The formality of the Red Sox making an offer to Jason Varitek begins with today's deadline for arbitration.

By offering arbitration, the Red Sox will guarantee themselves compensation (two draft picks) if Varitek signs with another club.

Varitek has until Dec. 7 to accept the arbitration. If he accepts it, he guarantees himself at least a one-year contract with the Sox. More likely, however, is that Varitek does not accept arbitration and then signs with the highest bidder (which could still be the Sox).

The arbitration deadline also means the free agent market should begin moving. It only takes one big contract to get the ball rolling (what say you, C.C.?).

Will the Sox open their checkbook, or not? Teixeira? Lowe?

Boston has been making minor moves (which could add up), trading for relievers Ramon Ramirez (replacing Mike Timlin) and Wes Littleton, while reportedly on the verge of signing 22-year-old Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa.

By building the pitching depth, could Boston make it easier to trade a pitching prospect (for say, maybe, a catcher)?

Hmm.

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