Jason Varitek Reportedly Interviews For Mariners Managerial Opening
BOSTON (CBS) -- An interesting name has popped up as the Seattle Mariners search for someone to fill their managerial vacancy.
According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, former Red Sox catcher and two-time World Series champion Jason Varitek has interviewed with Seattle about their opening on the bench.
The 43-year-old Varitek has no managerial experience but was often recognized as one of the smartest players in the game during his playing days, usually for his pregame preparation behind the plate. He retired after a 15-year career in 2011 and has served as a special assistant for the Red Sox since 2012.
Varitek, who was named Boston's team captain in 2005, was drafted by the Mariners in the first round of the 1994 amateur draft. He was dealt to the Red Sox in one of baseball's most lopsided trades, landing in Boston along with pitcher Derek Lowe for reliever Heathcliff Slocumb.
Varitek was a three-time All Star (2003, 2005, 2008) and part of the 2004 and 2007 World Series champion Red Sox during his time in Boston.
Heyman notes that Varitek may not want to take a job on the other side of the country, as his children and family have taken up home on the East Coast.