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Jason Varitek's Career in Boston Appears Over, But Red Sox Captain Has Cemented His Legacy in Franchise History

Found December 14, 2011 on NESN.com: Yardbarker Blogger Network
PLAYERS: Jason Varitek,  Kelly Shoppach,  Jarrod Saltalamacchia,  Ryan Lavarnway
TEAMS: Boston Red Sox

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Since the end of the regular season, Jason Varitek has been in limbo. With the veteran catcher –– and team captain –– pushing 40 years heading into the 2012 season, his status on the Red Sox roster has been unknown. The answer apparently came on Tuesday, though, when the Sox signed catcher Kelly Shoppach to a one-year deal. With Shoppach, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ryan Lavarnway vying for the spot, it likely signals the end of the Varitek era in Boston. Cue the Boyz II Men song "End of the Road." After 15 years, 757 RBIs, three All-Star appearances and two...
Original Story: http://www.nesn.com/2011/12/jason-var... Verified_ybn
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Via NESN.com  |  December 13, 2011
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Via New York Yankees - New York Post  |  December 15, 2011
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Via NESN.com  |  December 16, 2011
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Via Ted's Army  |  December 15, 2011
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Via Fangraphs  |  December 14, 2011
By signing Kelly Shoppach the Boston Red Sox seem to be indicating that the Jason Varitek Era is at an end. Varitek was already a part-time player in Boston, mostly serving as the lesser half of a catcher platoon with fellow switch-hitter Jarrod Saltalamacchia in 2011. Saltalamacchia is sticking around, and Shoppach is also the right-handed half of a platoon. It appears that there...

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Via SI.com  |  December 15, 2011
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Via Boston Herald Sports  |  December 15, 2011
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Via Chicago Tribune  |  December 14, 2011
A Cubs source confirmed the team has some interest in acquiring longtime Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek and ageless knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.

Report: Sox Sign Kelly Shoppach

Via RedSoxLife  |  December 13, 2011
More here.The speculation is that this acquisition will end Jason Varitek's career in Boston. I would think so.
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