Seattle Balks, Varitek Walks
Catcher Jason Varitek is crying foul over a contract offer from the Seattle Mariners that he says is unfair, and he's taking a walk to the minors to prove his point.
"I am committed to obtaining my fair market value for reasons unrelated to money," the star player said in a statement released by his manager, Scott Boras. "Talented baseball players should not be penalized by a major league baseball team if they choose to complete their senior year of college."
Varitek, three-time winner of College Player of the Year honors, was seeking $850,000 from the Mariners. Seattle offered the former Olympian $500,000, saying he had less leverage to negotiate than a college junior or high-school senior. Boras said turning down the offer frees Varitek to negotiate with other major-league teams, but Seattle's front office disagrees.
So Varitek has inked a deal with the St. Paul Saints of the independent Northern League that will pay him $1,200 a month.
Meanwhile, Mariners general manager Woody Woodward says the team "will continue to engage in contract discussions with Jason and his representative." Of course, the whole issue could become moot if the baseball strike continues into next season.