V-tek Goes Bonkers in Canada

I had dinner plans tonight, so I figured by the time I found a radio the game would be ending or over. When I got in the car and turned on XM I was surprised to discover it was only the top of the 6th inning. I had just tuned in to quite the pitcher's duel.

Josh Beckett and Dana Eveland, the Blue Jays starter, each lasted just three innings. Beckett allowed 8 runs, all earned, giving up 9 hits- four of them doubles and one a HR. Eveland was almost as bad: one less hit, one less run, and the same number of walks and Ks (3 apiece for both starters). So starting pitching was pretty much a push, and it became a battle of bullpens. The Sox ended up winning the battle and the war (if one game can be considered a war), surrendering only 4 runs over the final 6 frames while the Blue Jays allowed 6.

I watched the last 3 innings, but most of the fun stuff had already happened. I did tune in to see that, yet again, "backup" catcher Jason Varitek led the barrage with 4 RBI, all on singles. Pedroia had a great night too, going 3-for-6 with 3 runs, 2 RBI, and 2 SB. It was nice to see Bard and Papelbon close out the game so smoothly, particularly after all the offense earlier.

But as usual, I'm drawn back to Jason Varitek. It seems like every day his numbers get better. Is this all really happening? Is this really the same guy that's been slowly deteriorating, like the carrot under my porch steps, for the last half decade? Sportswriters everywhere are predicting his re-entry any day now. The day when his astronomical numbers plummet back to Earth. For the moment though he's putting Victor Martinez to shame. Victor is historically a slow starter though, so he'll probably heat up at some point and Varitek will surely cool down, but as I was telling someone the other day, it's been a long, long time since I've had this much confidence in The Captain.

He's only 38, could he be having his breakout season?