FORT MYERS, Fla. — Jason Varitek did not agree to become a special assistant to Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington for ceremonial reasons. After 15 years as a player, he had a sincere interest in learning another side of baseball.

In December, Varitek attended the winter meetings with Cherington and other front office staffers. Then he was in Boston five weeks later to speak at the rookie development camp. Now he is back in uniform for spring training, helping to instruct catchers.