What's Happened To Jason Varitek?

Question

Outstanding catcher for a long time, great leader of the Red Sox. Suddenly he's AWOL with the bat. Has all the years behind the plate finally taken its toll? Should he move to another position? Would it help him in the long run?

Answer 1

Hes gotten old. Catchers old alot faster than position players due to the stress on their knees. Thats why most catchers are done or move to first base at about 35.

Answer 2

he was like this last year too

Answer 3

He used to be able to balance his time in the cage well with his time spent with his pitchers. However, with the language barriers, the personal struggles, etc. tek has had to spend more time with his pitchers and less time in the cage. Yes, he is getting older, obviously, but I think he will bounce back and become a solid .275-.280 hitter.  

Answer 4

All catchers break down at that age,watch Posada he's next!!

Answer 5

I think that Veritek is just tired

I have always felt that the most demanding position in all of baseball is the catchers position. Both physically and mentally (some may argue the pitcher has the mentally honor, but I disagree) Consider this, as an aging starting catcher, the physical demands are great. To remain in the catcher stance for 9 inning, and most play on average 140 games a season not to mention spring training and, if your lucky, post season, that is alot of squatting (simply put) AND.... you have to play on the offense side too. Being able to hit, and run. Hmmm....

Also, have a fast arm, and take the power hits when someone is coming into homeplate full bore.... (for every action an equal and opposite reaction will occur- basic law of physics)  

Mentally, I think that, all in all, the catcher is the leader of the team (this holds true for all teams in the league, yes, including Jeter vs. Posada, Posada has always been the one to sound rallying cry as opposed to Jeter) The catcher has to signal plays, watch 1st and 2nd, calm the pitcher down when he gets in a jam, and know the batter his pitcher is facing.

Enough of the dissertation....

So, to answer your question,

Yes, I believe the years behind the plate have taken their toll

Yes, a move to first base might be helpful in his batting (not saying that will happen, but a benefit to Veritek)

Yes, the physical and mental break might help him in that he would extend his playing time to additional years.