Red Sox Random Thoughts

I disagree with Christopher Gaspar's blog about Jason Varitek's return to the Red Sox - he picked up his $3 million player option for 2010 yesterday - being a potential nightmare. At age 37, Varitek is no longer the quality player he once was but he does give the 2010 Sox a quality backup behind Victor Martinez. His ability to work with Martinez and the pitching staff will help the team transition to a Varitek-less 2011 (when the Sox hopefully overwhelm Joe Mauer and bring him to Boston) and as a once or twice a week player, 'Tek can still contribute to a winner... The Sox look like they will be involved in the talks for free agent left fielder Matt Holliday. As I have written before, I would prefer Holliday to Jason Bay. Bay did produce in his 1 1/2 years in Boston but Holliday is younger and more likely to be productive at the end of a 5-year contract than Bay... As much as Red Sox Nation has enjoyed his time here, the Red Sox would be wise to shop Mike Lowell. It is painful to watch the 2007 World Series MVP hobble around third base and his hip injury prevents the Sox from being able to trust in his ability to play a complete season... If the Adrian Gonzalez trade talks do not progress by Christmas, I would not be shocked to see the Sox make a play for Detroit's Miguel Cabrera... The ground work is being laid for a return by Billy Wagner, which would be a wise move. Wagner is a power lefty in the bullpen who can setup for Jonathan Papelbon, along with Daniel Bard, and close in a pinch... Enjoy it while it lasts New York...