Schilling backs own doctor, says medical 'egos' in play
Curt Schilling, who said he held off on addressing his situation because he didn't want to be a distraction but became even more of a story this past week because of his silence, met with a few handpicked reporters in the parking lot this morning after he furtively whispered instructions that they meet him there. The Globe was not among those invited to his private party, but Don Orsillo was, with a NESN camera, and in an interview that will be aired on NESN's Sportsdesk tonight at 10 and is embedded at the top of this blog entry, Schilling left little doubt that he feels the Red Sox have him embarked on the wrong course of medical treatment.
He also disputed any questions about the appropriateness of him collecting on the $8 million contract he signed with the Sox last November, noting that he had passed a physical and MRI.
"Something happened,'' said Schilling, who said he began throwing in mid-December, felt some discomfort, shut down for a couple of weeks, then felt "intense" pain when he resumed throwing in January, far worse than anything he experienced last season, when he was on the disabled list for seven weeks with what was described as biceps tendinitis.
"If some people want to believe this was me taking advantage of the situation financially, I wouldn't be doing it here. I would have done it for $14 million in at least two other places, if I was going to sit on my ass on the DL and collect a paycheck.
"So I know that for a fact. People are going to believe what they want to believe. I was healthy at the time.''
Schilling likened the situation to the first time he had shoulder surgery in 1995, when he said he was misdiagnosed by the Phillies and that a team trainer recommended him to shoulder specialist Dr. Craig Morgan, who performed surgery on Schilling at that time.
"Here I am, 14 years later, and he (Morgan) was right every time,'' Schilling said. "This guy has been cutting edge forever. He's always been way ahead of the bell curve. He's an orthopedic surgeon, but that's like saying he's a major league player. He's Papelbon, a specialist, a shoulder specialist, that's what he does.
"But they (the Red Sox) disagreed. And at the end of the day, I hear one doctor say one thing, another doctor say something different, and a third doctor say something completely different. I'm probably as lost as anybody.''
Schilling's doctor, Morgan, says Schilling needs surgery to repair what he described as the disintegrating biceps tendon in his shoulder. Thomas Gill, the Sox medical director, advised a course of rest and rehabilitation, which began with a cortisone injection and will continue through a regimen of shoulder strengthening exercises before Schilling is even allowed to resume throwing. That could take up to six to eight weeks.
Morgan predicts that Schilling's shoulder will not respond to the injection, that the Sox program has "zero" chance of succeeding and that the only way Schilling gets back on the mound by the All-Star break is if he has the operation.
It became a point of contractual contention when the Sox advised Schilling that he risked voiding his contract if he elected to go ahead and have surgery. Eventually a third doctor was called in, Mets medical director David Altchek, and according to sources Altchek warned that Schilling had a rotator cuff tear that might also require surgery.
"I'm obviously going to fall back on the guy (Morgan) who's already been down this path and who's always been right,'' Schilling said.
"....I immediately jumped on that when no one else was really offering me a difference, a change.''
It was at that point, he said, that the contract became an issue. "I think there was some belief on their end that I was going to go off and do my own thing and have surgery on my own,'' Schilling said, "or something like that. I immediately assured everybody that I was talking to I would never do that, No. 1, and No. 2, I couldn't do it legally, anyway.''
Schilling said he is following the Sox prescribed regimen "because I don't have any choice. If their course of action doesn't work I don't pitch this year, I might not ever pitch again.''
Schilling did not come right out and say the Sox doctors were wrong, but he called their judgment into question this way. "I think there's unspoken here that doctors have egos every bit as much as professional athletes. These are some of the top people in the world at what they do. I had three different doctors tell me three completely different things with three completely different courses of action. I'm obviously going to fall back on the guy who's already been down this path before.''
I think surgery would be best for Curt for 2009, wherever and if he pitches. I think the Sox would like to get some playoff innings for their $8 million, which rest may allow. question...Can Curt still collect the bonuses for weight reduction, even if he is inactive?
A lot of BIG EGOs involved.
Love the guy...forever grateful...but face it, he's done
Let him have the surgery and cut ties with this him. He'd be available to the highest bidder at mid-season taking this approach and the Red Sox fans won't have to listen to a guy comment on everything even though he isn't playing.
If Schilling wants to stick by his man then I say he should do so. If his man is right there is no fear of a voided contract. If he is wrong, and the surgery does not work and he is lost for the season he doesn't deserve the $8 Million anyway.
Schilling has always had a big mouth, it is now time he put up or shut up. Unfortunately Schillings bravaro isn't quite as big as his mouth.
If he was in better shape this probably would never have happened.How far
can he run?Maybe a block.
Good to hear Schill talking about egos. He should know.
As a retired (recently) orthopedic surgeon, I feel I must state my opinion on Curt Schilling's condition re his right shoulder. I am sorry that Mr. Schilling fails to admit that he has a chronically damaged throwing shoulder and that, at age 40ish, nothing is going to make it new again. In the practice of medicine there is a saying, one wellfounded in surgeons' experiences, that, when there are multiple approaches, solutions or techniques to a particular problem, it means that there is probably no one good "tried-and-true" solution. Whether he chooses surgery or not, this old shoulder has only a limited ability to rebound. There is no magic. I hate to say it, but this may be the end. I hope I'm wrong.
Wow, it's like the Red Sox are everybody's nightmare HMO, telling Schilling which doctor he has to use, no matter whom he trusts. What I would like to hear from them is why they think rest will cure a problem that developed WHILE he was resting.
As a Baseball fan, not necessarily a Red sox fan (go Yankees) it is heartening to see an player of Schillings prowess doing what he honestly believes is right for him and not for MLB or the Red Sox. It has always amazed me that MLB has the audacity to think they know better than the player what is the correct treatment for the player. It's also great to see Schilling willing to still compete after all these years. Like I said, I don't root for the team he plays with, but I root for him as a man and as a player. Great job Shillings. Keep it up and good luck to you.....
Schilling should just shut up and do what the Red Sox say. After all he is employed by the Red Sox and being paid by them to do as the Red Sox Wish.
Funny that someone like him, who joined in the attacks on the Dixie Chicks for speaking their mind on Bush (who doesn't pay their salary) and questioned their right to free speech, feels free to verbally attack the team that actually pays his salary.
Just shut up and pitch.
The only "ego" in play here is Mr. Schillings'. I'm surprised that he isn't making a political statement with this, just like he did in front of Congress. He should just retire with his bloody sock. Hey Curt, I heard that HGH is great for a bum shoulder.
obviously the Red Sox organization screwed up big time by signing him for the 2008 season. They should have let him go and moved on to a younger picher who could work his way up. 8 million to sit on the bench, this is why a normal family can not afford to go to a Baseball game today. It is not a family event.
I can certainly understand why Curt would not talk to Dan Shaughnessy of the Globe, but I truly hope he will continue to speak with its other reporters. Shaughnessy, in his younger days, was such a gifted writer. Now, he can be hard to read because he has assumed a kind of Herald "shock jock" approach to his craft. If it does not hurt someone, it isn't fit to print (and won't sell papers and won't differentiated me). Dan Shaughnessy, like so much else in the "entertainment world", has evolved downwards to become an "Adults Only" journalist. Boston's kids are the big losers because few know Boston sports like he does and even fewer write as well.
Surgery, yes! On the mouth first. But seriously, isn't "slavery" over? Why does a baseball team "own" this man's body? If he feels this way, he should try to get out of the contract, go without the pay, and have his surgery. I wish him well, too. Also wish he would stop squawking so much. Needs mucho anesthesia!
The Red Sox are paying at least 8 million dollars for the right to choose the medical course of action. And per the CBA, and the decision of the arbiter, they have that right. It's just unfortunate that it this decision might end Curt's career; which might be over anyway, surgery or not. Curt is just showing the frustration of having his career end on so much uncertainty. I hope he will pitch for the Red Sox again, however, if he doesn't he will always have my gratitude for being a Red Sox and helping them win 2 World Series. My office wall is adorned with a picture of Curt standing on the mound wearing a sock soaked with his blood. He gave everything that year and I couldn't have asked for more.
Interesting thoughts, Dr. Heller.
As for Schilling's prowess for doing what's best for him, in addition to referring the surgeon's comments above, remember that Schilling is under contract to the Sox, so it isn't simply all about what Curt wants. If he takes his course to get better and stronger for next year, but erases any chance of performing this year, then he has been paid for this year while her prepares for next year (which won't be with the Sox). That seems to be taking advantage of the situation.
If he really wants to put his money where his mouth is, come to an agreement whereby if he has surgery and his doc is right and he pitches again this year, fine. If he has surgery and can't come back his contract is voided or reduced.
Blah, blah, blah...your time has come and gone. Next time we should hear from you is in 5 years when they put you on the HOF ballot.
Everyone's had enough of this blowhard and his stupid blog. He's old, and he's done. Go somewhere else, we're tired of your act.
Obviously the Red Sox think Schilling has a greater-than-zero chance of pitching *this year* with their approach. They're paying him for *this year*. If he wants to opt out of his contract and have his surgery, I sort of expect the Red Sox would let him. Why is this an issue? He should either follow their program or opt out of his contract - end of story.
There are two items that I find very interesting about this post as well as the comments that have been posted about it.
Dr. Heller as he so eloquently has stated is 100% right. Curt simply doesn't want to admit that nearly 20 seasons of being a Major League Baseball Power Strikeout Pitcher have taken their toll on his shoulder as a whole and when multiple options are being presented as possible treatment solutions there probably isn't one that is a best option. It certainly looks like this is a case of the lesser evil or seeking to figure out what the lesser evil in this situation is. Contract aside Curt needs to do what is best for Curt and best for the Schilling family. He is going to have (I hope) a long and happy life after baseball and if there is a way that he can live that life to its fullest potential he should embark on whatever rehab regimen will give him that ability. I admire and respect Curt Schilling for what he has done not only on the field but also the work that he has done toward the abolition of ALS and his other charitable foundations. You will be hard pressed to find somebody who puts his money where his mouth is both on the field and off of it as well as Curt Schilling. He does what he says he will and he did what he came here to do not once but twice. Curt I have said it before and I will say it again if you never win another game in a Red Sox uniform this city and the fanbase that is Red Sox Nation is forever in your debt not only for what you did in 2004 but also what you did last October. Were I Curt Schilling I probably would be scratching my head as well wondering when I might get a little carte blance around here considering my past track record.
Flip side of the coin now... I'm Theo Epstein and I'm Tito Francona (who mark my words after John Farrell gets a managers job which probably will be this year he will go after Schill as his pitching coach) I am looking at this strictly from a business perspective, Curt Schilling is little more than a depreciating asset to my company that as the years go on will continue to provide less and less of a return. Sure he's a person and he means a lot to his teammates and the fans, and his name is forever etched in the history of the franchise but all he is is an asset and investment and just like any asset we have or investments we make we want to pay dividends to us. If they aren't offering us any return than we cut bait and seek to find better places to invest.
A ball player is no different and those people who think that the front office braintrust as a whole view Curt Schilling any differently are only kidding themselves. If you don't think somebody can do the job than you don't bring them back, I believe we saw this happen a few years ago with a certain wiry Dominican former fireballer. The cost of keeping that investment in place was not equaling the returns that the investment was providing. So, what happened, the investment was allowed to look elsewhere, found a home and spent all of last season save three weeks on the DL collecting a paycheck for doing little more than "sitting under a Mango tree in Santo Domingo" as that certain wiry framed Domincan loves to say.
I see both sides of the equation however, baseball is a business and the front office that runs the business arm of the Boston Red Sox needs to make a sound business decision based on what will provide the club the best returns to its stakeholders (us the fans) Sadly, I think the time may have come for the Boston Red Sox as an organization to end its relationship with Curt Schilling as a on field asset. Offer a front office position and do it immediately. He is as shrew and smart a baseball mind as they come and probably would be able to help the team a whole lot more than he can by tying up a roster spot for a player who is no longer what he once was. Thank you for everything Curt! Red Sox Nation owes you a debt of gratitude the likes of which can never be repaid. That's how I want to remember Curt Schilling not as the guy who trotted out to the mound a shell of what he once was just to earn that last payday. Don't go out like this Curt it's not how we want to remember you.
We should give Curt and Dr. Morgan the benefit of the doubt, IMHO. Years ago, this would have been a bigger deal - slice-and-dice surgery, weeks of rehab. He would not have been available until next year sometime. Anyway, arthroscopic surgery procedures have made surgery better and more precise - with shorter healing times. I think if there is a chance that he will be ready by the All-Star break or later - ready for the stretch run and the playoffs, in other words - then perhaps the risk should be taken. I don't think cortisone is going to work for him. Just a feeling, based on his stated symptoms. And I don't think Curt is dogging it. Never did before, and he isn't now. And if it ends his career, well, that is just the way it goes. A grateful RSN would say goodbye. He helped give us two world series champs in four years. Not bad. Better than the Yankees in the 21st century...
Love Schill for what he has given our beloved Red Sox, but it seems as though father time has caught up to him.
My only question to Curt would be, if you are so sure of your docs opinion then go ahead with the surgery, void the contract, get better & come back sign mid season & help us win another WS ...
Curt says its not about the money, and that when he signed the contract he was healthy, and that he could have gone somewhere else and sat on his ass and collected 14million, but what is he now going to do? He's going to sit on his ass and collect the money. If its not about the money and he's going to sit on his ass either way why not retire (considering this is his last year?)?
I think he should not take the the money and have the surgery. He want to be an independent person and a employee of the Red Sox. Sorry it does not work that way
I am a cancer survivor and the hard choices I made saved my life much to the chagrin of those that would have had me do otherwise. After 3 check ups I chose that which was beneficial to me and not to anyone or anything else. Your personal health and the need to wake each day is worth more than any contract or dollars. Schilling you come first then your family and all else is secondary. Good Luck!
Curt helped the Sox win TWO world series. Sox fans should get down on their knees and thank him. Its unfortunate that he has this injury. Any one who is commenting negatively either 1. Has no memory or 2. is a Yankee fan. He loves the Red Sox and he is a winner. Remember that!
Listen, anybody who saw the "bloody sock" knows Curt's balls are a helluva lot bigger than his mouth. He may spout off, he may piss people off, but he's as straight a shooter as you can find. The fact that he is going along with head office decisions, in spite of his own feelings and beliefs, shows what kind of a class guy he is. The people who should rethink their position would be Theo and and the front office. After all, which is the biggest mistake? Either way Curt could be lost forever, but if they go along with Curt and the doctor who has helped him through the years they will get more cooperation from him and be blameless if it doesn't work out.
"Schilling has always had a big mouth, it is now time he put up or shut up. Unfortunately Schillings bravaro isn't quite as big as his mouth."
You've got to be kidding me?! No player in red sox history has put up/delivered more than Curt Schilling. Give the guy a break. He has the right to trust the person who made him healthy in the past. I hope things work out as there is no one I would rather see taking the mound in the late/post season than Curt Schilling.
Has Schilling ever voiced a moral or political opinion that didn't redound to his immediate material benefit?
the red sox know this is curt's last year so they are electing the course of action that will put him on the mound in a pinch.if he has a surgery he will be out untill a set date and then has to rehab and might be lost for the season.the red sox have the right to dictate his treatment if his own doctor and the teams doctor disagree and a third tiebreaking doctor agree with the red sox wich is apparently what happened.the funny thing is the third doctor i believe is the met's doctor said schilling has rotator cuff damage that might require surgery in addition.he won't be any help to the red sox at all this year.i see this as a legal showdown next year with schilling saying that the red sox cost him a contract after 2008.i see this a mile away.
Why doesn't Cut just offer to forego the $8 million and do it his way?
If his doctor is right, he loses 2008 either way. This way, if his doctor is right, he can come back in 2009, and perhaps earn back some of that contract.
This is easy, if Curt believes he is honorable then give the money back and go with your own doctor's decision. Guess what, he won't he has and always will be greedy and an ego mainiac.
While he was a great pitcher, let's face it, the arm is gone. Besides, he's already filed his papers to run against John Kerry in the Senate. I think he's already moved on, and so should we.
Curt
And bringing this out in public in the parking lot helps HOW?? You can't see doing this puts all the attention on YOU again?? Please. Tell the Sox you will cancel the contract, have the surgery, and sign with whomever you want. If you are going to take the $8 mil, just shut the hell up.
a chance to cut is a chance to cure.... With this much disagreement among the professionals, cut him open, see what is actually going on in there and fix what needs to be fixed... We don't need him in April, May, June, July or even August. We need him in Sept, Oct and hopefully Nov. If Curt only has so many innings left in that arm, I want the in the autumn.
No Big Free Agent players signed with the Red Sox Before Shilling. Presently we have no problem competing with any club (Yankees) to sign the big free agents. We Red Sox nation owe it to Kurt. Let's look at this years salary as severance pay and get on with the 2008 season.
Curt may have an ego but he came through for us when we needed him (can you say, Bloody Sock). Red Sox Nation should ALWAYS be greatful for that. In addition, I like the fact that he speaks his mind. That is very rare these days. The man tells it like is is and pulls no punches. I say let Curt choose what is best for himself. He has ALWAYS had the best interests of the Red Sox in mind. There is NO WAY he is dogging it. I believe that he wants to get better and be there to helps us down the stretch when we really need him.
Three rings on his finger, 11-2 post-season record, immortalized in Boston history, and a reserved seat in the hall of fame.
At this point Curt cannot climb higher in his career, but he has a long way to fall. His fast ball is nowhere near what it used to be, realistically his only truly good pitch is that splitter. Yes he still has the same control that he's always had, but I hate to say it -- at 41 Schilling is a burden on the Sox bullpen.
Curt has had a historic career, regarded by many as the best post-season pitcher of all time, and is currently in a perfect position to retire from baseball with that reputation. Go ahead and have the surgery, and show men's league Sunday softball your best stuff.
This clearly opens the door for the kansas city royals to take the pennant.
Based on all the stories surrounding Schill's abuse of steroids and HGH for all those years, one has to doubt his body will recover from this, regardless of his medical course of action. The drugs only took him so far.
The Red Sox had every opportunity "not" to sign Curt. They did, and now he's hurt. The Sox took the risk even though they couldn't get insurance to cover his contract. It sounds to me that they want him to be as miserable (in pain), as they are that they made a big mistake. I say take every penny from the Sox since they want him to suffer through debilitating pain instead of getting the surgery. Curt has nothing to prove and has become a Red Sox hero for life.
The most important point in this whole situation is what's best for Curt's future. Let's face it, Curt Schilling has many more years left after baseball than he has left as a pitcher. He needs to fix his ailing body. If he trusts and believes in his own doctor than he should have the surgery. As others have stated, his accomplishments speak for themselves and if he never pitches again the RSN is to be forever grateful. If he has the surgery and can successfully pitch again this year than it will just be a bonus. I think he should get the surgery and retire. The Red Sox should give him a contract as a coach. The result would be a healthier body for Schilling, a place for him in the organization that would still benefit the team, and it would make room on the roster for a new up and coming replacement with a younger and healthier body. .
he should ask roger for some HGH, probably help in his rehab
...if he feels so strongly about Morgan's suggested procedure, then he should do it, forsake the $$$ and try to return healthy enough, Inshallah, to assist the Sox after the All-Star Break.
Unfortunately, at his age and # of years pitching, I do not believe it will be that simple.
While it is difficult to admit, Curt has had a great pitching career, longer than most due to his superior health and natural ability, he should move on...
Having had a rotator cuff surgery in my right arm and a labrum tear in my left arm several years later I can tell you that Curt Schilling is in constant pain. He may be waking up every night in pain. Why the Red Sox would let someone suffer is beyond me. For $8 million dollars they are leaving a man in pain. That is cruel. He may further damage his arm in the Sox rehab plan. Even if the Rehab plan works you get him back by the All-Star game but he is damaged goods and could breakdown at any time. Why not do the surgery by Dr. Morgan and see the damage, fix it so he can lead a normal life, be painless, and perhaps you get him back by August or Sept? If someone is in pain, don't you help him? If the Red Sox are worried about the contract do the surgery and you may get him back. Besides, you have a wealth of good pitchers available now to give him time to heal.Don't let a person in pain suffer.
I am an old man now, and my days of prominence to those within my profession have long since passed. I'm also a lifelong Red Sox fan, and cried tears of joy in 2004 when I saw the last out of the World Series - a moment that never would have happened without G38's extraordinary talent and courage. With that as my vantage point, I'll offer a few comments:
a. Curt is totally credible to me in his assertions that integrity and health are more significant in his personal calculus than taking full advantage of a contractual situation at leisure.
b. I would not be surprised in the least - given how God tends to provide us with incredible irony in this life - if one of the non-permissible pharmaceuticals now in the limelight would actually be efficacious in his situation. I'm not a doctor, do not play one on TV, and wouldn't know a Holiday Inn Express from the Ritz, but life often works in very strange ways.
c. I believe with a complete heart that if he does not pitch again, his Foundation works will be so greatly benefit from his incremental attention devoted earlier, that Mr. Schilling's accomplishments will be far greater than any incremental World Series ring he would earn.
I do realize and accept that by entering this posting community I have made myself available for ridicule. The honors I have received over the decades are more than I have merited, and I commit to be grateful for any remarks I may read in response to this posting. I just hope that Curt will always know that, while professional athletes are appreciated more for what they do than who they are, friends will always be appreciated for who they are; this man is a friend to anyone whose self-image includes being a Red Sox fan.
Assuming Curt prefers to get an operation, I wonder if he would re-negotiate the deal. Maybe the Red Sox could pay Curt $6M with a Red Sox option to take him for second half of 2008 or first half of 2009 and then he goes off and has the surgery. If he never pitches again, they save $2M from where they are today; Curt loses $2M but he avoids charges that he just sat on the bench and collected a paycheck (and he cares about his reputation). If he comes back after the All-Star break, they get him for half of 2008 at $6M and Curt has a shot to earn the same or more in 2009; today Curt has little chance to earn money in 2009 because he thinks he would need to waste time in 2009 getting his operation after he is released from the Sox. If he needs extra rehabilitation and does not come back until 2009, then again he is getting paid $6M for the first half which leaves him a chance to negotiate a free agent extension for 2H09 or just retire gracefully at the mid-point. The added benefit to Curt is that he gets to choose the course of treatment he prefers for his own health and still keep 75% of the money under all scenarios and go out on a high note with just 15 games pitched; with a much higher earnings potential in 2009 that could pay back well more than the $2M.
I don't undertand all of the hate directed to a guy who has done nothing but deliver on the field. The RedSox front office has a lot of dead money on some pretty questionable players, Schilling has never been dead wood on this team, he works hard and has been a big part of two world series teams. To treat him so shabbily in this forum speaks poorly of some of the Redsox fans.
I hope Mr. Schilling well, he has been a tremendous player for the Redsox, his wife have been good citizens in the Boston community. For the haters out there....find something else to do on the weekends, kick some dogs, continue to mistreat you neighbors - whatever. Just give it a rest.
CS should consult with the an orthopedist of the quality of Alan Curtis or Tony Schena.
I am not "shilling" for them
No MLB player with Schilling's experience would not know when he's hurt. He knew he had a bum shoulder, he signed the contract, and made it through the physicals, and now, after slacking -- which you CAN'T do at 40 -- he's managed to damage a fragile shoulder in the spring. FU Big Schill. You screwed us, you know it, take your money & run.
Shame on you and your ego.
You are suppose to be fans, Well yes some of you are and some are not, And you know who you are, Curt Shilling to me is a hero, Yes i said hero and i have been a red sox fan all my 69 years of my life, There are a lot of people who couldnt wait around till we the SOX FANS Were fortunate too , And look at the way you talk about CS, Hell i remember when they were in last place for years, You fans have to be a bunch of young people that know nothing about the red sox past, Or like some people think Yankee fans, As far as i am concerned , YOURE NOT GOOD FANS , Shilling has a right to do what he wants to do, And i THANK YOU CURT FOR YOURE BRAVERY , AND GIVING US 2 WORLD SERIES, GBU AND GOOD LUCK TO YOU ,,,,,,
I took my son to see Curt pitch in the 2004 World Series and this year he was still The Fox of Game 2. He's at his best under pressure in the playoffs where a younger pitcher might wilt under the pressure. Curt has proven he shines on the big stage. IMHO the Red Sox are having a problem remembering what Dr. Morgan and Curt did for them in 2004. If they trusted Dr. Morgan's judgement and experimental surgery that produced the Bloody sock games that we all remember from 2004 why can't they trust Dr. Morgan now? It could help Schill give us his absolute best swan song. I think everyone knows this is the last year Curt will pitch. To deprive him of his best shot at doing that is a big mistake that may come back to haunt Dr. Gill in October. I wish Shill all the best even though his politics are off base.
Maybe we can get him to retire. He is quickly approaching has been status over the last couple years. The only time he seems to shine is the post season.
anyone who says anything bad about schilling is dumb....he's one of the greatest to play for the sox in recent history, and guess what? if he's done, so be it...cuz he's done what he set out to do...twice...which gives him the right to have the ego he does because guess what...if ANY of you went out and won 2 world series' after 86 years of nothing, you'd have an ego too...as much as i would love to see him pitch one more year, whatever happens, happens...
People, some of you are just out of line. The guy has been a reliable pitcher for over a decade. He's won 3 World Series and been a playoff stud in all of them. It's absurd to think he doesn't want to play and doesn't want to win. He may be wrong, but what is absolutely clear is he doesn't think he's wrong.
There is nothing malicious here on Schillings part. He just wants to heal and just wants to play. All of this mean spirited fan feedback exemplifies the worst in people.
As a proud Bostonian I hope most of you show a little more class! The guy has earned the benefit of the doubt. He doesn't deserve the name calling and the mud slinging. Perido.
Maybe the injury from last year is coming back again? Or the wear and tear (no pun intended ) has taken its toll. Nature is trying to tell Curt its over? Some guys don't know when to hang it up. Hey 41 years old, you had a great career. Enjoy your retirement, I''m sure you can find a poisiton in the new McCain Administration?
No one loves the big guy more than me. I think the injury, with surgery or rest, will never be restored to the point where he can compete for a full season. The Red Sox approach is to salvage the remaining time he is already sign with them and try to help him get the most out of himself. With the Sox he has $8M plus a shot at getting into the playoffs and putting some more lining onto his HoF numbers. Without the Sox who really knows where he would be and what he will get out of it. All this could have been avoided if he just rode off into the sunset after the WS last year.
I love Curt and wish the best for him and his. WE DON"T KNOW. I,m tired of all this bull----,
Curt has a surgeon he trusts, and Dr. Morgan has been a highly respected surgeon in his field for years. Curt knows his body better than anyone and, second only to that, is Dr. Morgan's knowledge of Curt's shoulder. Let him proceed with surgery if that is his choice, the sooner the better. I get it, he may not be able to help the Sox this year, but neither can a reputation that the Red Sox don't back their players. One of the lures of playing for the Sox is being part of a team culture that is markedly different than a corporate-style approach to the game. I want guys to want to be here, I want to see guys that are motivated by more than getting "top dollar" wearing the Red Sox uniform. Regardless of the medical couse of action, Curt's prospects for pitching this season are dim with the prospects of him turning in a dominating performance against playoff teams even dimmer. So defer to his judgement, re-enforce an organizational philosophy that Theo & Company have clearly been emphasizing and preserve a reputation that will keep Boston at the top of players' wish lists.
I have a horrible feeling in my gut that the Red Sox medical staff have blown it, and do not want to admit it, and lose face. Schilling is a smart guy, I agree that egoes may have something to do with this. If he does have the surgery there is a good chance that he will get a half season or so out of his shoulder; which is all we need. If he keeps going with the strengthening and rest program, there is no telling whether he will ever pitch again. And good point up above, that IS what he was doing while his shoulder flared up.
oh and LAY OFF HIM. Remember what he did on the mound? I sure do, and respect him for it. Why are Boston sports fans so good at hating major sports icons that pour their hearts into the teams we love?
Look, Schilling has been richly rewarded over the years for his efforts. His Courage in 2004 is undeniable but this is no longer 2004. Schilling was at best mediocre last year and ended last year disrupting the Champions parade with the woe-is-me I may not be back whines.
He is back and is back at a pay rate ameniable to both sides. But since it is Boston paying the bill and Curt is not about to perform for that paycheck for 1/2 a season either way I see it as a Red Sox decision and not the players. Schilling is retired after next year regardless; the question is can anything be salvaged for this year. Nobody will be risking another big contract to bring a clearly diminishing Schilling on board in 2009.
Neither side has a guarantee in their pocket and with differeing opinions the Sox have the right to choose and have done so. Schilling should now take his paycheck and shut the heck up and stop being what he so often becomes - a disruption.
Curt says its not about the money, and that when he signed the contract he was healthy, and that he could have gone somewhere else and sat on his ass and collected 14million, but what is he now going to do? He's going to sit on his ass and collect the money. If its not about the money and he's going to sit on his ass either way why not retire (considering this is his last year?)?
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