Diggin' Doug

Diggin' Doug

Mirabelli Made His Mark in Boston

2.17.08, Jason Varitek on Doug Mirabelli: "Doug's been an instrumental part with me and my career. He's got great eyes . . . and understanding from the bench. Great awareness of what guys are going through, hitting-wise and catching-wise, a great sounding board. He always knows what's going on, and that is such a big part of people who don't play every day."

�He�s done a lot for this franchise over the years. He probably had an impact that exceeded the role. ...The timing, in part, was out of respect for Doug. This was a debate early in camp. It reached a point where defensively, especially, we thought Cash was the backup that would give our team the best chance to win.� -- 3.13.08, Theo on Dougie, Boston Herald

Martone: For 6 1/2 Years, Mirabelli Caught a Great Ride

"... He�s been the Red Sox� version of Zelig or Forrest Gump. He may not have been front and center, but he�s been in the picture for some awfully memorable moments.

The Aaron Boone game? Mirabelli was actually behind the plate when the ball left the park.

The comeback for the ages against the Yankees in 2004? Check.

The two World Series championships in four years? Mirabelli is one of only eight players who was on hand for both of them.

That�s why we�ll always remember him." -- 3.14.08, Art Martone, Providence Journal

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Discuss: Will You Miss Having Doug Around?

"I'm fine with releasing Doug, but I appreciate the fact he was a part of 2 world titles. Never say never, but I doubt we'll see Doug come riding in another time. Those that abuse back-up catchers are really clueless. Their roles are to come in and be a good defensive catcher as a reserve. Talking about how they can't hit a lick is missing the point." -- softlaw on Boston.com's Sox forum

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