BOSTON -- Jason Varitek, who has played all 1,478 games of his major league career with the Boston Red Sox, referred to the team as "that organization" during an interview on Wednesday.
When speaking about the departure of former Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell, who became the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, Varitek initially referred to the Red Sox as "our organization." Varitek, who is a free agent, corrected himself, saying, "I can't say our organization."
After repeatedly saying "that organization" when referring to the Red Sox, Varitek, who is usually very guarded during conversations and interviews, was asked why he used that term.
"This is supposed to be about John Farrell," he said with a laugh. "I did [say it]. I messed up. Sometimes stuff flies out of my mouth and I can't stop it. It happens once in a while. I didn't pick up on it until after it came out."
When pressed further about his future with the Red Sox, Varitek wouldn't elaborate.
"There's nothing," he said.
At the end of Boston's season, Varitek acknowledged the possibility that he may never wear a Red Sox uniform again.
"One thing I've always been able to do is be realistic," Varitek told Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com after the season finale. "There's about a billion scenarios in play out there, and we'll have to see."
If the Red Sox are unable to re-sign catcher Victor Martinez, and with prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia seemingly part of the organization's plans for the future, Varitek's veteran presence would be a plus.
As far as talks between the Red Sox and Martinez, his agent, Alan Nero, said in a text message: "Nothing to report."
It seems the same can be said for Varitek.
Joe McDonald covers the Red Sox for ESPNBoston.com.