287 replies to this topic

[MannyRam]

Looks like they are close to re-signing him

Sources: Schilling, Sox near deal

Sources indicated last night that Curt Schilling [stats]and the Red Sox [team stats] were close to striking a deal which would bring the pitcher back to the defending world champions for one more season.

Schilling, when reached by phone last night, said that things “gathered momentum and if they continued to progress like they did (yesterday) something could potentially get done.”

The deal is believed to be incentive-laden and, according to sources, might be simply contingent on a final physical. Schilling had initially been looking for a $13 million extension before last season.

[67WasBest]

On another board someone I trust just posted Fox announces the Sox have reached a one year deal with Schilling

Edit: Looked all over and can't find any online confirmation yet

Edited by 67WasBest, 05 November 2007 - 11:03 PM.

[Ananti]

Good news, I'd like to see him retire in a Sox uniform.

[LahoudOrBillyC]

On another board someone I trust just posted Fox announces the Sox have reached a one year deal with Schilling

This will piss off CHB, who has written and said repeatedly that Theo and Lucchino hate Schilling and can't wait until he leaves. If Curt signs, CHB will have to invent some story about Terry or Henry jumping in and making it happen.

[Ananti]

This will piss off CHB,

That's even better news.

[Rough Carrigan]

If so, good for Curt. I think the Sox don't want to try to go from April through October with Buchholz and Lester. It's my guess that they think it would take both past the maximum innings they'd like to have them pitch.

Edit: and I agree with Pumpsie about Maddux. His little hissy fit about not getting the late 90's 30 inch wide plate called for him against the Sox was a joke. Let AL teams see him more often and he'd need a good HMO.

Edited by Rough Carrigan, 05 November 2007 - 11:05 PM.

[pedros hairstylist]

On another board someone I trust just posted Fox announces the Sox have reached a one year deal with Schilling

Edit: Looked all over and can't find any online confirmation yet

The FOX report was based solely on the Bradford/Herald story, so take that for what it's worth.

[Sille Skrub]

Channel 5 is reporting that the Sox are "close" to re-signing Schilling. They are quoting the Boston Herald report.

Channels 4 & 7 are saying the same thing.

[67WasBest]

The FOX report was based solely on the Bradford/Herald story, so take that for what it's worth.

My apologies if I jumped the gun based on a report that was misheard.

[Ananti]

Assuming Schilling is back, I'd like for the Sox to install a hybrid 6 man rotation next year. Beckett goes every 5 games, everyone else is part of a 6 man rotation.

So you have

Beckett
Matsuzaka
Schilling
Buchholz
Lester

Beckett
Wakefield
Matsuzaka
Schilling
Buchholz

Beckett
Lester
Wakefield
Matsuzaka
Schilling

Beckett
I am an Idiot
Lester
Wakefield
Matsuzaka

Beckett
Schilling
Buchholz
Lester
Wakefield


This way, you have everyone besides Beckett get an extra days rest between starts, and you have all them get skipped a start every 4 starts.
Perfect for guys like Schilling and Matsuzaka who is more effective with extra rest and protect the total IP for Lester and I am an Idiot.

[tywebb444]

http://bostonherald....ticleid=1042890

Getting close (my bad, didn't see it in the previous post)

Edited by tywebb444, 05 November 2007 - 11:28 PM.

[DJnVa]

A 6-man rotation shortens the bench, taking away flexibility or overworks the guys left in the pen. It's not going to happen. If guys need rest throughout the year, there's easier ways to do it.

[tims4wins]

ESPN just cut into MNF to report that a deal is near... I doubt they'd do it if it wasn't at the serious stage.

[tailwind]

A 6-man rotation shortens the bench, taking away flexibility or overworks the guys left in the pen. It's not going to happen. If guys need rest throughout the year, there's easier ways to do it.

Agreed. If anything, they can move Wakefield to the long-man/spot starter role and give the other starters a day off when necessary, serving the same purpose, but without messing with routines, the bench, or the bullpen. If that does happen, Tavarez probably gets traded.

[Quintanariffic]

A 6-man rotation shortens the bench, taking away flexibility or overworks the guys left in the pen. It's not going to happen. If guys need rest throughout the year, there's easier ways to do it.

I'm not sure it matters.

Lester and Buchholz will be pitching no more than 180-190 IP each. G38 is likely to give us no more than 160-180 IP himself due to the fact injuries happen at his age and he probably needs more rest anyway. I'll be surprised if they don't skip Dice-K a turn or four, just to keep him fresh too. In short, though it won't be formalized, they will go into the season with six starters they trust plus Tavarez to plug in if/when necessary.

[SoxFanSince57]

MLB is repeating the report as well.

BOSTON -- It appears that Curt Schilling might have his farewell tour in a Red Sox uniform after all.
The Boston Herald reported Monday night that Schilling and the team were close to a one-year deal for 2008.

"Things had gathered momentum and if they continued to progress like they did [Monday]something could potentially get done," Schilling told the paper on Monday.

http://sandiego.padr...l...sp&c_id=mlb

The AP has it as well.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox are making progress toward a contract that would allow him to remain with the World Series champions.

While the sides have not yet reached an agreement, talks have gained momentum and it is possible an agreement could be reached within a few days, a person familiar with the talks said Monday night, speaking on condition of anonymity because a deal had not yet been struck.

http://sports.espn.g...o...&id=3096553

Edited by SoxFanSince57, 05 November 2007 - 11:42 PM.

[Lollardfish]

ESPN just cut into MNF to report that a deal is near... I doubt they'd do it if it wasn't at the serious stage.

It's all just seemed so pre-ordained that the Sox would offer Schilling a reasonable 1-year deal. All this drama has been annoying given the likelihood of that outcome. Only multiple years or some stupid salary demand/reduction could have stopped him.

I know the deal isn't done yet. Something could go wrong. But it would have been nice just to have had this go off. I'm glad the drama has stopped.

[Everybody Loves Rey Quinones]

G38 is reporting as well

http://38pitches.com...s-looking-good/

[Pumpsie]

Schill says on G38 pitches:

Talks with the Red Sox are moving. Theo and I have spoken multiple times daily over the past week and given the current situation I am feeling very confident that we will be able to finalize a 1 year contract to allow us a chance to finish our career as members of the Red Sox organization.

There are some things to iron out and details that must be finalized for both sides but barring something unforseen or outrageously odd happening I feel very comfortable that I will finish my career here.

Excellent, Smithers!

[CaptainLaddie]

This makes me pleased. Schilling is the best free agent pitcher on the market this year. Next year is possibly gigantic, and he's a nice placeholder for the next great Sox pitcher.

[ScubaSteveAvery]

G38 is reporting as well

http://38pitches.com...s-looking-good/

This is great to hear.

Edit:

I'm sure we had something to do with this

Also, I think it would be great if his contract contained a clause that escalated his contract by $1000 or so everytime CHB prints or says "Blowhard Schilling." The portion at the end of year could then be donated to the Shade Foundation, Curt's Pitch for ALS, or the Jimmy Fund. I would love to hear CHB's reaction to something like this.

Edited by Bosox33, 05 November 2007 - 11:58 PM.

[CaptainLaddie]

Also, anything that makes CHB upset makes me giddy in the pants.

[shoebox91]

If he is indeed staying then I am thrilled. CHB getting pissed is just a bonus. Now we gotta get the Lowell deal done and things are all good.

[Gehrig38]

If he is indeed staying then I am thrilled. CHB getting pissed is just a bonus. Now we gotta get the Lowell deal done and things are all good.

But wait, I can't be coming back. CHB, Shaugnostradamus is the IN guy, he knows for a fact that the Sox are saying "Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out". He's 100% guaranteed in the know right? He KNOWS they hate me...

Wait, no he doesn't.

Things are winding down, details being taken care of. When something is final I'll blog it to let anyone that cares know.

[sackamano]

Dude, thanks for everything you've done for my favorite sports team, and the sports team my dad didn't live long enough to see win the WS. Skip the CHB stuff though man, no one cares what he says anymore. I hope things work out for you here, love to have you back. Why would anyone want to play anywhere else? You're not 25 and need to break the bank, right? Do the right thing and stay where your heart is. Again, all props to you. Thanks.

[Pumpsie]

Shaugnostradamus...

[Foulkey Reese]

CHB is at home reading this thread and throwing copies of his book around the room....awesome

This really was a no brainer.....now the Sox have 6 good pitchers to start the season and Theo/Tito have a ton of options to consider before spring training.

Really glad to see that this deal got done.

The CHB stuff is just icing on the cake.

Edited by Foulkey Reese, 06 November 2007 - 12:21 AM.

[Jack Sox]

But wait, I can't be coming back. CHB, Shaugnostradamus is the IN guy, he knows for a fact that the Sox are saying "Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out". He's 100% guaranteed in the know right? He KNOWS they hate me...

Wait, no he doesn't.

Things are winding down, details being taken care of. When something is final I'll blog it to let anyone that cares know.

PWN3D?

This is good news. There was simply no good reason for this not to happen. So I'm glad it is.

Now if you can only teach Buchholz a split, we'll be set.

[941827]

But wait, I can't be coming back. CHB, Shaugnostradamus is the IN guy, he knows for a fact that the Sox are saying "Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out". He's 100% guaranteed in the know right? He KNOWS they hate me...

Wait, no he doesn't.

Things are winding down, details being taken care of. When something is final I'll blog it to let anyone that cares know.

If it's true that this is an incentive-laden deal (which has been mentioned in at least one report I've seen), kudos to you to for having the decency and self-confidence to sign a deal that limits the team's risk while providing you with a chance to make huge money if you perform like you (and many others) believe you can.

And, of course, kudos for not being "insulted" by such a deal, per your earlier response to my question in this thread.

[shoebox91]

PWN3D?

This is good news. There was simply no good reason for this not to happen. So I'm glad it is.

Now if you can only teach Buchholz a split, we'll be set.

Shoot....Buchholz needs to teach G38 that curve so he can get out 27! (couldn't resist....)

[allaboutthesox]

Things are winding down, details being taken care of. When something is final I'll blog it to let anyone that cares know.

Make no mistake about it, we care. Don't let the mediots try to bring you down. I just noticed the article on ESPN about you being close to an agreement to stay in Boston and may I be the first to say, "Welcome back and glad to see you never left!" Best regards this off season and be well.

Edited by allaboutthesox, 06 November 2007 - 12:27 AM.

[Rough Carrigan]

IIRC, the collective bargaining agreement only allows incentives for playing time. Appearances and games finished for relievers, starts and innings for starters. So, the Red Sox and Curt can only "protect the team" against Curt getting hurt. The only protection they would have against his being ineffective is if he was somehow so bad that he wasn't sent out to the mound.

Curt probably can't say, but I'm curious if anything's been said about either a 6 man rotation or some kind of planned rest to limit innings.

Edited by Rough Carrigan, 06 November 2007 - 12:30 AM.

[allaboutthesox]

IIRC, the collective bargaining agreement only allows incentives for playing time. Appearances and games finished for relievers, starts and innings for starters. So, the Red Sox and Curt can only "protect the team" against Curt getting hurt. The only protection they would have against his being ineffective is if he was somehow so bad that he wasn't sent out to the mounds.

Curt probably can't say, but I'm curious if anything's been said about either a 6 man rotation or some kind of planned rest to limit innings.

IF, this were to be a possibility,this could very well be a good idea as to keep innings down for Schilling (fresher arm for the playoffs) and ease Buchholz's innings for next year.

Edited by allaboutthesox, 06 November 2007 - 12:32 AM.

[5belongstoGeorge]

I hope they gave you an extra $1,000,000 for your homeboys.

[The_Powa_of_Seiji_Ozawa]

But wait, I can't be coming back. CHB, Shaugnostradamus is the IN guy, he knows for a fact that the Sox are saying "Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out". He's 100% guaranteed in the know right? He KNOWS they hate me...

Wait, no he doesn't.

Things are winding down, details being taken care of. When something is final I'll blog it to let anyone that cares know.

Well done. I'm glad there's been some negotiating off of the original asking price, shows good faith and confidence, it makes sense for the player and the team. A few million here and there is the difference between having Lopez in the bullpen vs. having another reliable reliever.

It sounds like the front office is intent on keeping the team essentially intact, which is what I've been advocating. 2005 was tough to swallow not just because of the end result, but because of the roster changes...it may have been the right long term decision, but I really wanted to see the 2004 team get a chance to defend its title. I suspect the 2008 team will greatly resemble the championship 2007 team, with small upgrades here and there, and that makes me very happy.

[pdaj]

Fantastic news.

Even without considering Wakefield's health woes, I wasn't comfortable having to count on Lester and Buchholz for entire season. For those claiming, "We have too many starters" ... I just don't see it. With above average starting pitching at an absolute premium, signing Curt is a no-brainer. On top of it all, he's even down for a one year deal, minimizing any "risk" significantly.

I love the fact he'll be retiring in a Red Sox uniform.

After this news, I feel a lot better about a possible repeat in '08.

[Rough Carrigan]

If Pedro had been willing to sign for 1 or 2 years after 2004, he'd have stayed too. If Curt was asking for a 4 year contract now . . . well, he'd be a Met.

[Rice4HOF]

Even though this is AWESOME news, I have an uneasy feeling until all the details are finalized, and the contract made official.

I recall "celebrating" similar announcements previously and having something come up at the last minute and derail everything. I hope this is not one of those cases.

[941827]

IIRC, the collective bargaining agreement only allows incentives for playing time. Appearances and games finished for relievers, starts and innings for starters. So, the Red Sox and Curt can only "protect the team" against Curt getting hurt. The only protection they would have against his being ineffective is if he was somehow so bad that he wasn't sent out to the mound.

That's exactly the kind of protection I mentioned in my earlier post. I proposed a relatively low base with a tiered incentive system starting at a reasonable innings pitched level (say, $4 million bonus for hitting 150 innings), then increasing steadily from there to the point that G38 could make $15 million if he pitched 200 innings.

[gammoseditor]

That's exactly the kind of protection I mentioned in my earlier post. I proposed a relatively low base with a tiered incentive system starting at a reasonable innings pitched level (say, $4 million bonus for hitting 150 innings), then increasing steadily from there to the point that G38 could make $15 million if he pitched 200 innings.

If a deal gets finalized with significant incentives it will be interesting to see what they are. I'm opposed to incentives for innings pitched because it gives a pitcher an incentive to try and pitch through an injury when it might be best for the team to shut him down until he is fully healthy. While Curt can't be accused of putting himself before the team I'd still prefer that this conflict of interest be eliminated.

[Rocco Graziosa]

Whats the downside here? Its not my money, and whatever they're paying him I'm 100% confident it won't prevent them from making ANY moves next season. At the absolute worst he comes into camp, takes half a season to get into shape and is ready to be the 4th starter in the playoffs. This guy is the anti Clemens. He gets it done when it counts and I'm sure he'll be focused when they really need him. If he wins one game in the playoffs he'll be worth whatever the signed him for. And thats not even mentioning the positive impact he's sure to have on the younger pitchers on the staff. Lets hope this gets done.

[mabrowndog]

Even though this is AWESOME news, I have an uneasy feeling until all the details are finalized, and the contract made official.

I recall "celebrating" similar announcements previously and having something come up at the last minute and derail everything. I hope this is not one of those cases.

Last time this happened, did one of the contractual parties post a confirmation on a message board you frequent? I think the credibility gap has been closed on this one.

ESPN just cut into MNF to report that a deal is near... I doubt they'd do it if it wasn't at the serious stage.

Are you kidding? You're placing far too much faith in those buffoons.

ESPN actually had a "BREAKING NEWS!!" flash earlier today where John Clayton reported that the Cowboys would be activating Tank Johnson for this weekend's game now that his suspension is up. I shit you not. This network will invent hype in any way, shape or form that it can get it.

Of course, we now know a Sox-Schilling deal is serious straight from one of the horse's mouths, but ESPN didn't know any more than we did at the time of their report.

[LahoudOrBillyC]

For future reference, here is Shagnostradamus on Schilling being hated by the Red Sox, and all but being run out of town by Theo and Larry L.:

NESN video

Globe article

Edited by LahoudOrBillyC, 06 November 2007 - 01:09 AM.

[bowiac]

This is great news obviously.

I let myself be convinced that we had too many starters in 2005 - I was wrong. Good to see the Sox learned from the mistake as well.

[Pumpsie]

It sounds like the front office is intent on keeping the team essentially intact, which is what I've been advocating. 2005 was tough to swallow not just because of the end result, but because of the roster changes...it may have been the right long term decision, but I really wanted to see the 2004 team get a chance to defend its title. I suspect the 2008 team will greatly resemble the championship 2007 team, with small upgrades here and there, and that makes me very happy.

I think that the roster changes made prior to the 2005 season were the correct ones. I also think that keeping the 2007 championship team together for another run is also the right move now. Circumstances change. Free agency ain't what it used to be. Less and less quality players are out there. Because the pool is less in quality, what remains is old and overpriced. I mean if the Sox allow Schilling and Lowell to walk, they instantly become the class of the free agent market (ARod aside). So, what should the Sox do? Re-sign Schilling and Lowell, of course. Lowell will be the tougher negotiation because he'll want five years if he can get them but you have to try to resign him and you have to try hard. If you have to overpay him, you overpay him, because the alternative is a less viable team for 2008 and you have to go for it since you know you have a good shot with this team.

[Pandemonium67]

I'm not a fanboy. That said, my respect for G38 just went up a notch (from an already high position). He could've gotten more on the open market, but he took less to play where he wanted to play. And he didn't even need Scott Boras holding his hand. Dude walks the talk.

Well done, both Schilling and Theo.

[E5 Yaz]

Theo's gonna be pissed that he didn't stretch this out long enough to get another free Thanksgiving dinner.

You have to wonder, though, whether there's a splash coming via a trade involving Lester or Buchholz