Varitek Resigns with Boston
Jason Varitek resigned with Boston to the tune of a 4-year and 40 million dollar deal. This is a really interesting deal if you look at it from a few different perspectives.

1)This contract means Varitek will be 36 when the deal runs out. Statistically catchers' offensive numbers decline immensely after the age of 34. Given the statistical analysis utilized by the Red Sox organization and GM THEO EPSTEIN, it's interesting that they went against some of the trends. Varitek's agent SCOTT BORAS compared his client more to CARLTON FISK, who saw his offensive numbers actually increase in his mid to late 30s.

2)Varitek was named the team captain, something that has only happened formally two other times in Boston. I know that it is common for statistical-based people to dismiss the importance of leadership in a clubhouse, but to me this signifies why Theo Epstein is Theo Epstein, and why PAUL DEPODESTA is Paul DePodesta. Epstein realized that Varitek was the heart and soul of this team and did not want to let him get away. He thought enough of his leadership skills to put the "C" on his jersey, something that isn't very common in baseball. DePodesta on the other hand dealt Paul Lo Duca in a deal that as time progresses looks more and more like a bad move. Maybe DePodesta's cold vulcan logic will be his downfall (either that or an owner who treats LA like a small market club).

Obviously Varitek's talent as a player is why Boston wanted to keep him. I'm not going to say pay a guy 10 million a year because he's a good influence in the clubhouse. I'm not advocating signing a guy to a big contract because he's a "leader" but hits .195. All I am saying is that leadership, although it cannot be quantified, is still an important part of the game. Do you think the Cubs would've turned into the circus that they are if a guy like CURT SCHILLING, Jason Varitek or DEREK JETER was in the clubhouse?

Going back to what I think this deal signifies, I believe that this is another example of how just because you're a number-cruncher and you have an Ivy League degree does not mean you can run a baseball team. I know it's en vogue to hammer DePodesta (it has been for about 6 months all ready in Southern California), but I think Epstein's ability to occasionally go against statistical trends and find value in the things that cannot be accurately quantified are what may separate him from the rest of the pack. Remember, it wasn't until this team added some defensive help tha they really took off. I'm not saying adding a 1B with an OPS of .676 with a slick glove like DOUG MIENTKIEWICZ and a vacuum at short like ORLANDO CABRERA is the only reason this team took off, all I'm saying is that you can't deny the fact that Epstein realized his team needed help in the field and went out and made those deals. Regardless of anything, he is the GM of the defending World Champions, and so far Boston seems to be having another successful off-season.