Writing on the Wall for Tek?

[JMU DJ]

The Red Soxs acquire catcher Victor Martinez from the Indians.... so long Jason Varitek?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4369463

[Col Hogan]

After this season....could be...

The Captain started out OK at the dish...but he's fallen off...

It's going to be interesting...

[clenz]

Vic also plays 1B, so who knows.

[JMU DJ]

Vic also plays 1B, so who knows.

So does Youkilis... unless they move him back over to third... I don't see things boding well for Tek... especially since Lowell is at third. Either way, Lowell or Tek is going to be riding some pine.

[Col Hogan]

Vic also plays 1B, so who knows.

So does Youkilis... unless they move him back over to third... I don't see things boding well for Tek... especially since Lowell is at third. Either way, Lowell or Tek is going to be riding some pine.

After watching Lowell trying to run out a grounder to third...I think Youk is going to be at the hot corner a lot more, with V-Mar playing lots of first...spelling Tek behind the plate...that way they keep his bat in the lineup much more...

[TwinTownBisonFan]

if you platoon Tek and Victor behind the plate, and then use victor/papi at dh with victor spelling yook at 1b... in essence you play mix-n-match with martinez at three positions and play matchups.

i dont think Tek is done with the sox.

[UNHWildCats]

The future of Varitek may depend on the future of Tim Wakefield. Unless Martinez is given the chance and suceeds at catching the knuckleball this season, its unlikely Varitek returns next season. If Martinez does succeed he can be the knuckleballers catcher and Varitek can return.

As TTBF points out though, Martinez offers soo much flexability for Boston that the Sox under the right circumstances could even carry 3 catchers next season.

Martinez could play three times behind the plate and 3 times at 1B each week. While at 1B Youk can get an occasional day off and relieve Lowell at 3B. Lowell who still has limited mobility can sit twice a week and spell ortiz at DH once or so a week since Lowell is still hitting very well.

The key to 3 catchers next season maybe in finding a backup middle infielder who is also a very good OF since they would be giving up the roster spot that would be the 5th OF.

The Sox also may have found a big OF insurance policy in the past few days as Josh Reddick has been explosive in his first two games in the majors.

Since being called up from AA, Reddick is 4-11 with two doubles and a home run. With Drew leaving the game again yesterday, Reddick could end up with a long look from the coaches and front office that could help give him an upperhand heading into spring training next season.

Reddick is rated the second best prospect in the Sox system behind SS/P Casey Kelly.

Junich Tazawa could soon find himself as the newest Japanese member of the Red Sox pitching staff as Boston will need to soon readd a 12th pitcher to replace Justin Masterson. In order to do so Boston needs to make a roster move. It was expected Reddick would hed back down, but with Bay with the sore hamstring and Drew's groin issue its more likely one of them heads to the DL.

[Col Hogan]

The future of Varitek may depend on the future of Tim Wakefield. Unless Martinez is given the chance and suceeds at catching the knuckleball this season, its unlikely Varitek returns next season. If Martinez does succeed he can be the knuckleballers catcher and Varitek can return.

As TTBF points out though, Martinez offers soo much flexability for Boston that the Sox under the right circumstances could even carry 3 catchers next season.

Martinez could play three times behind the plate and 3 times at 1B each week. While at 1B Youk can get an occasional day off and relieve Lowell at 3B. Lowell who still has limited mobility can sit twice a week and spell ortiz at DH once or so a week since Lowell is still hitting very well.

The key to 3 catchers next season maybe in finding a backup middle infielder who is also a very good OF since they would be giving up the roster spot that would be the 5th OF.

The Sox also may have found a big OF insurance policy in the past few days as Josh Reddick has been explosive in his first two games in the majors.

Since being called up from AA, Reddick is 4-11 with two doubles and a home run. With Drew leaving the game again yesterday, Reddick could end up with a long look from the coaches and front office that could help give him an upperhand heading into spring training next season.

Reddick is rated the second best prospect in the Sox system behind SS/P Casey Kelly.

Junich Tazawa could soon find himself as the newest Japanese member of the Red Sox pitching staff as Boston will need to soon readd a 12th pitcher to replace Justin Masterson. In order to do so Boston needs to make a roster move. It was expected Reddick would hed back down, but with Bay with the sore hamstring and Drew's groin issue its more likely one of them heads to the DL.

Good analysis, Travis...I watched all three games this weekend, and Reddick really impressed me...

On the other hand, Clay Buchholz really did not help his cause any with his Sunday performance...I don't feel confidence building for him to stay with the big team right now...

[UNHWildCats]

The future of Varitek may depend on the future of Tim Wakefield. Unless Martinez is given the chance and suceeds at catching the knuckleball this season, its unlikely Varitek returns next season. If Martinez does succeed he can be the knuckleballers catcher and Varitek can return.

As TTBF points out though, Martinez offers soo much flexability for Boston that the Sox under the right circumstances could even carry 3 catchers next season.

Martinez could play three times behind the plate and 3 times at 1B each week. While at 1B Youk can get an occasional day off and relieve Lowell at 3B. Lowell who still has limited mobility can sit twice a week and spell ortiz at DH once or so a week since Lowell is still hitting very well.

The key to 3 catchers next season maybe in finding a backup middle infielder who is also a very good OF since they would be giving up the roster spot that would be the 5th OF.

The Sox also may have found a big OF insurance policy in the past few days as Josh Reddick has been explosive in his first two games in the majors.

Since being called up from AA, Reddick is 4-11 with two doubles and a home run. With Drew leaving the game again yesterday, Reddick could end up with a long look from the coaches and front office that could help give him an upperhand heading into spring training next season.

Reddick is rated the second best prospect in the Sox system behind SS/P Casey Kelly.

Junich Tazawa could soon find himself as the newest Japanese member of the Red Sox pitching staff as Boston will need to soon readd a 12th pitcher to replace Justin Masterson. In order to do so Boston needs to make a roster move. It was expected Reddick would hed back down, but with Bay with the sore hamstring and Drew's groin issue its more likely one of them heads to the DL.

Good analysis, Travis...I watched all three games this weekend, and Reddick really impressed me...

On the other hand, Clay Buchholz really did not help his cause any with his Sunday performance...I don't feel confidence building for him to stay with the big team right now...

ya, Buchholz disappointed yetserday, and its going to be an interesting situation. Do they give him as much chances as Smoltz to improve? Would doing so hurt his development? Would sending him down again hurt more then help him in his mind? Perhaps a move to the bullpen is in the cards and then give Bowden or Tazawa a shot in the rotation.

[JMU DJ]

ya, Buchholz disappointed yetserday, and its going to be an interesting situation. Do they give him as much chances as Smoltz to improve? Would doing so hurt his development? Would sending him down again hurt more then help him in his mind? Perhaps a move to the bullpen is in the cards and then give Bowden or Tazawa a shot in the rotation.

Worked for Crapelbon ... but yeah, some good info you put in up there.

[UNHWildCats]

ya, Buchholz disappointed yetserday, and its going to be an interesting situation. Do they give him as much chances as Smoltz to improve? Would doing so hurt his development? Would sending him down again hurt more then help him in his mind? Perhaps a move to the bullpen is in the cards and then give Bowden or Tazawa a shot in the rotation.

Worked for Crapelbon ... but yeah, some good info you put in up there.

Well moving Buchholz to the bullpen likely wouldn't be permanent, more or less to fill the current need there with Masterson gone... I doubt Boston is done giving Buchholz the chance to succeed as a starter.... His biggest issue yesterday was something like 17-19 pitches being fastballs... He needs to get his curve back into the mix more.

[andy7171]

Oh it's so sad to see The Captain phased out and put to pasture. BO HOO HOO!

[JMU DJ]

Oh it's so sad to see The Captain phased out and put to pasture. BO HOO HOO!

Could just as easy be Big Papi too...