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Varitek exercises player option, to stay with Boston in 2010

By Sports Network | The Sports Network • Published November 11, 2009

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The Boston Red Sox announced Wednesday longtime catcher Jason Varitek has exercised his player option for the 2010 season.

Varitek signed a one-year deal with Boston prior to last season that included a dual club and player option for 2010. While the Red Sox declined the $5 million club option on the three-time All-Star, Varitek opted to cash in on his $3 million clause.

The 37-year-old backstop figures to play behind Victor Martinez, who had his 2010 option picked up by Boston earlier in the week.

Varitek hit just .209 with 14 home runs and 51 RBI in 108 games last year.

Over parts of 13 big league seasons with the Sox, he has caught a club-record 1,381 contests and ranks among the franchise all-time leaders in overall games played (9th, 1,439), doubles (8th, 290), home runs (12th, 175), RBI (15th, 705) and walks (15th, 583).