, he got some ground ball outs, the sun went down and the wind went away and he just DOMINATED. Nomo didn't have a great spring, and it was his first outing of the season, and he just became so powerful between his fastball and his split throughout that game, and he threw predominately fast balls late in the game and threw just a heavy ball...and then the abberation - Derek Lowe's? just a lot of things went right."

Jose Mota: "Your catching skills are unparalled, from your peers to coaches and managers, but handling young pitchers like a Buchholz, is it different than in the way you handle a Schilling, a Beckett, a Pedro Martinez?"

Jason: "There is a difference. I am learning the younger guys and what to do, like where you want to go with them - to add confidence and then add stuff to make them more complete, but not throw everything at them all at once. I am learning that as I go along to because over the last two years we've had more development than we did my first 7-8 years."

Jose Mota: "So here I am, I am a young pitcher, tie situation, you've done your charts, you've studied your...everything...but I think I have great stuff coming out of the bullpen and my fastball is electric, but you don't see that. What's the best way for you to communicate that to me?"

Jason: "I still believe it doesn't have to be 'electric', it just has to be executed. We'll try and slow down the game a little bit and let you go just pitch to pitch, literally."

To see more (and larger) screen captures from the interview, click here.

*Thank you to Christina Tran for sending me the link to the video.

Quote of the Day:

From an article in the Boston Globe -

With Casey on third and Jed Lowrie on first, Kansas City brought in Mahay to turn Jason Varitek around to the right side. It took nine pitches, but Varitek struck out swinging.

"We're close friends off the field, so I'm sure I'll be hearing about that when we get together tonight," Mahay said of Varitek, who was 2 for 4 with a homer and two walks off him lifetime. "He's always got the best of me. Tonight I got him."

And Tonight:

Sox win 8-2 over Royals.

Josh Beckett was indeed the Ace tonight, going 6-2/3rd innings with four hits, two runs, two walks and seven strikeouts. J.D. Drew reached base three times, Kevin Youkilis had a pair of hits, Jason Bay had four hits and two RBI, Jed Lowrie had a triple and two RBI and Jacoby Ellsbury had two hits and two steals.

The top of the sixth saw three hits and two runs when Jason Bay singled to left, Varitek singled to right, which sent Bay to third. Ellsbury singled to right scoring Bay. Ellsbury stole second. Pedroia was safe on third baseman Alex Gordon's error, scoring Varitek and sending Ellsbury to third, but he was out at the plate when he tried to score behind Varitek. Every Sox player had a hit tonight with the exception of Mike Lowell, who still got on base twice after getting hit by a pitch in the top of the fourth and reaching on an error in the top of the seventh.

Jason Bay was "officially welcomed" to the Sox with a shaving cream pie in the face by David Ortiz during his post-game interview.

To see a larger version of the photo above, click here.

This is an unofficial fan site on Mr. Varitek.
For more information, click here.

Jason Varitek -

2008 All-Star! Congratulations!

Voted in by the players!

"...Francona always refers to how much Varitek contributes to wins even when he's not hitting. And the fact that his peers voted him in despite his offensive numbers probably demonstrates that better than anything." -- Ian Browne, from his column on MLB.com.

*You can see more photos from Jason's All-Star appearances by clicking here.

Jason's July 4th Catchers Gear!

Final Bid of $3,000 - 12 bids total. Congratulations to the highest bidder!

Proceeds from the sale benefit Children's Hospital Boston.

Bidding ended August 18, 2008.

*To see more photos and caps of Jason's All-Star holiday gear, click here.

2008 Game Schedule

. Aug 20, 2008
» @ BAL, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Aug 22, 2008
» @ TOR, 7:07pm
» NESN

. Aug 23, 2008
» @ TOR, 1:07pm
» NESN

. Aug 24, 2008
» @ TOR, 1:07pm
» NESN

. Aug 26, 2008
» @ NYY, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Aug 27, 2008
» @ NYY, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Aug 28, 2008
» @ NYY, 1:05pm
» ESPN

. Aug 29, 2008
» vs CWS, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Aug 30, 2008
» vs CWS, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Aug 31, 2008
» vs CWS, 1:35pm
» NESN

. Sep 1, 2008
» vs BAL, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 2, 2008
» vs BAL, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 3, 2008
» vs BAL, 1:35pm
» NESN

. Sep 5, 2008
» @ TEX, 8:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 6, 2008
» @ TEX, 8:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 7, 2008
» @ TEX, 3:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 8, 2008
» vs TB, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 9, 2008
» vs TB, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 10, 2008
» vs TB, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 12, 2008
» vs TOR, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 13, 2008
» vs TOR, 12:35pm, Game 1
» vs TOR, 7:05pm, Game 2
» NESN

. Sep 14, 2008
» vs TOR, 1:35pm
» NESN

. Sep 15, 2008
» @ TB, 7:10pm
» NESN

. Sep 16, 2008
» @ TB, 7:10pm
» NESN

. Sep 17, 2008
» @ TB, 7:10pm
» NESN

. Sep 19, 2008
» @ TOR, 7:07pm
» NESN

. Sep 20, 2008
» @ TOR, 1:07pm
» NESN

. Sep 21, 2008
» @ TOR, 1:07pm
» NESN

. Sep 22, 2008
» vs CLE, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 23, 2008
» vs CLE, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 24, 2008
» vs CLE, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 25, 2008
» vs CLE, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 26, 2008
» vs NYY, 7:05pm
» NESN / ESPN

. Sep 27, 2008
» vs NYY, 7:05pm
» NESN

. Sep 28, 2008
» vs NYY, 1:35pm
» NESN

For the full schedule, click here.

Play the MTA Red Sox Reading Game!

Join Jason and Wally as they read this summer!

Click on the image above for more info and to print out a copy of the poster!

Summer Raffle News:

Win tickets to a Sox vs. Yankees game...
and dinner with Jason!

Celebrities for Charities and The Travis Roy Foundation are holding another great raffle this summer - but hurry, this one is over at the end of August!
Tickets are only $2.00 a piece!

The Grand Prize winner will receive:

- 4 Infield Grand Stand Seats to the Red Sox / Yankees Game on September 26, 2008 at Fenway Park.

- You and 3 guests will enjoy dinner with Jason Varitek at Tresca in Boston's North End (not the same evening as the game).

- An autographed Jason Varitek Jersey.

Drawing Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Entry Deadline: 9:00 AM EDT August 27, 2008

Click here for more information and to purhase your raffle tickets ($2.00 per ticket, minimum purchase of 5 tickets).

2007 & 2008

This Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and elegant with enticing flavors of black currant, tart cherry, tobacco and clove. This Cabernet is a full bodied wine with a finish of moderate tannins.

Proceeds from Captain's Cabernet support Pitching In For Kids, a program dedicated to improve the lives of children across New England. Funds have been earmarked to help Children's Hospital Boston, one of the nation's top hospitals specializing in pediatric care.

To order, click here.

None at this time!

New Book:

Dynasty - The Inside Story Of How The Red Sox Became A Baseball Powerhouse

By: Tony Massarotti

Foreword by: Jason Varitek

Available: April, 2008. To order, click here.

Television - NESN Celebrity Spotlight Series
Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt
Air Dates: August 7-24, 2008

Jason Varitek, his teammates and many other Boston celebrities came together on June 9th for a game of putt-putt to raise money for Saints Medical Center and the Celebrities for Charity Foundation.

The event was attended by more than 1,000 people and almost every major Boston Television station as well as several radio stations and newspaper publications.

To see photos from this year's event, click here.

The scheduled air times for the show:

Thursday, August 7th at 9:00 p.m.

Monday, August 11th at 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 21st at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 24th at 6:30 p.m.

*If you watch 'til the end, you just might see a "thank you" to Jason-Varitek.com!

Have you met Jason? Had your picture taken with him? Taken a picture of him? If the answer is yes, and you would like to share your story and/or photo, please e-mail me!

Looking for exclusive autographed memorabilia from the Captain?

All-Star Sports Equipment -

Prepared to take you onto the field!

• Boston Red Sox
• Red Sox Foundation
• Jimmy Fund
• Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt Tournament
• Celebrities for Charities Foundation
• Pitching In For Kids Foundation
• All-Star Sports (makers of Jason's catcher's gear)
• RBI Academy
• Curt's Pitch for ALS
• The Mike Lowell Foundation
• J-V.com MySpace
• Big Ben News (my other site)