When Boston Red Sox GM Theo Epstein traded for Victor Martinez from the Cleveland Indians, it was expected that this would be more than a rental player. And after meeting with the media this afternoon, Epstein made it clear that VMart will be the catcher in the 2010 season.
In 56 games with the Red Sox, VMart hit .336 with 8 home runs, 41 RBIs and a stolen base. Overall in 155 games with the Indians (99 games) and Red Sox, he hit .303 with 23 home runs, 103 RBIs and a stolen base.
The Red Sox hold a $7.5 million option on Martinez and now that we know it will be exercised, what will Theo do with Jason Varitek.
The Captain has been the heart and soul of this team for the better part of this decade. What he brings to table with the pitching staff is unparalleled. But with his defensive skills on the decline and his offense mostly non-existent, Epstein went out and got VMart.
The Red Sox hold a $5 million team option on Varitek while he holds a $3 million player option. He can also earn $2M in 2010 performance bonuses ($0.4M each for 80, 90, 100, 110, 120 games started) if he exercises his option.
Epstein said on Monday afternoon that he will sit down with Varitek and his representative Scott Boras to discuss the Captain’s future. With VMart all but entrenched as the starting backstop in 2010, it will be interesting to see if Varitek will take to a backup role or look to move on with another organization.
Epstein looks ahead to the winter [Extra Bases]
