Varitek is now working for the Red Sox as a special assistant to the general manager. Jerry Dipoto, the new Seattle GM, recently fired Lloyd McClendon and is seeking his replacement.
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If Varitek doesn’t land the job or decides not to take it, his job with the Red Sox is secure, according to president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and general manager Mike Hazen.
The ex-Red Sox catcher may also be a candidate for the Padres.
Varitek recently interviewed with the Seattle Mariners for their open managerial position, according to multiple reports.
In recent years, the trend in baseball has been to consider – and sometimes hire – former big leaguers as managers despite the absence of any previous managerial experience. A decision is not expected to come until after the World Series.
Heyman’s report indicates that Varitek’s competition for the role in Seattle includes at least two others with ties to the Red Sox.
Varitek, who retired after the 2011 season, has no coaching or managing experience, though he was known as a player for being fastidiously prepared behind the plate. Varitek began his professional career as the Mariners’ first-round pick in 1994, but he had yet to reach the majors when traded on July 31, 1997 to Boston with pitcher Derek Lowe for reliever Heathcliff Slocum. Tim Bogar, who spent four years on the Red Sox coaching staff prior to leaving for a job with the Texas Rangers in 2014, is being considered among the favorites for the Mariners managerial position. Varitek also was on the Red Sox team that won it all in 2007.
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The former team captain has the potential to become a great manager, but it doesn’t seem like he’ll be given the chance here in Boston anytime soon. The deal was one of Dan Duquette’s best deals during his tenure as Red Sox GM.
