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Boston Red Sox: It’s time for ‘The Captain’ Jason Varitek to take over

By Justin Trombino

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Special assistant Jason Jason Varitek and pitcher Andrew Cashner #48 of the Boston Red Sox talk before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on September 08, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Special assistant Jason Jason Varitek and pitcher Andrew Cashner #48 of the Boston Red Sox talk before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on September 08, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Red Sox are in need of a new manager after the firing of Alex Cora. If we’re looking within the organization, Jason Varitek seems like he’d be a great fit to manage this Red Sox team.

What are the qualities of the ideal manager of a ball club? Leadership, integrity, and a true mind for the game are a few traits that come to mind for me. With the Boston Red Sox going over potential candidates for their next manager in lieu of the firing of Alex Cora, there’s one name that comes to mind that fans would love to see manage their beloved Red Sox. Jason Varitek.

Varitek is one of the most accomplished and successful baseball players there is. Prior to the MLB, Varitek is only one of three players ever to play in the Little League World Series, College World Series, and a Major League World Series.

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Say he does become the next manager of the Boston Red Sox and wins the World Series, Jason Varitek would become the first manager to either play in or win a title in every level of the sport.

After what is considered to be one of the greatest trades in Red Sox history, Varitek made his MLB debut in 1997 and spent his entire 14-year career with Red Sox. He finished his career with 1307 hits, 193 home runs, 757 runs batted in, and a batting average of .256. Jason Varitek was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2016.

Being with the team since the late ’90s has allowed Varitek to be with the team through the not so great years. The years of the team being led by Jimmy Williams (1997-2001), Joe Kerrigan (2001), Grady Little (2002-2003), and then Terry Francona (2004-2011).

The former captain would finish his playing career being named a three-time All-Star (2003, 2005, 2008), a two-time World Series champion (2004, 2007), a Silver Slugger recipient (2005), and a Gold Glove award winner (2005). Varitek would retire in 2011 but he never really left.

He would join the team in 2012 as a Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations. The job allows him to be involved with personnel decisions, evaluations, and mentorship of younger players.

We know the catcher position is one of the most important positions on the diamond. The catcher has the clearest view and can see the entire field from the plate. The position also entails intelligence. Similar to the manager, the catcher needs to be one of the smartest players on the field, he needs to understand situational techniques and execute without hesitating.

During his playing days, Varitek was the one who provided those aspects for the Boston Red Sox, which is why he was named the team captain in 2005 and held the title until he retired.

With his track record in baseball, it was only a matter of time before Jason Varitek would be in the conversations of MLB managers. On top of his front office position, the great baseball mind of Varitek is often found interacting with his players around the clubhouse and bullpen. It’s unknown how involved he truly is within the front office and the decision making, but his input and overall presence is valued.

Even though Jason Varitek has no experience managing a baseball team, he is still qualified for the position. Varitek had his time to see the game from a different perspective, which can help with understanding the game from a different angle. Let’s not forget the Red Sox took a chance on a rookie manager in Alex Cora, so it’s definitely not uncommon to see from the club.

Varitek is a winner and he knows how to win. The amount of respect the players and assistants would have for Varitek would be off the charts. With a new President of Baseball Operations in Chaim Bloom and a new manager on the way for the Red Sox, Jason Varitek is the perfect fit.

Next. Red Sox need to be bold in 2020. dark

It wouldn’t be right not to mention the great fight between Jason Varitek, Alex Rodriguez, and both ball clubs before ending this. Enjoy.

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