LAS VEGAS — Agent Scott Boras arrived at the Bellagio Hotel at 8:15 p.m. local time Sunday and quickly made his way through the lobby.

When asked if his client Jason Varitek would accept or decline the Red Sox’ salary arbitration offer, the super agent quickly said, “No.”

“We’re not going to take it,” Boras said. “We’re going to decline. We are talking with the Red Sox and other teams about ‘Tek.”

Boras was asked if he has had any discussion with the Red Sox in regards to another of his clients, free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. He answered: “Ask [Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein] about that.”

With that, he made his way through the casino.

Making a quick entrance is unlike Boras. Normally, he’ll answer questions and make his demands clear, especially during the annual winter meetings. This time, however, was a bit different.

Boras wasn't the only person in a hurry on the eve of the start of baseball's winter meetings. An hour earlier, Yankees GM Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi left the Bellagio together and were heading somewhere in a hurry. It was reported that the Yankees were scheduled to meet with free-agent pitcher CC Sabathia, who is not a Boras client.

It’s not a surprise that Boras and Varitek declined the offer. Boras is seeking a long-term deal for his client, which the Red Sox aren’t not inclined to offer.

So what now?

The best-case scenario for Boston would have been for Varitek to accept arbitration, which would have guaranteed his return. The Red Sox will likely stay the course with their short-term deal plans for Varitek. Just because he declined the offer doesn’t mean he won’t return to Boston. It just means now other teams can negotiate with him. That’s what Boras wanted all along.

Epstein certainly has his backup plans in place for this week, and for the near future if something doesn’t get done here. That may mean trading for a young catcher, which the GM seems prepared to do.