Several years ago, while still a budding star, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, playing for the Texas Rangers at the time, said he'd support a trade to Boston, where he could learn from Jason Varitek before eventually succeeding the Red Sox captain.

After a couple seasons struggling with injuries and poor play, Saltalamacchia, still striving to meet the expectations once attached to Major League Baseball's former top catching prospect, got his wish.

Prior to the 2010 MLB trading deadline, he was dealt to the Red Sox for three minor leaguers and cash.

Given the opportunity to work closely with Varitek and catching instructor Gary Tuck, "Salty" has flourished at times in Boston.

In 2011, in fact, the 26-year-old, splitting time with his mentor, posted career highs in games played (103), at bats (358), runs (52), hits (84), home runs (16) and RBI (56).

Patch caught up with Saltalamacchia at the Granite State Baseball Dinner Saturday night and spoke with him about his experiences in Boston, including last year's disappointing finish and his expectations for 2012.