Red Sox offer arbitration to Varitek, Byrd

Dec 2, 2008 - 2:47 AM BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Red Sox took a step toward bringing back captain Jason Varitek by offering him arbitration on Monday.

The Red Sox also extended an offer of arbitration to righthander Paul Byrd.

A Type A free agent, Boston would receive a first-round draft pick and a supplemental pick in next June's draft should Varitek decline the offer and sign with another team.

Byrd, a Type B free agent, would net the club a supplemental pick should he sign elsewhere.

Varitek, 36, suffered through his worst offensive season in 2008, batting a career-low .220 with a .313 on-base percentage, 13 homers and 43 RBI. A three-time All-Star, Varitek is lauded for his game-calling ability and leadership in the clubhouse.

Boston reportedly wants him back on a short-term deal, but Varitek and agent Scott Boras may be seeking a longer offer.

Byrd, who turns 38 on Wednesday, was acquired in August last season and went 4-2 with a 4.78 ERA in eight starts for the Red Sox. The soft-tossing righthander could be a good fit for a National League team.

Boston did not offer arbitration to pitchers Bartolo Colon, Curt Schilling and Mike Timlin, catcher David Ross, infielders Sean Casey and Alex Cora, and outfielder Mark Kotsay.