Varitek is all-in in his new role
BOSTON — Jason Varitek took on a variety of roles with the Red Sox after retiring as a player nine years ago and becoming a special assistant within baseball operations.
There was on-field coaching, amateur and professional scouting, attending the Winter Meetings as an adviser, and working in player development.
Varitek’s schedule was constructed in such a way that he had the freedom to leave the team during the season to spend time with his wife and four daughters.
But now, at 48, Varitek has taken on the role he finds most comfortable: being in uniform and working with major league players
He also has a clear objective in mind.
“Become a manager, that’s the ultimate goal,” Varitek said.
The Red Sox officially added Varitek to the coaching staff earlier this month as the “game planning coordinator.” That’s a new position in the organization.
The title doesn’t really matter. What does is that the former team captain is making the commitment to be with the team for the length of the season and seeing where that takes him.
“Being there full-time allows you to be even more hands-on,” he said. “For me, it’s an opportunity to keep learning. There’s always a family dynamic working part-time as opposed to full-time. We’ll see how that shakes out however long [next] season is.
“It’s a change, but it’s a good one. I’ll get an opportunity to learn more about the game.”
Varitek has been a regular presence with the major league team for several years, usually working with the catchers. He jumped deeper into the job during spring training last season, then stayed with the team for what proved to be a 60-game regular season.
Varitek attended every game and settled into a routine that included drill work with catchers Christian Vazquez and Kevin Plawecki and helping them prepare for games. That’s what led to his formal appointment to the coaching staff after former Sox teammate Alex Cora returned as manager.
Much as he did as a player, Varitek will work with the pitchers on how best to attack opposing hitters using information from the analytics staff, other coaches, the advance scouts, and the knowledge gained during a 15-year playing career that included two World Series championships.
“I’ll work with the catchers and pitchers and be a liaison with the analytics people,” Varitek said. “Whatever comes my way, I’ll help out. It ends up being the same thing I have been doing, helping the players grow. There are no set parameters.
“Catching is only one aspect of the game. Every day you learn something different. I’m very happy being on the staff.”
Whether that leads to managing the Red Sox or another team is something that will play out.
“That ’s not something I’ve been presented with,” Varitek said. “In the current environment I’m a completely faithful employee working on the staff under Alex.
“I’ll do what I can to help the players make the most of their ability. Things change over time and if it came up down the road with any team, I’d definitely have to consider it, no question.”
The Red Sox are one of eight teams managed by one of their former players. But in every case, the manager didn’t take a direct route to the bench. They managed, coached or worked in some other baseball job outside the organization before coming back.