FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — When the Boston Red Sox reported to spring training and captain Jason Varitek was nowhere to be found, the players could see the writing on the wall.
Now that the news is out Varitek has decided to retire after 15 seasons as the catcher in Boston, it doesn’t make it any easier to take. Red Sox players had somber reactions Tuesday, with David Ortiz saying it was an honor to be Varitek’s teammate.
Ace Josh Beckett says Varitek will be sorely missed both on the field and in the clubhouse. He says there isn’t a player in baseball that he respects more than Varitek.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia replaced Varitek as the team’s starting catcher last season. He says Varitek helped restore his confidence in his abilities.
