CBSSports.com reports that the Sox have extended a spring training invitation to the veteran catcher, but it's as a non-roster player. It sounds like there's only an outside chance that Varitek makes the roster.
The CBS report also indicates that the 39-year-old is now left to weigh his options, as he decides between taking the invite or retiring. The market for the veteran appears small at best and nonexistent outside of Boston at worse.
MLB.com is reporting that no formal offer has been made to Varitek.
Even without Varitek, the Red Sox seem to have a pretty formidable stable of catchers. Jarrod Saltalamacchia will return as the starter, while the club also signed Kelly Shoppach in the offseason to serve as Saltalamacchia's backup. There's also Ryan Lavarnway who proved last season that he can handle his own in the majors, but he'll likely start the season in Pawtucket.
