Varitek Spurns Majors, Signs With Independent

Insulted by his contract offer from the Seattle Mariners, catching phenom Jason Varitek snubbed his third major-league team Thursday to sign with the independent St. Paul Saints of the Northern League.

Varitek, considered one of the best college catchers in history, said his decision freed him to negotiate with any major-league team. However, the commissioner’s office said Seattle still has exclusive rights to the 1994 college player of the year.

Bill Murray, executive director of baseball operations, said Varitek would have to win litigation to get the right to negotiate with any team. Varitek’s agent, Scott Boras, said it was likely the players’ association would file a grievance on Varitek’s behalf.

Hershiser hits market

Los Angeles Dodgers executive vice president Fred Claire told pitcher Orel Hershiser in a 1-hour meeting at Dodger Stadium that he will not be offered a contract by Sunday’s deadline for unrestricted free agents.

Hershiser says eight to 10 teams are interested in him.