Have not heard of many teams rushing to make offers to Jason Varitek, despite Scott Boras' spin on Varitek's leadership and winning percentage.

The speculation is that Varitek will sign a two-year deal with Boston (maybe even at a generous $10-million per, although the Red Sox could offer less), unless someone comes out of nowhere and offers a 3-year deal.

Varitek turns 37 next April 11.

In his ESPN blog, Peter Gammons presents some statistics on 37-year-old catchers (only 6 have caught over 100 games, and only 5 have hit 12 or more home runs in a season).

Meanwhile, redsox.com is reporting that Boston has offered 22-year-old Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa a $6-million contract (the report is based on a Japanese media report).

Tazawa, who asked the Japanese league not to draft him, is likely destined to the minors once he signs with a major league team (Triple-A, we assume).

Seen lots of lists on the "Top" free agents out there. There seems to be a consensus on the top 5: Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia, Manny Ramirez, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe.

From there, the opinions vary. But the lists usually include Francisco Rodriguez (who won't likely get the 5-year deal he wants), Rafael Furcal, Adam Dunn, Milton Bradley, Oliver Perez, Orlando Hudson, Ryan Dempster (already re-signed by Cub), Ben Sheets, Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu.

Except for the top group, it looks like a buyers' market.

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