"Jason Varitek's chances of returning to the Red Sox as a backup catcher were downgraded to remote, at best, when free agent Kelly Shoppach signed a one-year contract last month.

But the Red Sox want to keep their longtime captain in the family.

And so, although a formal contract offer has not been made, a major league source said last night the Red Sox are "open to discussion" about having Varitek come to spring training as a non-roster invitee. Even then, his odds of making the club would be slim. In essence, he would serve as insurance in case of injury to Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Shoppach or top prospect Ryan Lavarnway, while showcasing himself for other teams.

But if Varitek decides to retire after a 15-year run with the Red Sox, the source said a job offer to stay in the organization would be a "definite."

Varitek, who turns 40 in April, batted .221 with 11 homers and 36 RBI last season. He still gets great respect from the pitching staff, but he struggled to throw out runners last season, a major reason the Red Sox signed Shoppach.

General manager Ben Cherington declined to get into specifics about talks the Red Sox have had with him or agent Scott Boras, though the conversation is ongoing and Varitek is mulling his future."