Schilling's season (and maybe career) over
The right-hander made the announcement in his typically unfiltered way -- on WEEI-850 AM.
Here is a complete transcript
"We've had a rough couple of weeks so a lot of stuff has
happened over the last couple of days. I met with Dr. [Craig] Morgan in
Surgery dr. morgan recommended at beginning of rehab?
"it's lot of things. I'm not exactly
sure. We're still nailing down exactly what kind of surgery it's going to be. "
End your season? "Yeah. Yeah, it does."
Characterize the setbacks? "Painful. I never could get
past a certain stage. The analogy I tried to use to explain to people where I
was at was, if you use a scale of 1 to 10 and 10 is pitching in a big league
game, I'm at about a 3 right now. if you used a pain scale of 1 to 10, I'm
probably at a 1 to 2 from a discomfort standpoint. When I try to make the move
in effort from 3 to 4, my pain goes from 1 or 2 to 7 or 8."
Morgan right? "I don't know, and, I don't care. There's a
chance - a lot of things could happen here. My season is over. There's a pretty
decent chance that I've thrown my last pitch forever so I don't care. It
doesn't matter. I'm going into make it not hurt anymore, which is pretty much
all I care about."
"the rehab, I got strong. Everybody involved is very
pleased and in some cases, Dr. Morgan's case, is ecstatic with the amoung of
strength that I have in my shoulder. I remember making the comment a copule of
months ago, talking about it with people, my fear was that I'd get strong and
be able to do all this awesome strength stuff, but at the end of the day,
wouldn't be able to pitch. that's kind of what happened. Functionally, my
shoulder is incredibly strong. From a rehabilitation standpoint, if there isn't
career-ending damage, you know, I'm in an incredibly good position to have
surgery. I can't throw a pitch. when you're a pitcher, that's a problem."
Surgery on the biceps? "yes, and then some other stuff. there's a lot
of other stuff going on."
Labrum and rotator cuff? "Yes and maybe. Until he goes in
there and gets done, anything is speculation other than the tendonesis. In my
mind, it got to a point where there are two possibilities. One of them is
surgery. And off of surgery, there are two potentials. I could wake up after
the surgery and be told, you know what, it's been a good run but you've got no
shot at getting back out there, which is something that, to make this decision,
I had to be OK with. It's a potentially likely scenario. The other one is, Ok,
we fixed it, but whatever happens between now and when you decide to pitch
again will be five times as much as you've ever had to do from rehabilitation standpoint. Those are the two
surgery results. The third one, or the second option to me was, my career is
over today. If I don't have surgery, my career is over today. So, you know,
I've had to kind of sit back and weigh those options and figure out what we
wanted to do."
Pain all the time? "It started to get painful again, non-throwing
pain, which is a huge part of the equation. I went through four months of
strengthening with no pain whatsoever and I was excited about the fact that I
was not generating inflammation and pain given the intensity and the rigor with
which we were doing with the work. But at some point here, we got to a point
that I imagined we might get. I just hoped we'd get there at the end of the
process. Where throwing went from being
kind of an uncomfortable thing to a downright painful thing. when the
pain increases, the amount of time it lingers afterwards changes. it's starting
to move in that area."
"it doesn't take a rocket scientist to do a case study.
I'm 41, I've got over 3,000 innings under my belt and there was a period of
time where those innings were stacked on top of each other for a lot of years.
I know, when you read an
Why pitch again? "I don't know. Again, that's part of the
decision making process at the end of the day. Under no circumstance would I do
anything to pitch next season as a whole. In a perfect world, if there was
minimal to negligible damage once it was opened up and I got fixed, coming back
next year would be something I would look at as an option depending on the time
and effort involved. But it wouldn't be a full season. I would come back and
set it up, maybe to pitch the second half of the season. and again, that is
going to be a potential only if getting literally completely healthy is an
option."
Why bother? "I've still got some fire. It's one of those things where, take it for the way it's intended, I don't want it to end this way but
if this is the way it has to end, I'm ok with that. if it's over and my last
pitch was in the 2007 World Series, honestly, I'm OK with that. I just cant'
stress enough where I am mentally with this. I have not a regret in the world.
None of this makes me bitter or angry or pissed. It is what it is. in that
sense, honestly, it's very, very easy for me because of what I've been able to
experience compared to what I wanted when I first started my career. If I have
some say in how this is going to end, I want it to be different than it is
right now."
Wasn't 2007 the perfect ending? "Yeah, well, it didn't
unfortunately. Unfortunately my career ended with me taking a paycheck for six
months and not pitching. I feel good about the fact that I went back to them
and restructured the deal. Not getting paid to weigh in. Part of me feels bad
about the fact that all this happened to begin with. At some point and time
during this process, there was a lot of things in question about me from an
integrity-principal standpoint and I hope those things aren't in question with
the people involved anymore. But I never intended for this to be the way it is.
I never misled anybody. We are where we are because I got hurt and I can't
change that."
Hang around the team still? "I would really like to pull
a Mark McGwire in a sense for my family's sake and it's probably the right
thing to do. From an outside of the Red Sox standpoint. I don't know what the
club wants me to do. I don't know what they'd like me to do, if anything. If we
have that discussion, I'm sure I'll talk about it."
Dr. Morgan will perform surgery? "Yeah. [in
"Dr. Gill was trying to accommodate a request to sit in on the surgery and I apologize for not remembering his name, but the gentleman who actually invented the procedure, the transfer of the bicep muscle, he's at UConn, is actually going to come down and sit in on it as well."
Air out of balloon? "Don't. It can't. It shouldn't. I've
been blessed a billion times over and I've been given far more than I ever
could have imagined. To be able to spend the last couple of years as a member
of this franchise and in front of these fans is a gift I'll never be able to
repay so this is not a funeral. It's not a bad thing. I've been given a billion
times more than I ever dreamed I could get, to be able to finish it here, if
that's what happens, is OK. I have nothing but appreciation and love and
gratitude for the people that root for this team, and teammates of mine so it's
not a bad thing."
"This was unfortunate in the way it ends, but that's
life. It doesn't bother me. I'm not mad that I didn't get to pick the way I walked
away. Part of that is my fault in a good and bad way. again, it's not a bad
thing and I appreciate the condolences so to speak. I'll give you a good
example. I'm talking to a woman named Bridget who is 31 years old and a picture
of perfect health and 25 weeks pregnant and has stage four cancer, and has six
to nine months to live. That's tragedy. This is not. This is, 22 frickin years
I've been playing this game. Again, I would hate to think I'm not going to get
a shot. But if I don't, I don't."
"This is all about perspective. Wouldn't we all like to
throw a no-hitter in the World Series at the age of 40 in our last start and
walk way? Who wouldn't. That's not real life."
I am sad for Schilling, but he really puts it in the right perspective, which is healthy. I would love for him to come back and pitch a half season with us, but I think that's wishful thinking if he comes back at all!
Thanks for EVERYTHING Schill!!
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Schilling not going to pitch this season, next someone is going to say Christmas is in December. I have no idea if he'll pitch again. I'm not sure if he knows right now. Thanks for the great years Curt, you weren't around Boston a long time but long enough to win 2 titles. I have written this before, he should never have to pay for a drink in Boston again. He is one of the best post-season pitchers I have ever seen. Also he gave his opinion on alot stuff, unlike most athletes. I like his candid, even though sometimes I didn't agree. You gotta love honesty. Most athletes just say the same old thing. Alot of cliche's. Which I think is very boring.
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I'll miss Curt Schilling as well. Who can forget 2004 or 2007 or the influence he had over Josh Beckett. Red Sox support their players and that's a good thing. From what I read Curt renegotiated his contract to not have the Sox have to pay his $8 million. That's incredibly fair. Schilling may be a lot of things but he's honest and has a lot of guts.
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BoSoxBrian,
Do you think the surgery would have saved Schilling's tail or it was best to try rehab?
Dave...
Also, do you think J.D. Drew's hot streak came about because he no longer stays in the shadows thanks to Manny and Ortiz out for an unknown period of time?
Dave...
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Dave,
I'm not a Dr. I guess only a guy like Dr. James Andrews or Dr. Frank Jobe could answer that one.
I think J.D. Drew knew it was time to elevate his play and he needed to step it up and too his credit he has. He has been the hottest hitter in baseball. I still don't like the contract. My opinion on that will be the same. Just like Lugo's deal, not in favor of that.
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Thanks for all the great years, Curt. To the "bloody sock" to Game two of the 2007 world series. It would be great that it would end that way in the world series.
See you in the Hall of Fame.
It would be nice to sweep a series here to become 20 games over .500
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Let's hope Boston continues to dominate at home and against the N.L. Ramirez should be back in the lineup, chances are he is the D.H. As long as he gets his 4 at bats.
Wakefield with a solid start his last time out. I expect him to do well tonight. No Pujols and that is a good thing for the Red Sox. Kind of lousy for the fans that don't get a chance to see one of the best hitters in the game. Always great too see LaRussa come to Boston and lose. Certainly wasn't the case when he managed the A's back in the day. The A's owned the Red Sox. I expect Boston to win at least 4 of the next 6 if not 5. Lohshe, Boggs and Pinero doesn't strike fear in anyone unless your a fan of the Cardinals, lol.
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Hey BosoxBrian:
I couldn't agree more with you about Schill, both the fact that he should be the toast of Boston for the rest of his days, and that his candor is refreshing. IIIIkkkkessss!!!! (lol). Thank Goodness you recognize OSU will finish first in the NCAA football poll again this year (llllllooooolllll!!!!) (I couldn't resist).
Who cares why JD finally found his hitting stroke as long as he has? While I recognize what you are saying about the extreme amount he is being paid by the Sox (didn't he do the same thing A-Rod tried to do...but with better personal results???) you have to look at his production as an endorsement of the front office's determination to bring him in. Their right field alternative at the time (Trot Nixon) while one of my absolute favorites, was out of MLB until recently, when he was picked up by the Mets, and is now "riding the pines" for them.
I recognize that I can't get you to discuss CC Sabathia's potential trade availability. However, if Big Papi can't come back this season (yes, blasphemy, I know), do you think the Sox would show any interest in acquiring either Adam Dunn or Matt Holiday? Or do you think they would simply rely on their farm system, rather than trading a bunch of it. The Sox didn't do such a good job with last year's trade deadline deal (although Kason Gabbard has gotten lit up in his last four outings), how aggressive do you think they would be this year for a hitter to replace BP?
Its ironic. I was in Cincy last Saturday to see the Sox win in extra innings, and watched Wake twirl a good game without winning. I'm heading to New England Tues, and have tix to take my family to Weds. eve's game at the Fens. Looks like I'll see Wake twirl again. Last year, it seemed like everytime I showed up to see the Sox, Dice-K was on the hill. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to see the Sox whenever, but I would like to see Beckett pitch sometime, or maybe Jon L. Unfortunately, when he returned to the mound last Summer in Cleveburg, I was on a long-prior planned trip to No. California!!!
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Hey guys...question:
I know Kevin Cash is not hired to hit...but really. With so many down days...can't he hit the batting cages and take some responsibility for is 0 for 218 streak (I'm being a bit sarcastic here).
Lugo does a sac fly. Question:
Lugo had a 3 - 1 count. Shouldn't he have worked towards ball 4 instead of a sac fly?
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Dbenjamin,
As you know Ohio State will go down in L.A. against the Trojans, lol.
Sabathia could end up getting dealt and perhaps he could be N.Y. bound and end up with the Yankees. Perhaps Cano will be in the deal. N.Y. will be spending big $$$$ at the end of the year on Sabathia so they might as well and try and get him in late July. It would be a nice move by the Yankees, getting a quality lefty and having him pitch at Yankee Stadium. Shapiro should deal Sabathia away because he'll lose him and only get a draft pick in return.
I would not want Adam Dunn on the Red Sox. Adam Dunn is a free agent at the end of the year and I am not in favor of renting him for a couple of months. If Ortiz does comeback this year, he will not be the same Ortiz anyway. Some people think he'll be back and be Oritz again as if nothing happened. Not the case. There also is a possibility of him not playing until next year. I wouldn't be surprised either way. Holiday would be very intriguing but the Rockies aren't going to give him away. I don't think Holliday will end up in Boston. Theo will not give up the farm to get him. I think the Red Sox could end up getting a bat on the second tier level. Can't think of anyone out there, perhaps you can.
This Cardinal lineup without Pujols is pretty weak. Alot of outs in this lineup for St. Louis.
How about Dusty Baker saying Justin Masterson reminds him of Don Drysdale. Imagine that, lofty praise. His three quarter delivery and his sinker and slider. I think Dusty needs to be checked. I really like what I have seen from Masterson but Drysdale?
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You gotta love all those trophies in the Red Sox owners box. Nice!!!!!
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Dbenjamin,
I still think the bullpen is the area that needs to addressed come late July. If not a trade, perhaps within. Timlin's time is coming to an end.
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Dbenjamin,
In Cleveland what are they saying about Sabathia? Will he get traded to N.Y.? Boston? Will they hold onto him. Let me know.
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Guys,
Manny is deadwood and killing the offense. For all the praise he gets, he strikes out, fouls off over-the-plate fastballs and grounds out everything else. What's going on with him?
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Hey BosoxBrian:
The Don Drysdale I remember was a freakin' headhunter. He had that big, roundhouse curveball, and as often as not it was waaaaayyyy inside, and at the batter's head. Go ahead, dig in against Dandy Don (lol).
As far as Sabathia goes, I think I told you in an earlier message about the interesting t. v. program I watched with felon Bruce Drennan (betting problems, but bring him back anyway). I think its fair to say the Cleveland fans are giving up, and so are the commentators. I think that ultimately, CC will be as reviled in Cleveland for seeking the BIG $$$$ as the Rocket was in Beantown when he left for Toronto. I can't tell whether the Indians recognize that the Yanks and the Sox are not likely to be drawn into a bidding war, based on their restraint with Santana. I sincerely do not think the Indians will offer Sabathia enough money to keep him, so I expect him to get peddled in the next 6 weeks.
While the Indians are only 8 games out of the AL Central, they are gaining no traction. The have a series away vs. the Dodgers, then home against the Giants and the Reds. If they can't get closer in those games, they spend the balance of June and much of July playing against the Twins, Tigers and White Sox (total -- 15 games between now and the trading deadline). I've got to believe that as those games play themselves out, the Indians will conclude they have no realistic chance at the play-offs and more particularly, the World Series.
That being said, you have to recognize that they have basically lost Jake Westbrook for the season, Fausto Carmona is down, Travis Hafner is injured and was not hitting well before his injury, and Victor Martinez is going to be down long enough that the Indians just brought in Sal Fasano to back up former Soxer Kelly Shoppach behind the plate. (The announcement was made by a guy named Mirabelli..you have to wonder why they didn't bring in Doug M. Given those choices, I would have!!!)
What on earth is going on with Kyle Lohse? Does he fancy himself a world beater, or what?? And what's with another error by Lugo. Does he have a death wish or something?
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My goodness Lugo is a horrendous fielder. I don't think there is any chance he finishes out this contract in Boston. No way. I'll stuff the $9M down my own throat if the Sox need help eating it. What passes out as stool will smell better than Lugo's fielding.
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Manny is still putting up good numbers... but when he's bad... he's BAD. GIDP and strikeouts over and over and over... tons of men on. We can only wait until he breaks out again.
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If Papi doesn't come back... My bet is Bonds. Makes perfect sense. Easy on his body, likely reasonable price (anything is better than nothing to Bonds). In fact, I recommend signing him right now... Get him warmed up quick.. Rationale:
- DH when Papi is down (like NOW)
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Rayman:
What makes you think Barry Bonds will accept a reasonable price, setting aside whether the Sox will accept the intense media scrutiny that will go with signing Bonds!?!?!
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Continued...
- Pinch Hitting
- Occasional OF (He might not be good, but he has played the field 20+ years. At least he knows what he's doing)
- Could be trade bait if he actually hits and we don't really need him
- Keep him out of NY. Bonds would be a better hitter than their current DHs.
That strike 2 pitch to Moss was about 7 inches outside. Completely obvious even before the replay. Instead of 3-1 count, it's 2-2. Horrendous call impacted the game.
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I'm really starting to like Aardsma.
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I think he would accept a reasonable price for a chance at a ring... especially when he has no other offers. He'd play Mid-July to the end for about $5M with incentives. That is a pretty good insurance policy.
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Rayman,
The Red Sox front office has shot down any Bonds signing, not going to happen. Also what from you read, Boston is not looking for a bat come the trading deadline.
Lohse has found a home in St. Louis, I guess working with Dave Duncan will do that. Duncan one of the best pitching coaches out there.
I don't know what is wrong with Okajima but St. Louis saw him for the first time and hit him. Aardsma looked good in his only inning.
Sox had there chances they just couldn't cash in. They'll bounce back today. They always seem to do well on Fox at home.
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Dbenjamin,
There is no chance the Indians will sign Sabathia at the end of the season so they might as well deal him in late July. Boston and N.Y. will come calling, among other teams. Shapiro is an excellent g.m. so I am sure he has a game plan regarding Sabathia. Hafner wasn't hitting even when he was healthy, his bat has disappeared. Victor Martinez being out has hurt them for sure. Peralta is one of those guys that Shapiro locked up and he hasn't done much at the plate. I think they should put Martinez at first anyway, his bat is too good. Behind the plate is a daily grind, if he went to first he would hit much better. I thought the Indians were one of the teams to beat when the season started but they'll be lucky if they finish above .500 The Tribe are looking like the Tribe of the past. I guess expectations got the best of them this year.
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Brian,
Sabathia will surely be a type A free agent, so whoever "owns" him at the end of the season will get compensated with two high draft picks.
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Remember how Manny got stuck on 497 and then the next three came very slowly? Ok, typical. Well my theory is he has another number stuck in his head to a far greater extent. 23 grand slams! How long has he been stuck on 20 GS? since 2005 I believe. It is got to where when the bases are loaded, and Manny is up, I am thinking oh no --- best we can hope for is a single or double at best. I think the all time GS record definitely has been (and is continuing to) affect him at the plate when the bases are loaded.
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Good news for the Red Sox and there fans, Timlin goes on the D.L. He has a bad knee and I assume a bad neck as well.
Looking forward to seeing Dice-K today and get the Sox back on there winning ways. I hope Dice-K is efficient and throws strikes against a very average lineup. Boston had there fair share of chances last night but didn't capatialize. I expect the Sox bats to bounce back and hit with runners in scoring position.
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Good too see Moss in the lineup today. I like what I have seen from him.
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Hey BosoxBrian:
Lets hope that Dice-K comes back ready to go. He went on the D/L with a "tired arm" and I am sure hoping that was not indicative of larger problems. If the Sox are going to stay in this until the end and not get the "shot in the arm" that Schill reporting for duty would give them, they need a bunch of performance from Dice-K, Beckett and Lester. So far, they are getting most of it. Let's hope that Dice-K comes back with more to give.
You finally responded to my inquiries about Sabathia, and suggested the Sox would show interest. Okay, you are "Theo for a Day", who would you consider offering in July (presuming that Sabathia would accept your long term contract proposal) to lock him up as a member of the Sox staff? Also, who do you think the Indians would ask for? I suspect that Lester and Ellsbury are automatically requested (not saying I would part with either), but do they now ask for Buchholz or Masterson, and would you give up either to get Sabathia? Maybe they'd take CoCo back and put him in left or right field, what do you think?
Sabathia and Lester would give the Sox two lefthanded power pitchers in their rotation. I'm not sure I could tell you the last time they possessed that make-up. In 2000 the Sox had both Jeff Fassero and Pete Schourek, both lefthanders starting, but between them they only threw 237 innings. In 1998, the Sox had both Steve Avery and Pete Schourek, but the two of them only threw 167 innings. In 1995, the Sox had Vaughn Eshelman and Zane Smith, but they only combined for 192 innings. In 1994, the Sox had Joe Hesketh and Frank Viola, but they only combined for 145 innings.
You'd have to go back to 1992, when the Sox had Frank Viola and Joe Hesketh throw a combined 386 innings to suggest that the Sox rotation contained 2 lefthanders, but then I wouldn't call them "power pitchers", as they only stuck out a total of 225 batters in those 386 innings.
Before that, you'd have to go back to 1985, when the Sox had Bruce Hurst, Bobby Ojeda and Tim Lollar throw a total of 454 innings, striking out a total of 335 hitters. Suffice it to say, its been a while, and it would make for an interesting combination, particularly with all of the lefthanded Yankees hitters.
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Dbenjamin,
I'm not in favor of the Red Sox to trade for Sabathia. I think the Red Sox will only get involved to drive up the price. When push comes to shove, I don't think the Red Sox will pull the trigger on a Sabathia deal. Shapiro isn't going to just give him up to the Red Sox and Yankees. Could you imagine if he dealt him to Boston and the Red Sox won another World Series. Shapiro wouldn't be able to show his face in Cleveland for a long time. He would get killed in your area.
They wouldn't want to take Coco back. Shapiro would definetly want some good young players in return. Masterson? Bowden? Moss? Lowrie? We shall see. We can speculate until the cows come home.
You brought up some bad names, thanks for the bad memories. Tim Lollar ( He actually had a hit in a game for the Red Sox) Zane Smith ( Tony Pena takes him deep) Vaughn Eshelman ( who admitted taking some juice and he still stunk ) Frank Viola ( a great player for the Twins but not in Boston ) Pete Schourek ( Jimy Williams got alot of crap for starting him in game 4 against the Indians back in 1998) Jeff Fassero. Thanks for the headache, lol.
Dice-K looks HORRIBLE out there today. He replaced Timlin on the roster. He didn't have to pitch like Timlin, lol. Dice-K looks like he is having a difficult time getting loose out there. He doesn't look comfortable on the mound.
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Dice-K is throwing beach balls up there today. Even worse, they are waist high, right down the middle. His fast ball is topping out at 90 mph but more often 86-87. Doesn't look like he has much. Sox have to take the long road back, but at least it's early.
There's no diminishing what Schilling did for the Sox in 2004 finishing up with some real courageous stuff....... but it was obvious to the most casual observer he had nothing at the end of last year. But my perspective this year is that he's a crook and I believe he entered into his contract knowing he had serious issues with his arm. Of course, there's no way to prove that, but it would take a lot to convince me otherwise. So thanks Curt, for what you brought to the Sox, especially in 2004, but I think you ought to donate your earnings from this year to charity.
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Boy this is looking ugly. Dice-K has thrown 50 pitches, down 4-0 and there are no outs in the 2nd with the bases juiced. How did the Sox not ercognize he was not ready to pitch?
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The Red Sox have to be concerned with Dice-K. Watching it on t.v. he looked like he couldn't get loose out there. Not a good sign at all.
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Dbenjamin,
I would agree with you about the Sox not recognizing he wasn't ready. You could tell very early he was in big trouble.
Tough spot for Smith here. Bases loaded and nobody out. Looking good so far against Ankiel. Smith is showing Ankiel this is how you throw strikes, lol.
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I never thought I would say but Boston will take the field tomm. and looking to avoid the sweep. Down 8-0 in the 2nd inning, a mountain to climb. I don't forecast a Boston comeback today.
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I don't know what Glaus' numbers are at Fenway but he is tailored made for Fenway. A dead pull hitter with power is Glaus.
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Gsm,
I totally agree with you about Schilling. He signed that deal knowing he wasn't healthy. Of course it can't be proven but I am with you, it would take me alot to convince me as well. I don't think there is a good enough lawyer ( sorry dbenjamin) to convince me otherwise.
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Dbenjamin,
Sabathia should be the D.H. when he isn't pitching, lol. A bomb in L.A. today.
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After Sabathia's choke in the post season last year, and the high mileage on him, we would be crazy to trade for him, and won't, but in this dog-eat-dog baseball world, I think boxsoxbrian is right, we will participate to make sure who ever gets him, pays too much... of course that is why we paid 100 million for Dice-K -- wouldn't that be a bust if we only get one year out of him? -- I wonder if we could have won it all last year without him???, maybe - not sure we would have got thru the first half of the year like we did without Oki though.
There may be a storm coming our way (Schill out, Wake still up and down, Colon? Dice-K?, Oki?, Timlin?, Hansen? Lopez?, even Beckett not having a good year, but I am sure he will come around).
Beckett, Lester, Masterson, Papelbon -- only reasonably consistent pitchers right now, and Lester just recently consistent, and nobody knows how long Masterson can keep it up before the league starts to figure him out more, plus I bet we would like to manage his pitch count for a boost at the end of the season and post season run.
If the bullpen does not gel, and Masterson, Buckholz, Colon, Dice-K, Wakefield -- do not somehow combine for 3 solid spots overall, we might be in the rear view mirror this year.
Sorry for the cheery outlook.
Even with all of this, I still wouldn't trade for Sabathia.
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Hey BosoxBrian:
Since you "called me out" as a lawyer, I feel an obligation to defend myself. The ballclub is in a much better position to protect themselves with required physical exams and such and interview questions, etc. Most "dumb *******" employees don't have a chance of protecting themselves against an omnipotent employer, and here you are playing "Whoa are the poor Red Sox, they Got Schnuckered by Schill". Schill had arm problems last year, no big surprise. The Sox knew it and gave him the contract they gave him.
When the Sox start volunteering to pay people like Dustin P or Jacoby additional compensation because the Sox received more performance than they bargained for, until then, the parties to each contract need to do their "due diligence" to protect themselves. If the Yanks want to spend lebenty leben million dollars (actually, $9+ Mil. per year) on a guy like Carl Pavano because he just won 18 games for the Florida Marlins, having only won 12 once before, and other than that, having never won more than 8 games in a season, they are able to do that...but don't let them complain when he comes up lame for the entire duration of his contract.
gsm52 brings up an interesting concept in suggesting Schill contribute a significant portion of the contract compensation he will earn while not pitching an inning, to charity. I think that's a noble idea. However, we need to recognize that Curt and his wife are two of the biggest supporters of righteous causes in the Greater Boston area.
If its sounds like I am a huge Schill supporter, I am. I only hope I can find myself in a position where Schill and I someday are in the same establishment and I can buy him and his party drinks all night. Whatever he gets, whatever he did, he deserves it and more.
Count me as a member of the "Schill for the Hall of Fame" gang!!!
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Dbenjamin,
I think Schilling knew when he signed that deal he was nowhere near 100%. He pulled the wool over there eyes. Red Sox front office/ownership did a poor job and they didn't do there homework. I wasn't a fan of bringing back Schilling this year anyway. As gsm said Schilling is a crook and I think those are pretty accurate words to use in this situation.
I have never written poor Red Sox, I have no idea where you are getting that from. Red Sox have more money than they know what to do with.
Schilling will have to wait a while to get to Cooperstown. I think he'll eventually get there. If I had a vote I would say yes but obviously I don't have a vote.
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LOL! Now we've done it Brian, we have a lawyer involved. Dbenjamin, of course is correct in that both sides have a responsibility to exercise due diligence before entering into a contract. In reality, and based on Schill's need to shut down over the past couple of years, his diminishing velocity and other factors, I believe the Sox did know they were taking a risk. Nevertheless, a risk implies that there is at least some chance that Schilling would be able to pitch this year. I believe when Schilling signed his contract, he was not healthy and he knew it. I also believe that Schilling and the Sox were at odds and did not agree on how to fix his shoulder. Ultimately, Schilling is getting what he originally wanted which was to be shut down and have surgery. I think this whole rehab thing was a fascade and from his perspective (there's that word again), there was never any intent to pitch this year. Of course, only Schilling knows the truth for sure. All that being said, I appreciate what he brought to the Sox and what he has accomplished over his distinguished career. As far as Cooperstown is concerned, he would not get my vote. It's not that he doesn't deserve it, but I just think there are others who are not there who are at least as and probably more deserving. Among those I would include Jim Kaat, Bert Blyleven, Jack Morris and maybe even Luis Tiant. All of them are at least as accomplished as Schilling.
The Sox did give both Pedroia and Ellsbury unsolicited raises this year. They weren't huge, but they were recognition of the contributions the youngsters have made. I think for the most part, the Sox take very good care of their players. When they have to make tough decisions, they can do that too as was the case with Pedro, Damon and Lowe. Damon is having a good year this year, but for the most part, he has been less than spectacular in NY. Oh yeah, it's another contract year. What a coincidence.
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Gsm,
LOL, good stuff. We'll have F. Lee Baliey and Robert Shapiro on here in no time, lol.
We could debate this matter all day and you know what nobody is going to change my mind or your mind, not even dbenjamin.
I think Schilling will get in eventually but certainly not a first ballot guy. It will take Schilling years to get in. Those pitchers you mentioned deserve to get in. I'm a big fan of Morris, along with Schilling one of the best big game pitchers during my time. That counts for something in my book. What you do when the lights are on in October.
The one player I always wanted the Sox to bring back was Lowe. He is so versatile and has one of those rubber arms. I don't think he has ever been on the D.L. if he has perhaps one time. I think with Lowe, it came down to his off-field stuff. Just a hunch of course. The one thing that bothered me about the Red Sox when they let Pedro and Lowe go, they signed Wells and Clement. The Red Sox didn't do there homework there for sure. Wells was well past his prime and Clement was afraid on the mound. That was proven when he took the mound in game 1 vs Chicago in 2005. He got lit up.
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why?
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The Cards go for the sweep. I think that is very surprising. I thought Boston would win every series in the month of June, not going to happen. Let's go Lester, keep pitching the way you have and get the Sox back on there winning ways!!!!!
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Dice-K's velocity being down is a concern to me. For some reason the Red Sox don't seemed concerned. His next start is vs Houston, we shall find out.
Lester looks like a totally different pitcher to me. He seems to be more confident and relaxed out there on the mound. Throwing strikes and working faster.
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How is it that Joel Piniero is matching Lester in Fenway against the Sox? Is this possible? This just isn't right!
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Arnie,
How is it that the Sox can't get a run and St. Louis can? Considering that the Sox will NOT get a run in this game, that's three in a row by St. Louis. I'll be glad when the Cards leave town.
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The wheels are coming off for Lester. This is a three game series to forget.
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Well, Lester had a nice game today except for the hiccup in the 6th. But if you only give up two runs, you should win. He gets to 101 pitches and he's gone. He's still throwing well, but he's gone. I have more confidence in Lester as he's going now than I do in DelCarmen coming out of the bullpen. This is the new dynamic of baseball I really don't like.
A very lacklustre performance by the Sox today. Buck Martinez made an excellent point I think is very applicable to the Sox. He talked about good teams allowing teams with less talent to play with them. Martinez is exactly right. Today's teams do not have that killer instinct. To me, it looks like they takes days off or something.
DelCarmen gets the outs, with a little help from an incosistent umpire. It looks good now, but at the time of the change, I still liked the Lester option better.
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Pinero is pitching out of his mind. He hasn't gone to a 3 ball count yet.
LaRussa going with the quick hook, I don't agree but I am glad Pinero is outta there. I am sure the Red Sox hitters are saying thank you LaRussa. Ankiel with the slip, ooops.
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Gsm,
I think Lester went as far as he could. He let up an 0-2 hit to Miles to leadoff the 8th. Ludwick got good wood on that fly to right. If Lester pitches like that, he'll get alot of wins. He was solid again.
Delcarmen has pitched really well in the last month or so.
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See what Ankiel did? That's why I pitched. I could misjudge a fly ball with the best of them. LOL!
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Great job by Lugo, getting the run in. 2-2, brand new game in Boston. Thank you Rick Ankiel.
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It's time for Ramirez to give the Sox the lead and then it is Papelbon time!!!
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That was an excellent call by the second base umpire. I don't know if Pedroia was safe or out. An umpire must be able to see an out to call it. If the ump could not definitely call Pedroia out, he must make the safe call. Nice job.
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The Cards gave nothing to Ramirez. Almost like an intentional walk as Remy said. Lowell let's go, get the lead.
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This kid Perez has no clue where the ball is going. He has forgotten how to pitch. None of the pitches were even close. How does that happen? Perez has thrown a ball for years and he can't find home plate. Give the kid a map, lol.
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Those walks will always get you. He whiffed the first 2 with ease. Kennedy hit that one hard.
I agree with Remy about Crisp not reading that one. He got a late jump.
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We had the discussion on whether Schilling should go to the Hall of Fame. I wonder, as the game continues to evolve into a pitch limited specialty game how the criteria for Hall of Fame election will evolve. There won't be any more 300 game winners or 3,000 strikeout pitchers. I think Beckett was the only 20 game winner last year...... 200 innings in a season is considered a lot.......... the complete game is a forgotten stat......... I doubt you'll see 15-20 year careers because with the money players are making, there is no incentive for players to play that long. Now we have quality starts, holds and saves. What is a quality start anyway? There is no way pitchers of the present or future will be able to compare favorably with Hall of Fame pitchers of the past.
Another blown save on an 0-2 pitch with two outs. Not good.
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Also Youkilis striking out with the bases loaded, it came back and haunted them.
All they need is 1 run. I'll be glad too see the Cardinals leave Boston. They have given the Red Sox a very difficult time. Never saw that one coming. I thought Boston would take 2 this weekend for sure if not all 3.
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What's with Pap and blown saves on consecutive weekend games?
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Gsm,
The funny thing about a quality start is it computes out to be an e.r.a. of 4.50. 3 runs and 6 innings qualifies for a quality start. That is quality? One thing for sure is it will get you all sorts of $$$$$.
A 300 game winner will be something of the past, you are correct gsm.
All the momentum is with the Cards.
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Tek is pathetic at the plate.
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Remember gsm in 2006 nobody won 20 games.
Okajima will pitch the 10th if the Red Sox don't get a run. That could be trouble because Okajima is fooling nobody.
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Brian, I'll be right back. I'm going to go run 20 or 30 yards and try to get myself back into shape. I think I can be ready for next spring.
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I'd be very surpised if Troy Glaus doesn't take Okijima about 550 feet.
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Gsm,
Very funny, LOL.....Wang tried running last Sunday and he is out until September. You better be careful out there, lol.
A game of situations, not for the better but it will be like this forever.
During spring training they don't even want some of these guys taking long bus rides. Long bus rides of 2 hours, lol.
Leadoff man on, uh oh. Miles at first.
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It seems Glaus loves hitting at Fenway. His swing is tailor made for Fenway. He scares me. You might be right about the 550 foot bomb gsm.
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Okajima is given Glaus nothing to hit. He was scared to throw him a strike.
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I really like Glaus. He's a very good player. One way to keep him in the park...... don't pitch to him.
I'm really glad to see the for Okajima. Maybe it will be a confidence boost for him.
You could be right Brian. Maybe I'll wait until tomorrow to take that run. I'll jog to my car. It's about 30 yards away.
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Okajima makes it look very interesting but no runs given up.
Ellsbury with a leadoff double. If he doesn't score, the Red Sox deserve to get swept.
Nice bunt by Pedroia.
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Drew is the hottest hitter going, I wouldn't pitch to him.
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JD Drew should have busted his tail down the first base line. It could have been very possible for Ellsbury to score on the throw.
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A W.P. would be sweet.
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A leadoff double and the Red Sox do not score. If Francona had to do it all over again, he would have had Pedroia swing away. Ellsbury is so fast, he could have stolen 3rd or scored from 2nd on a base hit. The Sox don't deserve to win.
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Absolutely, Francona and LaRussa are competing to see who can manage this game the worst -- I can't believe he gave up an out with Jacoby on 2nd (doesn't matter for him 2nd or 3rd) with Pedroia hot today -- and worst yet, he pinch hits his last outfielder for Casey --- I couldn't believe it -- what is he going to do now -- move Youk to right, and Casey to first -- man, this is a bad as it has gotten it quite a while management wise. Still LaRussa should be home with a W already, had he not pulled Pinero with about 80 pitches and only a couple of hits.
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And to add insult to injury, looks like Drew's hot streak has disappeared as fast it came on -- too bad, he hasn't look good this whole series, let's hope he can get it back.
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I don't think the bunt call on Pedroia was a real bad one. You can reasonably expect Drew to make some kind of contact.
Let's see how Hansen does. Doesn't do well under pressure with men on base.
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Sox are pissing me off! Runner on 3rd, one out, and can't get the game over!!!!! Aaarrrggghhh!!!!!!! What a shame for Lester after he pitched so well. Sad, just sad.
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Even though Okajima didn't allow a run, he allowed 5 baserunners in 1 2/3 innings. One of them was basically a swinging bunt but 5 baserunners in that time span is way too many. Hansen came in and blew away Ludwick.
A walk off H.R. by ?????? I can smell it.
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Another leadoff double. Let's see if Francona will have Youk bunt, I doubt it.
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I think I might have Youk bunting now....... or at the very least, looking to hit the ball to the right side.
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Tek up, let's see what he can do. A DP waiting to happen.
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Varitek in the month of June is ice cold. Game winning hit for Varitek???? Let's go captain!!!
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gsm,
A D.P. by Varitek could happen, you might be right on that one.
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An absolutely horrible effort by Varitek.........
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With men in scor. pos. in this series, Boston is doing absolutely nothing. I give credit to the Cards pitching staff.
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I have confidence in Cora. He'll get the job done.
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I have to disagree on this last one Brian. Absolute failure to even come close to executing on Tek's part. That was pathetic.
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Cora didn't swing at one strike.
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What is Cora thinking about? Horrible, absolutely horrible.
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I'm very disgusted........ where's my Louisville Slugger?
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Suddenly this team can't hit with men in scor. pos. at Fenway. Cora looked foolish, at least Ellsbury swung at strikes. Boston has had too many chances to win this game, St. Louis deserves the win.
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Even Lugo has never looked as pathetic as Cora, he could have walked home the winning run if he had just never swung his bat -- I don't think I have ever seen anyone look so bad at the plate -- this is the ugliest game I can ever recall at this point.
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Someone is going to win this game with a H.R. Who will it be?
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All the wrong moves today !
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Hansen looking good out there. Hansen is one way or the other. He looks really good or not so good. He has shown flashes of his talent.
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As long as the Sox don't get a leadoff double, they'll do just fine, lol.
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Hansen certainly has the stuff to be a top notch pitcher. If he ever develops consistency in his command, he will be devastating.
I think you're right Brian. The only way the Sox win this game is with a HR. Best shot is Mike Lowell.
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Dear Terry Francona,
Just thought I'd write to you. In watching today's game, I'm sure you're looking for the heaviest drink you can find to drown your sorrows. I mean, you give Papelbon the ball and what does he say "this is a great opportunity for Oki to get his confidence back" Then you witness game opportunity after game opportunity and what are you getting back "we tried to get a hit but those big St. Louis guys are really, really tough and they just scare me so much"
I know Terry. I know how tough it is. Now two days in a row your bullpen is being drained dry. You've used everyone up I believe and perhaps have nobody left. You have no bench with all the injuries and frankly you're tired. Terry -- my permission is given to leave the ballgame, get totally drunk and then crash with pizza and a bad movie. I'm there for you!
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Not another leadoff double, oh no!!! LOL....
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LOL!.....there you go Brian...... a leadoff double.