Blog Hog: Bring Him Back

Okay, this is my Varitek post, and you better sit and read this, Dear Criss. He can't go. We need one more year. Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe did a great story on why this may not have been The End.

"There’s evidence that the organization believes Varitek is still its best defensive catcher, the best handler of pitchers, and an invaluable piece of the team. There’s evidence, too, to suggest Victor Martinez may not stay here after the team offered him a contract for two years (and may be willing to go to three), but not the four or five years Martinez is seeking and could get in free agency.

"There’s a feeling in the organization of some that if Martinez departs, the team could commit to Jarrod Saltalamacchia as the starting catcher and have Varitek mentor him."

So I wrote to the guy and said that he needed to get Theo on the same wavelength. He replied that the folks upstairs just may be on the same wavelength, "unless something better comes along." But let's ignore the last part of that thought. Wait, we don't have to because who could possibly come along that's better?! Joe Mauer is already committed, friends.

But the Boston Herald further broke my heart when they quoted Varitek:

“'I can’t really say that every bone in my body wasn’t shaking,' Varitek said, referring to the long, passionate standing ovation he received. 'I had to really try and take a few deep breaths and try to relax.'”

This off-season is going to be hard.

On to the Pats-Dolphins game. What was that? Special teams, special teams, special teams. There were two touchdowns in 2+ minutes. Crazy. Blocked punt turns into a touchdown, kick return turns into a touchdown ... interceptions, fumbles, a mess. It was the usual close game in the first half then turned into a sad blowout.

Next week: Jets-Vikings. GO FAVRE! Get that Sanchez, and take him to school!

Okay, and finally, if you missed "Four Days in October" tonight on ESPN's 30 for 30, you HAVE to see it!!! All I will say is 2004.

Roxy

Photo: Kelvin Ma, Boston Herald