Link.
This likely means the end of Jason Varitek's career with the Red Sox, which is a shame but not surprising. Shoppach was actually Boston's top draft pick in the 2001 draft, being taken in the second round. He made his Major League debut with Boston in 2005 but was traded to Cleveland after the season as part of the Coco Crisp deal.
Since then, Shoppach has played with the Indians and Rays and was initially a decent hitter with questionable defensive skills. Last year, that reputation was reversed as he lead the league in caught-stealing percentage, but was pretty atrocious with the bat.
Shoppach will be the backup catcher next season to the improving Jarrod Saltalamacchia. With Ryan Lavarnway just about ready to step up to the Major Leagues full time next season, there is seemingly no room for Varitek to return.
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