Seattle Mariners interview Jason Varitek for managerial opening

CBS Sports reports that the Seattle Mariners have interviewed former Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek for their managerial opening. The two-time World Series champion was originally a first-round pick of the Mariners, but was traded to Boston in a deal for Derek Lowe and Heathcliff Slocumb in 1997.

Varitek was pegged by many as a future big-league manager even prior to his retirement after the 2011 season, as he’s long been considered to have one of the highest baseball IQs of the last two decades. While his numbers don’t necessarily boast Hall of Fame recognition, Varitek called as good a game as any behind the dish and also had a knack for drawing walks at the plate.

The 43-year-old has stayed in Boston since retiring, working as a special assistant with the Red Sox since 2012. He lives there with his wife and kids, which draws into question just how serious he is about a potential run at becoming the Seattle skipper. With Tim Bogar reportedly being the favorite for the job, and big-name options like Bud Black, Ron Gardenhire, and others available, the job very well may not be Varitek’s to have even if he wants it.

The interview could, however, be a springboard to get the former Gold Glove Award winner a look from other clubs. The Nationals, Padres and Marlins all have openings in the dugout, and Variety could very well make a surge to become a legitimate candidate for any of those jobs. Miami seems particularly interested in Larry Bowa (who has interviewed twice), though none of the three clubs appear to have a candidate set in stone to this point. Varitek has been directly linked to San Diego already, though there are no reports suggesting he has formally interviewed for the job.