It's been 17 long years since the Red Sox last entered a season with neither Varitek nor Wakefield on the roster. But that run, as all good things, seems to be coming to an end.
Wakefield said goodbye to the Red Sox just last week, hanging up his cleats for the final time, and it appears that Varitek will soon be following in the knuckleballer's footsteps. Reports on Monday seemed to indicate that Boston's captain and longtime backstop will announce his retirement on Thursday.
Varitek, who has pretty much been a staple in the Red Sox lineup since coming over from Seattle in 1997, will be calling an end to his 15-year playing career in Boston on Thursday but he is expected to remain with the organization in some capacity.
The 39-year-old catcher hit .256 with 193 home runs and 757 RBIs in 1546 games for the Red Sox. His offensive number may not be all that noteworthy but the three-time All-Star is known for his role as a game manger behind the plate. Varitek not only won a Gold Glove Award in 2005 for his defensive efforts but he is also the only catcher to call and catch four no-hitters in his career.
As for Wakefield, the 45-year-old made his lone All-Star appearance for the Sox in 2009 but was a consistent contributor for Boston throughout his 17-year-career. Wakefield, like Varitek, was a key member in both of the team's two World Series titles. He ranks third on the all-time wins list for the Red Sox with 200, and he's struck out 2,156 batters in his career.
Both players will surely be remembered for their great commitment to the franchise and their absence will certainly be missed.
Which player do you think the Red Sox will miss more this season?
Which player’s retirement is a bigger loss for the Red Sox?
