Varitek Remains in Beantown and other TGIF Hot Stove News

Jon Heyman is reporting that Jason Varitek has agreed to a new 2 year deal to remain with the Red Sox. The team captain had hoped to get a deal similar to the one Jorge Posada signed prior to the 2008 season, but Varitek's offense scraping the bottom of the barrel this past season.

The deal is worth $5 million for this year, with an option for 2010 in which Boston can accept at $5 million or Varitek can at $3 million. The contract also includes $2 million in performance bonuses for the 2010 season.

The Orioles and Cubs seem to constantly be talking trade, usually concerning Brian Roberts. They did swing the ho-hum Felix Pie-Garrett Olson deal, and now are talking about a deal involving Cubs left-hander Rich Hill.

The Mariners have signed veteran DH Mike Sweeney to a minor league deal. The one time sweet hitter is perennially injured and has averaged only 58 games a year over the last 3 seasons. The Mariners have also reportedly been talking to Bobby Abreu.

The Rangers will be without the services of Joaquin Benoit for at least half of the 2009 season after the reliever underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff.