The Seattle Mariners are starting to interview for their managerial position. One former player has interviewed for the job, Jason Varitek. He doesn’t have experience managing in Major League Baseball. Why would he be interested in the job?
Jason Varitek spent 15 years as the catcher for the Boston Red Sox where he was a three time All-Star, won the World Series twice, and was awarded a Gold Glove in 2005. He has a career batting average of .256 with 757 RBIs, and 193 home runs. Once Varitek decided to retire, the Red Sox wanted him in the front office. Since 2012, his job has been Special Assistant to the General Manager.
Jason Varitek at least has some front office experience. This could help him as a manager because he can assist in choosing a team but that is much different than being on the field. The only on field knowledge he has is from his playing days. Varitek has never been responsible for a team. The Mariners are better off interviewing a person with managerial practice.
The other difficulty with Jason Varitek is that he never left Boston. The Mariners job is an intriguing one. Boston.cbslocal.com stated that he might not take it because his kids and wife live in the Boston area. It doesn’t seem likely that even if he is offered the job he would take it.
According to CBSsports.com, the favorite for the job is Tim Bogar. Bogar has more familiarity with managing at the MLB level. He managed 22 games in the 2014 season for the Texas Rangers after Ron Washington decided to resign. It may not be a lot but is more than Jason Varitek. He also has been a first base coach for the Boston Red Sox and a bench coach for the Texas Rangers. Last year he served as Special Assistant to the General Manager for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He seems to be wanting to get back in managing.
Jason Varitek was a respectable player. It’s not the same as managing. He should be a first or third base coach because he needs to understand how the game is played as a coach. Then, if he is successful he could be a bench coach. The other option for him is to manage at the Minor League level.
What do you think of Jason Varitek’s interest in managing the Seattle Mariners?
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