The Greek God of Walks was in the Sox clubhouse at noon yesterday, packing things in the wake of Sunday’s cataclysmic collapse against the Angels. I asked him about Wakefield, Ortiz, and Varitek, none of whom is guaranteed to be back next year.
“I don’t think anyone really knows what the future holds,’’ Youkilis said. “You basically just go about your business. You have cellphone conversations. You can talk to guys and see how it is. But I don’t know.
“It’s nothing different. This happens every year. Guys come and go and you just gotta stay in touch.’’
Would it be weird to be the only one left from ’04?
“I don’t think I’m going to be the only one left,’’ he said. “David is still here and Wake might come back. And Tek. You can’t run anybody out of the city yet.
“David has got another year on his contract and so does Tek, I think. We never know what the future is going to hold. That’s what the offseason is all fun and games about - hearing all the crazy rumors that come up.’’
Varitek, Wakefield, and Ortiz are all going to be subject to hot stove rumors.
The catcher captain is most likely to be the first one finished in Boston. He has a two-way option for 2010. The Sox can bring him back for $5 million (not happening) or he can sign himself up for $3 million. If Varitek triggers the option, the Sox can bring him back or cut him loose with a $3 million handshake.
Varitek did not play an inning in the postseason. He hit .209 this year. He is 37. If he comes back, he’s going to be Doug Mirabelli or Roger LaFrancois.
“I haven’t talked with Tek yet,’’ said general manager Theo Epstein. “Obviously, there are decisions that need to be made on both sides and I don’t think it’s fair to discuss those publicly before we get to sit down and talk about it.’’
