NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Sometime between the end of these winter meetings and the start of spring training, the Red Sox would like to talk to Jason Varitek about a contract extension.

Varitek's four-year, $40 million deal - signed after the 2004 World Series - expires after the 2008 season and the Sox are unsure whether they have a suitable replacement in their pipeline.

George Kottaras, obtained for David Wells in August of 2006, had a disappointing season at Triple A last year. Mark Wagner, who played at Single A Lancaster last year, is several years away.

Varitek is represented by Scott Boras, who generally frowns upon agreeing to extensions for players who are about to enter their final year before free agency. But given that Varitek is established with the Red Sox and wishes to finish his career with the organization, that obstacle might be overcome.

-SEAN McADAM