Photos: Jason Varitek

Posted Mar 01, 2012

By sbarker

Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek announced his retirement. A look back at his career.

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Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek gestures "safe" after tagging first base in the seventh inning in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, Monday, Oct. 13, 2003 at Fenway Park in Boston. Varitek reached on a fielder's choice scoring Kevin Millar from third. The Red Sox won, 3-2. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek gestures "safe" after tagging first base in the seventh inning in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, Monday, Oct. 13, 2003 at Fenway Park in Boston. Varitek reached on a fielder's choice scoring Kevin Millar from third. The Red Sox won, 3-2. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
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Boston Red Sox player Jason Varitek celebrates with his teammates after hitting a home run third in the inning of Game 6 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees in New York Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2003.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)Boston Red Sox player Jason Varitek celebrates with his teammates after hitting a home run third in the inning of Game 6 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees in New York Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2003.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
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Boston Red Sox fan Kathryn Gemme, 109, originally from Chicopee, Mass., is greeted by her favorite player Jason Varitek prior to the Red Sox game with the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park in Boston Sunday, May 30, 2004. Gemme was 23 years-old the last time the Red Sox won the World Series, and has seen Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig play. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)Boston Red Sox fan Kathryn Gemme, 109, originally from Chicopee, Mass., is greeted by her favorite player Jason Varitek prior to the Red Sox game with the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park in Boston Sunday, May 30, 2004. Gemme was 23 years-old the last time the Red Sox won the World Series, and has seen Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig play. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
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New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez, right, yells at Boston Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo after Arroyo hit Rodriguez with a pitch during the third inning at Fenway Park in Boston Saturday, July 24, 2004. Rodriguez and catcher Jason Varitek, left, got into a fight and were both ejected from the game after the benches cleared. Home plate umpire Bruce Froemming tries to break it up. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez, right, yells at Boston Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo after Arroyo hit Rodriguez with a pitch during the third inning at Fenway Park in Boston Saturday, July 24, 2004. Rodriguez and catcher Jason Varitek, left, got into a fight and were both ejected from the game after the benches cleared. Home plate umpire Bruce Froemming tries to break it up. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, left, shoves New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez in the face after Rodriguez was hit by a pitch during the third inning and began yelling at Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo at Fenway Park in Boston Saturday, July 24, 2004. Rodriguez and Varitek were both ejected from the game after the benches cleared. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, left, shoves New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez in the face after Rodriguez was hit by a pitch during the third inning and began yelling at Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo at Fenway Park in Boston Saturday, July 24, 2004. Rodriguez and Varitek were both ejected from the game after the benches cleared. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek leaps into the arms of pitcher Alan Embree after Boston defeated the New York Yankees 10-3 in the final game of the AL championship series Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004, in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek leaps into the arms of pitcher Alan Embree after Boston defeated the New York Yankees 10-3 in the final game of the AL championship series Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004, in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
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Boston Red Sox' Jason Varitek, right, and St. Louis Cardinals starter Matt Morris watch the flight of Varitek's triple in the first inning of game two of the World Series in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)Boston Red Sox' Jason Varitek, right, and St. Louis Cardinals starter Matt Morris watch the flight of Varitek's triple in the first inning of game two of the World Series in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek leaps into the arms of pitcher Keith Foulke (29) after the Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 to sweep the World Series Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek leaps into the arms of pitcher Keith Foulke (29) after the Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 to sweep the World Series Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
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FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2004 file photo, Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek leaps into the arms of pitcher Keith Foulke (29) after the Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 to sweep the World Series, in St. Louis. 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. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2004 file photo, Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek leaps into the arms of pitcher Keith Foulke (29) after the Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 to sweep the World Series, in St. Louis. 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. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
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FILE - In this Feb. 18, 2005 file photo, Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek looks to the pitcher during the team's first official spring training workout, in Ft. Myers, Fla. 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. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)FILE - In this Feb. 18, 2005 file photo, Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek looks to the pitcher during the team's first official spring training workout, in Ft. Myers, Fla. 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. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
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"Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" actor Carson Kressley, left, puts his arm around Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Millar as the makeovers for five Red Sox players were unveilled after a game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Fort Myers, Fla., Wednesday March 16, 2005. At right is catcher Jason Varitek. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)"Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" actor Carson Kressley, left, puts his arm around Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Millar as the makeovers for five Red Sox players were unveilled after a game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Fort Myers, Fla., Wednesday March 16, 2005. At right is catcher Jason Varitek. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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FILE - In this May 11, 2005 file photo, Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek gestures as his walk-off two-run homer clears the fence to beat the Oakland Athletics, 6-5, in the ninth inning at Fenway Park in Boston. 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. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)FILE - In this May 11, 2005 file photo, Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek gestures as his walk-off two-run homer clears the fence to beat the Oakland Athletics, 6-5, in the ninth inning at Fenway Park in Boston. 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. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
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FILE - In this April 28, 2006 file photo, Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek looks into the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, in St. Petersburg, Fla. 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. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)FILE - In this April 28, 2006 file photo, Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek looks into the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, in St. Petersburg, Fla. 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. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
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Boston Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, left, gets congratulationed by catcher Jason Varitek after beating the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-3, in their baseball game Friday, May 19, 2006, in Philadelphia. Mike Lowell, David Ortiz and Varitek all hit home runs to lead Boston to the win. (AP Photo/George Widman)Boston Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, left, gets congratulationed by catcher Jason Varitek after beating the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-3, in their baseball game Friday, May 19, 2006, in Philadelphia. Mike Lowell, David Ortiz and Varitek all hit home runs to lead Boston to the win. (AP Photo/George Widman)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox, suits up in the dugout prior to a minor league baseball game against the Ottawa Lynx at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox, suits up in the dugout prior to a minor league baseball game against the Ottawa Lynx at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox, suits up in the dugout prior to a minor league baseball game against the Ottawa Lynx at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox, suits up in the dugout prior to a minor league baseball game against the Ottawa Lynx at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox, exits the dugout to warm up prior to a minor league baseball game against the Ottawa Lynx at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox, exits the dugout to warm up prior to a minor league baseball game against the Ottawa Lynx at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox, warms up in the outfield prior to a minor league baseball game against the Ottawa Lynx at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox, warms up in the outfield prior to a minor league baseball game against the Ottawa Lynx at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox, hits a home run during his first at-bat in the first inning of a minor league baseball game against the Ottawa Lynx at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox, hits a home run during his first at-bat in the first inning of a minor league baseball game against the Ottawa Lynx at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, right, watches his team from the dugout in a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2006, in Boston. Varitek is expected to return to Boston's linerup Monday after coming the disabled list. The Blue Jays won 6-1. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, right, watches his team from the dugout in a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2006, in Boston. Varitek is expected to return to Boston's linerup Monday after coming the disabled list. The Blue Jays won 6-1. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek looks toward the dugout during their 3-2 win in 10 innings against the Chicago White Sox during a baseball game in Boston Monday, Sept. 4, 2006. Varitek was playing in his first game back with Boston after being out with an injury. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek looks toward the dugout during their 3-2 win in 10 innings against the Chicago White Sox during a baseball game in Boston Monday, Sept. 4, 2006. Varitek was playing in his first game back with Boston after being out with an injury. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
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Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz is hoisted up by catcher Jason Varitek, left, after Buchholz pitched a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles in a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007. The Red Sox won 10-0. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz is hoisted up by catcher Jason Varitek, left, after Buchholz pitched a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles in a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007. The Red Sox won 10-0. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek runs into the waiting arms of closing relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) after the last Cleveland Indians out of Game 7 of the American League Championship baseball series Sunday night, Oct. 21, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. The Red Sox recovered from a 3-1 game deficit to win the ALCS 4-3. They will meet the Colorado Rockies in game one of the World Series beginning Wednesday night in Boston. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek runs into the waiting arms of closing relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) after the last Cleveland Indians out of Game 7 of the American League Championship baseball series Sunday night, Oct. 21, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. The Red Sox recovered from a 3-1 game deficit to win the ALCS 4-3. They will meet the Colorado Rockies in game one of the World Series beginning Wednesday night in Boston. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek leaps into the arms of pitcher Jonathan Papelbon after the Red Sox beat the Cleveland Indians, 11-2 in Game 7 of the American League Championship baseball series Monday, Oct. 22, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek leaps into the arms of pitcher Jonathan Papelbon after the Red Sox beat the Cleveland Indians, 11-2 in Game 7 of the American League Championship baseball series Monday, Oct. 22, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
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Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek doubles off Colorado Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis in the fourth inning to drive in two runs in Game 1 of the baseball World Series Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek doubles off Colorado Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis in the fourth inning to drive in two runs in Game 1 of the baseball World Series Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek looks on at practice prior to Game 1 of the baseball World Series Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek looks on at practice prior to Game 1 of the baseball World Series Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
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Boston Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon celebrates with catcher Jason Varitek after Game 2 of the baseball World Series against the Colorado Rockies Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. The Red Sox won 2-1 to take a 2-0 lead in the series. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)Boston Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon celebrates with catcher Jason Varitek after Game 2 of the baseball World Series against the Colorado Rockies Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. The Red Sox won 2-1 to take a 2-0 lead in the series. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
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Boston Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, left, and catcher Jason Varitek celebrate after the Red Sox beat the Colorado Rockies, 4-3, to win the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, at Coors Field in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Boston Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, left, and catcher Jason Varitek celebrate after the Red Sox beat the Colorado Rockies, 4-3, to win the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, at Coors Field in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek leaps into pitcher Jonathan Papelbon's arms after winning the baseball World Series in Game 4 over the Colorado Rockies Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, at Coors Field in Denver. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek leaps into pitcher Jonathan Papelbon's arms after winning the baseball World Series in Game 4 over the Colorado Rockies Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, at Coors Field in Denver. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Major League Baseballers, Boston Red Sox' Jason Varitek, Alex Cora, and David Ortiz, and Oakland Athletics' Huston Street and Rich Harden, from left, pose with the trophy of World Baseball Classic at a press conference in Tokyo Monday, March 24, 2008. Mexico City, San Juan, Tokyo and Toronto were selected Monday to host first-round games during the second World Baseball Classic in 2009. The players are in town to play MLB season's opening series at the Tokyo Dome Tuesday and Wednesday. (AP Photo/Katsumi KasaharaMajor League Baseballers, Boston Red Sox' Jason Varitek, Alex Cora, and David Ortiz, and Oakland Athletics' Huston Street and Rich Harden, from left, pose with the trophy of World Baseball Classic at a press conference in Tokyo Monday, March 24, 2008. Mexico City, San Juan, Tokyo and Toronto were selected Monday to host first-round games during the second World Baseball Classic in 2009. The players are in town to play MLB season's opening series at the Tokyo Dome Tuesday and Wednesday. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara
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New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez walks back to the dugout after striking out against Boston Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen during the ninth inning of their baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston Sunday, April 13, 2008. At right is Sox catcher Jason Varitek. The Sox won 8-5. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez walks back to the dugout after striking out against Boston Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen during the ninth inning of their baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston Sunday, April 13, 2008. At right is Sox catcher Jason Varitek. The Sox won 8-5. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
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Boston Red Sox starter Jon Lester embraces catcher Jason Varitek after throwing a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals during their MLB baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston on Monday, May 19, 2008. The Red Sox won 7-0.(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)Boston Red Sox starter Jon Lester embraces catcher Jason Varitek after throwing a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals during their MLB baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston on Monday, May 19, 2008. The Red Sox won 7-0.(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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Boston Red Sox starter Jon Lester is lifted by catcher Jason Varitek after throwing a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals during their MLB baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston on Monday, May 19, 2008. The Red Sox won 7-0.(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)Boston Red Sox starter Jon Lester is lifted by catcher Jason Varitek after throwing a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals during their MLB baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston on Monday, May 19, 2008. The Red Sox won 7-0.(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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**FILE** In this June 24, 2008 file photo, Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek runs to first on his go-ahead RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston. The Red Sox and Varitek were close to a preliminary agreement Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, on a one-year contract that would guarantee the captain $8 million, a person familiar with the talks said.(AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)**FILE** In this June 24, 2008 file photo, Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek runs to first on his go-ahead RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston. The Red Sox and Varitek were close to a preliminary agreement Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, on a one-year contract that would guarantee the captain $8 million, a person familiar with the talks said.(AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
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Boston Red Sox's Kevin Youkilis, left, Jason Varitek, center, and Jacoby Ellsbury, right, celebrate Boston's 3-2 win in Game 4 of baseball's American League division series against the Los Angeles Angels in Boston on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008. Boston won the series 3-1, and advances to the AL championship series against the Tampa Bay Rays. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)Boston Red Sox's Kevin Youkilis, left, Jason Varitek, center, and Jacoby Ellsbury, right, celebrate Boston's 3-2 win in Game 4 of baseball's American League division series against the Los Angeles Angels in Boston on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008. Boston won the series 3-1, and advances to the AL championship series against the Tampa Bay Rays. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
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Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek, left, jumps with Jason Bay, who scored the winning run against the Los Angeles Angels, as Mark Kotsay (11) joins them after Game 4 of baseball's American League division series in Boston on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008. The Red Sox won 3-2 to advance to the AL championship series. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek, left, jumps with Jason Bay, who scored the winning run against the Los Angeles Angels, as Mark Kotsay (11) joins them after Game 4 of baseball's American League division series in Boston on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008. The Red Sox won 3-2 to advance to the AL championship series. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
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** FILE ** In this Oct. 9, 2008 file photo, Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek swings during an American League championship series baseball practice in St. Petersburg, Fla. A person familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009 that the Boston Red Sox have given catcher Jason Varitek until Friday to accept or reject a one-year, $5 million contract offer with options for 2010. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)** FILE ** In this Oct. 9, 2008 file photo, Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek swings during an American League championship series baseball practice in St. Petersburg, Fla. A person familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009 that the Boston Red Sox have given catcher Jason Varitek until Friday to accept or reject a one-year, $5 million contract offer with options for 2010. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
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Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek holds up the ball after a collision at home plate during Game 3 of the American League baseball championship series against the Tampa Bay Rays in Boston, Monday, Oct. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek holds up the ball after a collision at home plate during Game 3 of the American League baseball championship series against the Tampa Bay Rays in Boston, Monday, Oct. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
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Boston Red Sox's Jeremy Hermida (32) is congratulated by teammate Jason Varitek, right, in front of Kansas City Royals catcher Jason Kendall after a solo home run off Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke during the fifth inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 10, 2010, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)Boston Red Sox's Jeremy Hermida (32) is congratulated by teammate Jason Varitek, right, in front of Kansas City Royals catcher Jason Kendall after a solo home run off Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke during the fifth inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 10, 2010, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
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FILE - In this March 13, 2011 file photo, Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek plays in a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, in Bradenton, Fla. For 15 years, Varitek was the voice in the Boston pitching staff's ear, and the target behind the plate, giving the Red Sox their hard-nosed, gritty identity that they used to win two World Series titles. Now, it appears that era has come to an end. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)FILE - In this March 13, 2011 file photo, Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek plays in a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, in Bradenton, Fla. For 15 years, Varitek was the voice in the Boston pitching staff's ear, and the target behind the plate, giving the Red Sox their hard-nosed, gritty identity that they used to win two World Series titles. Now, it appears that era has come to an end. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
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FILE - In this June 30, 2011, photo, Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek trots back to the dugout after hitting a home run off Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Drew Carpenter during a baseball game in Philadelphia. A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that Varitek has decided to retire. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because Varitek had not made an announcement. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)FILE - In this June 30, 2011, photo, Boston Red Sox's Jason Varitek trots back to the dugout after hitting a home run off Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Drew Carpenter during a baseball game in Philadelphia. A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that Varitek has decided to retire. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because Varitek had not made an announcement. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)