In an effort to jump start contract negotiations between the Red Sox and captain Jason Varitek, Boston has reportedly agreed to promote their longtime catcher to "super captain." Varitek, who has been captain of the Sox since re-signing with the team in 2004, would have an "S" (not a "C") on the chest of his uniform. Certain Sox executives think the gesture is silly, but Scott Boras, Varitek’s agent, suggested it as a way for Varitek to save face after a long, protracted negotiation, one that has reportedly cost Varitek millions of dollars at the bargaining table.

When Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract with the Yankees in 2007, he soon found that no one wanted to sign him for the ridiculous money that he (and Scott Boras) had been requesting. A-Rod, chastened by the experience, crawled back to the Yankees later (without Boras) and negotiated a 10-year extension with the team. A-Rod never wanted to the leave the Yankees in the first place, but his agent convinced him that opting out would improve his bargaining power. It didn’t. It just made him look like an out-of-touch idiot.

Like A-Rod, Jason Varitek doesn’t want to leave the Red Sox, which he made clear in a face-to-face meeting with Sox owner John Henry last night, according to Tony Massarotti. Varitek requested the meeting, not Henry.

And where was Boras?

Boras could not be reached for comment, but it seems highly unlikely he would encourage a client to meet with any team without his presence, particularly at this stage of free agency.

Yup, looks to me like Tek will be back in Boston next season. Way to stay attuned to the wants of your clients, Boras. By the way, how’s Manny doing?

Mark Teixeira has said all along that he wants to sign a contract before Christmas Day. Maybe he’s using the Greek Orthodox calendar or something, but Xmas Day arrives on Thursday at my house. What are the chances that Scott Boras’ client ends up in Boston by then? And really, given all this back and forth crap (not to mention what will need to happen to Mike Lowell if Teixeira does comes to the Red Sox), what kind of uphill climb will the Gold Glove first baseman be facing in the hearts and minds of Red Sox fans?

This saga has already gone on long enough. And it’ll go on that much longer if he does sign with Boston. This isn’t Dice-K filling a hole in the rotation, or Varitek returning to the team with a ‘C’ on his chest. This is signing a guy whose arrival portends the departure of the 2007 World Series MVP, a guy who gave the Red Sox a hometown discount when the Phillies were offering more money. It reminds me of a certain trade that didn’t happen in 2003 — the trade of Manny Ramirez to the Rangers for Alex Rodriguez. In retrospect, we’re obviously glad that didn’t happen. Don’t you get that sense with the Teixeira situation as well? That’d you just as soon he go somewhere else?

Honestly, how disappointed would you be if Teixeira signs with the Orioles or Nationals? Personally, I’d only be miffed if he signs with the Yankees. Otherwise, I don’t care if he spends the next 10 years playing ARC softball in Severna Park, Maryland.