Tag: Jon Lester

Varitek & Wakefield Inducted Into Red Sox Hall of Fame

Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield, two of the most popular players in Red Sox history, were rightfully inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame last night. The two Red Sox icons announced their retirement and simultaneously tossed out the ceremonial first pitches in the home opener four years ago.

Although Red Sox fans were well aware of Varitek’s significance since his 1998 debut, his rookie baseball card — the 1992 Topps Traded (#123T) — did not receive national acclaim until the Captain’s infamous tussle with Alex Rodriguez that sparked the team’s World Series drive. At the time, this true rookie card sporting the former Georgia Tech star in his Olympic Baseball uniform was selling for $15. Today the same card is a great addition to any Red Sox collection for $5.

On July 31, 1997, the foundation for the the 2004 and 2007 Red Sox World Series teams was put in place. That was the day the Red Sox GM Dan Duquette flee
ced the Seattle Mariners, Heathcliff Slocumb for Varitek and pitching prospect Derek Lowe. Managers, coaches and teammates all confirm that Varitek set the tone for those championship teams.

A catcher with questionable skills in the minor leagues, Varitek became an expert handler of pitchers over his 15-year-career with the Red Sox. He quickly became a fan favorite for his determination and unselfish commitment to winning. As much as anyone, Varitek was responsible for the Red Sox World Series drought ending at 86 years.

So where does Jason Varitek stand in Red Sox history? He caught a major league record four no-hitters, steering Hideo Nomo (2001), Lowe (2002), Clay Buchholz (2007), and Jon Lester (2008) into history. He is the only player in history to have played in the Little League World Series, College World Series, Olympics, Major League World Series and the World Baseball Classic.

The 2007 Upper Deck Goudey “Big League” throwback card (#54) captures one of Varitek’s many unique accomplishments. The card back highlights Varitek becoming the fourth consecutive Red Sox player to hit a home run in an April 2007 game against the Yankees as the Red Sox became just the fifth major league team to smack four straight homers.

The Red Sox Captain has two World Series rings, hit 11 home runs in 63 career postseason games and made three All-Star appearances. His career does not scream Hall of Fame, but he was one of the most significant players to ever wear a Red Sox uniform.

Wakefield also made his mark in Red Sox history. The knuckleballer had 200 career victories, including 186 with the Red Sox, just six shy of the team record shared by Cy Young and Roger Clemens. Wake’s 17 years of service with the Sox is exceeded only by Carl Yastrzemski, Ted Williams and Dwight Evans. He’s featured prominently on the team’s all-time list: first in appearances (590), starts (430) and innings pitched (3,006); second in strikeouts (2,046).

Not bad for a minor league first baseman turned knuckleballer claimed off the scrap heap nearly two decades ago. Wakefield’s limited 1988 Watertown Pirates minor league card is a great buy for $10.

The (David) Price Is Right

New Red Sox president/GM/baseball czar Dave Dombrowski is bold, decisive, and clearly the man running the show.  By signing left-handed ace David Price to a seven-year, $217 million contract, Dombrowski was able to persuade owner John Henry to make a complete philosophical change in how to build a baseball team while laying the groundwork for the next Red Sox championship run.  
2016-topps-heritage-priceLast offseason, Jon Lester took his two World Series rings and boto Chicago after Henry told the world that spending lavishly on a 30-year-old pitcher was not sound business.  Today, the 30-year-old Price is on the verge of becoming the highest paid pitcher in the history of baseball.

Dombrowski has been preaching the need for an ace since he landed at Logan
Airport wearing Red Sox gear.  Henry opened his wallet and Dombrowski has his man.  Price is a bonafide, card-carrying, innings eating front of the rotation ace — arguably one of the game’s top five pitchers.  His resume includes a Cy Young Award and two runner-up finishes to go along with two ERA titles.  A true workhorse, he ranks fourth in the majors in innings and strikeouts, and third in wins since his first full season in 2010.  He was arguably the AL’s best starter in 2015.

The Red Sox get Price at the peak of his career and durability has not been an issue He has only one minor injury in his career, sitting out six weeks in 2013 because of a sore triceps.  He’s also been transitioning from a power thrower to a more complete pitcher over the last few seasons.  While maintaining a mid-90s fastball, Price has become more reliant on curveballs and changeups, which accounted for 25% of his pitches last season.  Not having to rely on the heat pitch after pitch will limit the wear and tear on his arm.

Price has also had tremendous success against stacked AL East lineups of recent years past and is 6-1 with a 1.95 ERA at Fenway Park over his eight-year career.  With the best defensive outfield in the league covering his back, Price has positioned himself well for continued success.

The one drawback?  And it’s a big one:  Price is 0-7 as a starter in his playoff career with a 5.27 ERA.  At $31 million annually, the man signing the checks and the win-at-all-costs fan base will  have much higher expectations over the next seven years.    Clayton Kershaw, the game’s top pitcher is also trying to figure out the winning formula for October. Both have been consistently strong early and late in seasons. Both are accustomed to performing in the spotlight. Both are aces instrumental in getting their teams to the playoffs.  I’m guessing that both will figure out how to win in the postseason with age and experience.

A bigger concern may be the opt out clause that will allow Price to enter the free agent market again in three years.  If Price performs as expected, the Red Sox will likely have to shell out even more money to retain Price or explore other pitching options.  In short, we may be looking at a three-year, $93 million contract.  A  World Series title or two in that time period would satisfy everyone.