Like other Sox fans, Beth watched in horror as Jon Lester crumpled to the mound last night:

... The attachment to Jon Lester is deeper and more personal than for many other players among Sox fans, a feeling embodied perfectly by the way Tito gently touched his head, then shoulders, once Lester was on his feet again, as if he were his own child.

I had tears in my eyes watching Lester roll around next to the mound and grimace in agony, clutching his knee. Nobody wants to see that with any player--but with Lester, our homegrown boy, our survivor, seeing him in that kind of pain was especially cruel. ...

Red, meanwhile, considers the Captain:

... One thing that both sides agree on, however, is that Jason Varitek should be used only in emergency situations from here on out. Aliens taking over the world and holding Victor Martinez in the mothership? Well, call Fisk and Bob Montgomery. If they're not available, then let Tek catch. End of story. ...

Bill Chuck makes the case that the Sox need to wish Tek well and move on.

No big deal, unless you happen to live next door to Jason Varitek.

Rebecca reports on her knee surgery the other day, lists five things she was thankful for after the operation, including:

... Jason Varitek. The first thing I asked when I came into the recovery room was if anyone knew if he signed. That was the icing on the cake for my day. Fixed knee - and the Captain back on the payroll. I knew he didn't want to break my heart!

According to a boston.com breaking news alert, Varitek has agreed to a one-year deal with the Sox. I know people have been bad-mouthing Tek a bit but I'm happy the quad-endowed catcher is sticking around.

Rob explains why the Captain is no longer looking quite so good to him.

Greg Reibman drove his kid to Jason Varitek's house to do some trick-or-treating.

Intersects with Beacon Street in Waban.

A picture of Jason Varitek riding a star-spangled unicorn, of course. Basegirl posts it for everybody to gaze upon while recovering from yesterday's Patriots game, as well as from being assaulted by John Madden and John Mellencamp.

Angela: [T]he world seems gray and dreary as I wait for the fiery gates of Hell to rise up and swallow me whole.