This and That

RED SOX

-Theo Epstein said that V-Mart will be the starting catcher next year. He also said he would like to bring Tek back as a backup (Beckett also voiced a desire to bring back the captain). Varitek would be a great fit in that role but will he embrace it?

-In other news, Jason Bay will test the open-makert when free agency starts. It was mistakenly stated in an earlier post that Scott Boras is Bay's agent, that is incorrect, sorry for the miscommunication. Our worst fears are that the Yankees may go after the power-hitting OF, as Johnny Damon is a free agent.

-Tim Wakefield will have back surgery later this week. At 43, the knuckle-baller has a mutual option with the Sox. They may wait to see how he responds to the procedure before choosing which course to take.

CELTICS

-In the midst of playoff baseball and NFL Sunday, the Celtics preseason game went pretty unnoticed. Nobody really watched the game but Pierce dropped 25 on 8-12 shooting. For more check the box score.

PATRIOTS

-Tough loss for the Pats yesterday. A complete recap of the game will be up tomorrow.