Jason Varitek to Join Red Sox, But Not as Manager

Former Boston Red Sox catcher and captain Jason Varitek is close to taking a job with his old club. According to ESPNBoston’s Gordon Edes, it doesn’t appear to be as the successor to Bobby Valentine as manager. In fact, Varitek seemed rather perturbed to be asked about the possibility.

"“Why are you asking me that?” Varitek said. “You think I’m going to answer that question right now? I’m not going to answer that question.”"

Varitek will join the Red Sox as an assistant to Ben Cherington. Image: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE

Of course, it would be impossible for Varitek to comment on the situation without casting a shadow over Valentine’s shoulder. Still, Varitek didn’t deny the possibility, either. As soon as Varitek’s name was mentioned as a possibility during the summer months, he became the favorite for the job, at least if you ask the throngs of Red Sox fans.

It seems a foregone conclusion that Valentine will be replaced after just one season on the bench. Varitek was offered an unspecified role with the club upon his retirement prior to the 2012 season. Edes reports that the role will likely be a special assistant to the general manager; a job which entail learning the entire Red Sox organization, with emphasis on scouting and player development.

Whether it be in 2013 or someday down the road, it appears that Varitek is almost destined to one day manage this club. As it stands, he’s taking the same route to the dugout that former Diamondbacks manager and big league catcher A.J. Hinch took, as well as current White Sox skipper Robin Ventura. Neither of those men had any managerial experience before stepping out of the fron office to handle duties in the dugout. Things have worked out much better for Ventura, who is a leading candidate for AL Manager of the Year. Hinch was fired by the Diamondbacks after just a season and change with a record of 89-123.

In addition to Varitek, Edes lists a few others as potential replacements for Valentine. Tim Bogar, a coach on the Boston staff, is a candidate to win the vacant Houston job, Toronto manager John Farrell is known to be of interest to the Red Sox, for whom he worked as both a coach and an executive in years past, and former Tigers and Astros catcher Brad Ausmus.