Jason Varitek's Decline Heats Up the Stove

As suspected, Boston's captain, Jason Varitek, and his super-agent, Scott Boras, have declined the Red Sox's arbitration offer of one year for a price rumored to be around the $10.4 million mark. The decision doesn't necessarily mean that 'Tek's days in Boston are over, but it certainly kicked the dial on the stove up a few more notches.

One scenario Boston could put in to action, if the 36-year-old Varitek chooses not to return to Boston, is calling up their tag team of Dusty Brown and George Kottaras from Pawtucket. GM Theo Epstein previously commented that Brown and Kottaras weren't quite ready for the big show and could still use some development in the minors. 

When asked to comment on that possibility recently Epstein said, "We have the right infrastructure in place with our coaching staff to be able to handle something like that if it came to pass. Obviously, you take a bit of a risk with young catchers' ability to handle a staff and deal with the grind, mentally and physically, of catching for a competitive club." 

Epstein went on to say, "At the same time, it's a great opportunity to build value with players. Take two young catchers and throw them out there, and if they do well, all of a sudden you have incredible value at the position going forward."

Brown, 26, has a strong build, a cannon for an arm, and calls a solid game behind the plate. His ups and downs with a bat keep him from being prime MLB talent, but he was able to rock a .290 average, whop 12 zingers, and drive in 55 runs last year in Triple-A Pawtucket.

Kottaras, 25, is the antithesis of Brown: A power hitter who belted 22 fence busters, drove in 65 runs, and earned a .243 average, but his defensive skills could use some polishing. Kottaras has a strong arm, but his slower throwing motion keeps him from gunning down runners. However, he has extended experience catching knuckleballers, is good at blocking balls in the dirt, and is able to get to bunts and fly balls quickly.

Taylor Teagarden and Jarrod Saltalamacchia of the Texas Rangers are two other names that have been tied to the Red Sox as options for next year. However, the Rangers are persistent in acquiring the Sox righty-prospect Clay Buchholz in any deal that sees one of their catchers going to Boston.

Coming off a strong finish in the Arizona Fall League, Epstein remains confident in Buccholz's ability and his future in Boston's starting rotation.

A similar situation is happening with Miguel Montero of the Diamondbacks. Boston, reportedly, rejected an offer from Arizona that would have sent another of their righty prospects, Michael Bowden, to Arizona and landed Montero in Boston. 

Arizona's GM, Josh Byrnes, is the former assistant GM of the Red Sox and maintains a close relationship with Theo Epstein. Meaning, there's still a possibility that this could unfold into a lucrative deal as the offseason continues.