01:00 AM EST on Saturday, January 29, 2005

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

PAWTUCKET -- When the news reached Kelly Shoppach and Hanley Ramirez that the Boston Red Sox signed veteran catcher Jason Varitek and shortstop Edgar Renteria to four-year, $40-million contracts, the highly-touted prospects realized the road to the major leagues would be a little longer than they hoped for.

For Shoppach, the organization's top catching prospect, the signing of Varitek -- along with a two-year deal for backup Doug Mirabelli -- means he'll likely remain in Pawtucket for a while, barring an injury or trade.

Ramirez, who is the Red Sox top prospect, said that the Renteria singing is almost like a blessing in disguise. Now, he'll be able to concentrate on his development without the pressure of breaking into the majors as a 21-year-old infielder.

"Obviously as a competitor I want the job," said Shoppach. "If anyone tells you any different, then they are lying because every one wants a job in the big leagues for the best team out there. The Red Sox are world champs. They are the best team and you want that job. But on the other hand, (Varitek) is one of the best catchers out there and they know what they are going to get with him. They had a chance to sign him, and naturally I figured they would. So it really didn't bother me, but I wanted that opportunity."

It's not completely out of his reach.

In baseball anything can happen, so Shoppach will be ready for spring training and will go about his business as usual.

"I'm going to do everything I can to make myself available," he said. "I want give myself the opportunity to compete for that job, maybe not now, but in the future. Sometimes it's not always about how good you are -- it's the timing of it all. I'm disappointed, obviously, but they know what they are getting with him."

Since he's became a member of the Red Sox family as a second-round selection in the 2001 draft, Shoppach's name regularly turns the rumor mill during trade talks. He's always pooh-poohed it, but realizes it's a big possibility since Varitek is signed for another four years.

"This may be the first time I actually watch (for it)," he said with a laugh. "It's what I go through every year, and on one hand it's frustrating. But on the other, what a great situation to be in because teams want you and your name is out there. I love playing in Boston and obviously it's the best place on Earth to play. If it happens here, amazing. If it happens somewhere else, it'll be the same."

Ramirez -- no relation to Manny -- split last season between Single-A Sarasota and Double-A Portland and it's possible he'll land at McCoy sooner rather than later this upcoming season. He hit .310 at both the Single-A and Double-A levels last season and is looking forward to working with Renteria this spring.

"In spring training I'm going to learn from him," said Ramirez. "He's going to help me."

Even though his goal is to reach the majors, Ramirez wants to make sure when he makes the jump that it's a permanent one.

"I don't want to get to the majors and then they send me back to the minors," he said. "Once I get the opportunity to get there, I want to stay there."

Both Shoppach and Ramirez played winter ball in the Dominican Republic this off-season. Ramirez said yesterday that he played well, while accumulating 150 at-bats, but he injured his back sliding into home during a game. He called it a "pulled muscle" but said he's fine now.