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Jason Varitek Hopes to Learn, Help Red Sox as Much as Possible in New Role

Jason Varitek‘s role with the Red Sox isn’t quite concrete.

Despite being hired as a special assistant to Red Sox general manager Ben
Cherington on Thursday, Varitek’s position will be a hybrid of front office
work and player development.

“I don’t think there’s any one thing,” Varitek said of his role in
a conference call on Friday. “I’m trying to learn what I don’t know and
what I can help with and what I need to learn, where I fit better to help with.
It’s a huge gray area where I’m trying to learn as much as I can.”

For the time being, Varitek’s immediate responsibilities will include
attending meetings. But once he gets settled, the ex-catcher intends to help
tutor the Red Sox’ minor league prospects, specifically catchers.

The decision to rejoin the Red Sox came after Varitek spent necessary time
with his family. But the team’s struggles this season also prompted the former
captain to volunteer his services.

“I obviously want this team and this organization to do well,”
Varitek said. “It’s at a smaller scale now, but maybe through time, it
ratchets up, and it depends on what-all you learn and what different areas that
may go to.”

One of the areas could be managing. With the uncertainty surrounding Boston
skipper Bobby Valentine‘s status, there could be a vacancy open for the taking — if Varitek wants it.

When asked about the possibility, Varitek stayed mum.

“If I answered it either way right now, I wouldn’t be giving myself the
best opportunity,” Varitek said. “I’m not in position to make that a ‘yes’
or a ‘no’ at this point.”

Either way, he’ll be part of the Red Sox organization for the foreseeable
future.

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