Report: Dodgers Interested in Jason Varitek as Backup Option in 2011

The Red Sox have already watched their starting catcher leave Fenway to don another uniform this hot stove season; could the captain be next?

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Dodgers are exploring the option of bringing Jason Varitek on as a backup behind the dish. The interest in Varitek is in the early stages, as the Dodgers are still working out a contract with 27-year-old backstop Russell Martin before the non-tender deadline on Thursday.

The Dodgers are reportedly seeking a catcher who would be content in the backup role, appearing in approximately 50 games during the season. Varitek is capable of filling that role well, but the Dodgers worry that the 39-year-old veteran may be reluctant to switch to a West Coast NL team.

The Red Sox have not made any reported moves toward re-signing Varitek for 2011, but it's speculated that they will bring him back as the mentor for Jarrod Saltalamacchia. With Salty currently slated as the everyday catcher for next season, Varitek is the ideal mentor to help him learn the ins and outs of the Red Sox' pitching staff.

Both the Red Sox and the Dodgers are in the market for a veteran backstop for 2011. Rod Barajas, A.J. Pierzynski and Miguel Olivo are the remaining free-agent catchers available.