DALLAS — Orioles manager Buck Showalter said that, with the recent acquisition of former Rangers catcher Taylor Teagarden, it is unlikely that his team will pursue free-agent catcher Jason Varitek.

“I have a lot of respect for Varitek … [but] I don’t see that being a fit for us right now,” said Showalter. “We like Teagarden.”

Varitek, who will turn 40 in April, was considered a possibility to partner with Orioles All-Star catcher Matt Wieters, both given their similarities (both are switch-hitting catchers who are highly regarded for their defensive work from Georgia Tech) and the fact that Varitek has a history with new O’s GM Dan Duquette, who acquired Varitek and Derek Lowe from the Mariners in 1997 for Heathcliff Slocumb.

However, it appears that Varitek will not have that opportunity, at a time when it remains to be seen whether there is a potential fit for Varitek to return to the Sox for a 16th season. Varitek hit .221 with a .300 OBP, .423 slugging mark and .723 OPS, 11 homers and 36 RBI in 68 games for the Sox in 2011.

– Showalter also said that he has talked with new Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine to congratulate his former ESPN colleague. Showalter said that the two did discuss Red Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale, whom the Orioles might pursue for their coaching staff if he is not retained as part of Valentine’s staff.

“Both of us want what’s best for our clubs and for DeMarlo,” said Showalter.

Showalter added that Hale is a good friend and widely respected throughout the game. When it was mentioned that the Orioles have eight ex-Rangers (Showalter’s former organization) on their 40-man roster, Showalter joked, “DeMarlo would make nine.”

As for Valentine, Showalter praised both him and his Red Sox predecessor, Terry Francona. He said that Valentine would inherit a tremendou club.

“They’re so talented there and so deep,” said Showalter. “Bobby will figure it out.”

–Showalter also said that while the departure of Jonathan Papelbon would impact the dynamic of the AL East, the Sox “have so many capable replacements [to serve as closer]. … They just don’t have the track record [of Papelbon].”