It's pretty obvious what Red Sox game-planning coordinator Jason Varitek means to his team's catchers. But in case there was any doubt, Christian Vazquez came up with another pretty powerful testimonial Friday afternoon.
“He’s my dad," Vazquez said when asked about the influence of Varitek. "I think he helped me a lot in my career. When I came to the big leagues, all the good advice he had in the past and now, and calling games. He’s got the most no-hitters in the game, so I think that’s helped me to get better calling games. He’s still the captain of this boat, so we’re very happy to have him here.”
Among the many things Varitek has assisted Vazquez with, one of the more recent adjustments has been the strategy of catching on one knee.
Vazquez has jumped into the 81st percentile of major league catchers for pitch-framing this season, having lived in the 56th percentile in 2018. But that's just part of the payoff, according to the Sox catcher.
“I think the stance, you’re on the floor already so it’s easier to throw the glove, and quicker to block the ball," he said in response to a question about his improved blocking. "And you see it better, the ball, and you rest more. All the games of the season, your legs are fresh. I think it’s less taxing on your body, your knees, so you can play with more energy because before when you block with the normal stance, you throw your knees, You’re getting impact on those knees, and you get tired. I think now it’s easier. You’re on the ground already, so I think it’s easier for blocking.”
He added, "It’s way easier. You straighten the left leg to the left and you’re already there on the floor ready to block. You know where the pitches are going, so you need to stay there. If not, you steal a strike. You’re close to the strike zone, you can steal it and that’s a point for me. Working from down to up with the glove, that’s helped me to get better with my framing, too.”
Vazquez is in the lineup for the first of three games against the Marlins, hitting seventh while serving as the batterymate for Red Sox starter Martin Perez.