"Jason Varitek is trying to make a very tough decision.

"He's deliberating what he wants to do,'' said his agent, Scott Boras.

And that deliberation has to include the very difficult reality of possible retirement.

Varitek will be 40 years old on April 11. In his heart, he believes he can still play. His body feels as good as it has in a long time. So why quit now?

That probably is his mind-set, but the reality is that there is no room on the Red Sox roster for him. The team has committed to Jarrod Saltalamacchia as the No. 1 catcher. The Sox have signed veteran Kelly Shoppach, who has a strong arm. They have prospect Ryan Lavarnway itching to win a major league job.

And then there is Varitek."