Boston Redsox: Jason Varitek

NYT 12/25/04 After Shopping Season, Boston Must Await Returns
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/25/sports/baseball/25chass.html?oref=login

The Red Sox began the off-season with 15 free agents, nine of whom were on the World Series team. Not all were integral to the team's success, nor were all unexpendable for the team's chances of future success. But one man on the list was a priority, and yesterday the Red Sox announced an agreement with that man, catcher Jason Varitek, who was also made the team's first captain since Jim Rice.

The Red Sox did not want to give Varitek a no-trade clause because they did not want to trigger the clause for the others, especially Ramirez, whom they owe $77 million in salary the next four seasons. But as necessity is the mother of invention, the Red Sox and Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, invented a new policy for the club.
If a player has been with the Red Sox for eight consecutive years, he has the right to veto a trade. Next season will be Varitek's eighth straight with the Red Sox. He will then, after one year of his four-year contract, be protected from a trade.
Ramirez has been with the Red Sox for four years. He has four more years on his contract, meaning that when he has eight consecutive years, his contract will be up and he will be a free agent.