Bosox sign Varitek to four-year contract

Catcher Jason Varitek of the World Champion Boston Red Sox wanted a new five-year, $55 million contract with a no-trade clause that would keep him in Beantown until he’s 37.  But rather than shop himself around he decided to settle for a four-year, $40 million deal.

The Red Sox showed their gratitude yesterday by naming him the third team captain in the team’s long history.  The only previous captains were Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice.