Red Sox owner Henry says Varitek always welcome

Boston Red Sox owner John Henry says catcher Jason Varitek always will have a home in the organization. The team isn't expected to keep Varitek after signing Kelly Shoppach on Tuesday to back up Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Varitek has played in 15 seasons for the Red Sox, serving as captain since the 2005 season. He could keep playing, but Henry said Thursday he always will be welcome with the Red Sox no matter what he decides. He said Varitek has been a huge part of the franchise's history so should be part of its future. Henry also said he'd been trying to reach Varitek. He made his comments at the Rhode Island State House, where he attended a news conference announcing a scholarship program sponsored by the Red Sox Foundation.