Reason For Varitek's Decline?

[love_that_reefer]

Much of the available evidence suggests that Jason Varitek is in sharp decline. But there is mitigating evidence, too.

Varitek, 36, filed for divorce on July 28 and dealt with previously unreported physical issues last season, according to his former Red Sox teammate, Curt Schilling.

"Jason would be the last, and likely never would, to make any excuses for the poor offensive year and a half he has had," Schilling wrote on his blog, 38pitches.com.

"I will tell you that what he had to endure physically and mentally absolutely impacted him in a negative way performance-wise. People don't know that he twice last year had a serious viral sickness. He was completely wiped out on two different occasions.

"Both times he lost significant weight and strength and he did so in the midst of playing. Back on the field in a time frame I would guess was not in his best health interest."

Schilling admittedly is biased in favor of Varitek. Scott Boras, Varitek's agent, also defends his client.

I am sure it had some impact but in the batter's box, no one thinks about that shit. Arod had a good year while going through a divorce and his rumored affair with Madonna. Varitek seems like a much more strong willed guy than Arod. I am glad this isn't Varitek trying to make excuses. Tek's numbers have been in decline since he signed his last contract. Like I said, Tek's personal problems might have had some impact but his stats say it is something else. Tek won't make excuses, he will just say he will do better.

[NYgiantsfan5689]

Here we go again, Schilling running his mouth via his blog. I'm sick of it. Every time I hear something was said by Curt Schilling on his blog, I tune it out.

[Saber]

I heard Schilling is willing to come back to Boston for a Clemens-like contract, and barring that, a Varitek-like contract.

[GiantsFanatic]

Here we go again, Schilling running his mouth via his blog. I'm sick of it. Every time I hear something was said by Curt Schilling on his blog, I tune it out.

Then don't read his shit, you wont get sick of it, the same way I dont read and listen to anything that Rick Reilly and Bob Costas have to say.

[love_that_reefer]

I did bring it up so NYGF didn't read it exactly, in his defense.

[Hammer]

isnt being a 36 year old catcher enough of a reason?

[love_that_reefer]

nicely done Hammer

[cjkalt]

I think he is declining but look at his BA the 1st 2 months before it all started, and if I'm not mistaken Arod had a bad month when the madonna story was released

I hope the sox wise up and take the picks

[Dry1313]

Steroid testing.

**** Varitek.

[nyjunc]

I am sure it had some impact but in the batter's box, no one thinks about that shit. Arod had a good year while going through a divorce and his rumored affair with Madonna. Varitek seems like a much more strong willed guy than Arod. I am glad this isn't Varitek trying to make excuses. Tek's numbers have been in decline since he signed his last contract. Like I said, Tek's personal problems might have had some impact but his stats say it is something else. Tek won't make excuses, he will just say he will do better.

ARod was terrible this year, he'll always put up good overall #s but he wasn't good in big spots.

[love_that_reefer]

No, Varitek had a terrible year. Arod had a good year. Arod never comes up in big spots so we are used to that. Point Arod didn't let his personal problems get in the way of his play.

[nyjunc]

No, Varitek had a terrible year. Arod had a good year. Arod never comes up in big spots so we are used to that. Point Arod didn't let his personal problems get in the way of his play.

He did in '07 in the regular season.

[love_that_reefer]

Yeah, his MVP season. Boy did he suck

[nyjunc]

Yeah, his MVP season. Boy did he suck

I said he came through in the clutch in the reg season of '07.

[love_that_reefer]

Oh I thought you meant he let his personal problems get to him in '07.