The Boston Globe is reporting that Varitek has until 11:30 A.M. EST today to make his final decision. However, ESPN’s Jayson Stark just reported at 11:40 A.M. EST. that the 11:30 deadline (which has now passed) was nothing but a “media creation”.

It has also been said that Varitek is seriously considering sitting out the 2009 season or just hanging up the spikes on his career. Either way a decision is expected to come very soon!

The Red Sox have offered the catcher a 1-year $5MM contract that still remains on the table.

Jason Varitek is a Type A free agent who rejected the Red Sox’ arbitration offer earlier this offseason. He started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of career starts recorded – except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

Pitchers and catchers are due to report to Spring Training on Feb. 12.

Developing Story…..

After previous reports were made about the Red Sox making a formal offer to Jason Varitek that supposedly included a deadline, we now know that the former Boston catcher has until Saturday to accept or reject that particular offer. According to the Boston Herald the Red Sox have set a Saturday deadline for Varitek to come to terms on a one-year, $5MM offer. The deal would include a second year with options in 2010.

Varitek is a Type A free agent who rejected the Red Sox’ arbitration offer earlier this offseason. He started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of career starts recorded – except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

Varitek and the Red Sox organization have been speaking about his possible return since early November. Even though Varitek will most likely accept an offer as no other teams are currently labeled as suitors-most Red Sox fans are hoping that “tek” will ink his way behind the plate for 2009.

The offer comes after Varitek and Red Sox owner John Henry took part in a meeting on January 16th. The meeting was initiated by Varitek and agent Scott Boras to discuss the catcher’s future in Boston.

Jason Varitek is a Type A free agent who rejected the Red Sox’ arbitration offer earilier this offseason. He started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of career starts recorded – except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

Pitchers and catchers are due to report to Spring Training on Feb. 12.

Varitek and agent Scott Boras are said to be seeking a long term deal possibly worth 4 years and about $50MM. The catcher was previously signed by the Red Sox at the end of the 2004 season in which Varitek accepted a 4-year deal worth $40MM.

Varitek started only 120 games in Boston last year , his lowest number of career starts recorded, except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

What do we know? We know Boston has made it a priority to fill the position behind the plate. The Red Sox have shown interest in Miguel Montero of the Diamondbacks and possibly Taylor Teagarden of the Rangers. They also have access to a few younger players, one of those being recently acquired Josh Bard-a catcher who began his career with the Cleveland Indians in 2002 and spent a few months previously with the Red Sox in 2006. Bard signed with the ‘Sox on January 2nd with a deal that was worth 1-year, $1.6MM.

RBI Magazine conducted a poll when we first heard about Varitek’s choice to decline arbitration. Out of 584 total votes; 78% (457) believed Jason Varitek will be wearing a Red Sox jersey next year.  68 voters agreed Varitek would be with another team come the 2009 season.

One thing is for sure; the Red Sox seem to be in the spending mood after resigning first baseman Kevin Youkilis earlier today. Do not be suprised if Varitek has a formal offer within the next few days.

The Boston Globe is reporting that Varitek’s agent Scott Boras and Red Sox officials are still “exchanging ideas” even after their recent troubles.

Jason Varitek is a Type A free agent who rejected the Red Sox’ arbitration offer earilier this month and started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of career starts recorded – except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

If Varitek decides to decline the offer and the Red Sox fail to sign the catcher, they would be awarded two 2009 draft picks; a first-round and another random pick later in the draft.

Agent Scott Boras has been expressing his concerns involving playing time for Varitek since the conclusion of last season.

Varitek started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of starts recorded, except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

With that being said, and with Boras seeking a multi-year contract, the arbitration offer currently on the table is highly expected to be declined.

RBI Magazine conducted a poll when we first heard about Varitek’s situation. Out of 584 total votes; 78% (457) believed Jason Varitek will be wearing a Red Sox jersey next year.  68 voters agreed Varitek will not play for Boston next year.

Other free agents such as Mike Timlin and Sean Casey have not been offered arbitration by Boston as negotiations continue.

Updates to follow….

According to MLBTradeRumors.com and other news sources, the Red Sox are expected to offer Jason Varitek arbitration.

In return, the ‘Sox would get two first round picks if the catcher was to sign with a different team. If the arbitration offer is accepted, Varitek would be wearing a Boston Red Sox jersey for at least one more season.

Scott Boras, Jason Varitek’s agent has expressed his concern with playing full-time. Varitek started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of starts recorded, except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

The Red Sox organization has not spoken a word to the Media or Varitek.

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Updated Friday, November 28, 2008 11:45 EST.