Varitek, Byrd decline salary arbitration offers

Dec 8, 2008 - 5:50 AM BOSTON (Ticker) -- Captain Jason Varitek and righthanded pitcher Paul Byrd declined offers of salary arbitration by the Boston Red Sox.

A Type A free agent, Boston would receive a first-round draft pick and a supplemental pick in next June's draft should Varitek 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.

Byrd, who turned 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.






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