BoSox explore catching options. Jason Varitek and the Red Sox might discover that being togetheris better than being apart, but if the team and its free agentcaptain can’t agree on what likely would be at least a two-yeardeal, where would the sides go from there?
The Sox will not wait to settle the Varitek issue before decidingon a Plan B. They refuse to even say if signing Varitek is Plan A,and according to baseball sources yesterday, the team is completingdue diligence on many other options.
The Texas catching trio of Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden and Gerald Laird has created the most buzz, but more teamsare making their catching options known to the Sox.
The Angels are open to dealing either Jeff Mathis or Mike Napoli,and manager Mike Scioscia is a Varitek admirer. Among the othercatchers being shopped to the Sox: Brian Schneider (Mets), John Buck(Royals), Ramon Hernandez (Orioles), Bengie Molina (Giants), Kelly Shoppach and Victor Martinez (Indians), Kenji Johjima (Mariners) andYorvit Torrealba (Rockies).
The Dodgers probably will not deal away Russell Martin but areconsidering a position change for him even though there seems to beno heir apparent.
The Dodgers and Tigers are believed to be two teams that willexpress interest in Varitek.
So far, the acquisition price for the blue-chip names has beentoo high for the Sox, as in at least one of the following players:Justin Masterson, Clay Buchholz and Lars Anderson.
Action on the catching front still is a week or two away fromgetting serious.
Sox notes
There was nothing out of Japan to refute the growing certaintythat pitcher Junichi Tazawa will sign with the Sox. A decision couldbe made next week.. ..
The Sox released their spring training schedule for City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, where their sellout streak dates to March 16,2003. Tickets for the 18 games will not change in price from 2007and will go on sale Dec. 6 in Fort Myers, at redsox.com or bycalling (877)-REDSOX9.. ..
Free agent outfielder Rocco Baldelli was named the 2008 Tony Conigliaro Award winner.
The Rhode Island native will be honored at the 70th annual Boston Baseball Writers Dinner at the Westin Waterfront on Jan. 8. Theaward goes to a player who has battled adversity with spirit,determination and courage.. ..
Free agent pitcher Curt Schilling will visit U.S. troops in thePersian Gulf as part of a weeklong USO/Armed Forces Entertainmenttour.
“To be able to say thank you at a time of year that I can’tfathom being apart from my family is a true honor,” Schilling saidin a statement. “I am proud to accept the invitation.”
