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Schilling: Keeping Manny could be a problem
Rehabbing Red Sox righthander Curt Schilling this morning said he thought the Manny Ramirez situation has affected the team and keeping him in Boston for the stretch run could present a problem.
"At the end of the day you're taking the field with a guy who doesn't want to play with you, doesn't want to be there, doesn't want to ... obviously effort-wise is just not there and that's disheartening and disappointing," Schilling said during his weekly appearance on Boston sports radio WEEI's Dennis and Callahan program.
Does he think it's time for Manny to go?
"Would I be the only guy in the New England area that said no if I did?" Schilling replied to the question. "I think I'm probably with the consensus. It's very obvious from anything you see or hear he doesn't want to be here. And anytime that there's a piece of the equation you have a problem, and then not trading and leaving him here is a problem because you don't know what you're going to get."
Schilling was asked if he was insulted by Manny's "the Red Sox don't deserve a player like me" comment.
"I was here for the end of both Pedro [Martinez] and Nomar's [Garciaparra] situation and I'm not sure how there's any parallels there," Schilling said. "... I've always felt the organization extended a lot of courtesy Manny's way and I know Terry [Francona] as a manager, like with everybody else he went that extra mile for Manny. It's disappointing to see that not get recognized, but that happens.
"The hard part for me was this [situation with Manny] derailed into a train wreck so quick, so fast, and so oddly. You had the Buddah Zen Master guy in spring training, reading and 'life is good, don't worry be happy' and it just looked like he was poised to have a monster season. Physically he worked his butt off. Obviously he wants to play longer. Anytime a guy like that is motivated, you get excited. You get a chance to see some stuff...
"We had a conversation a little while back, talking about what he should do and how things are gonna go and there's just really not a reason from a business standpoint for the Red Sox to do anything right now. There really wouldn't... Why would they? Given your age and the contract situations. Why would they not just kind of wait and see how things played out. I think there was, maybe there's some feeling on his part that if he did what he did last winter and he came out and had a monster first couple of months that they'd sit down and say 'OK we want to keep you here the next four years, let's get something done,' and it felt like to me that the second he realized that that was not an option, this just went straight downhill."
Could this situation have caused the Red Sox, losers of 4 of their last 5 on this homestand, to lose its focus?
"Absolutely, absolutely," Schilling said. "This is one of those things ... the trading deadline is always a weird time for everybody, no matter what team you play for but this ... when things are going on with Manny, the fact that Manny's locker was in the back, and not with the rest of the guys, ended up being a thing that worked because media wasn't hovering, there wasn't stuff going on, but it appears to me that he's moved out into the clubhouse now to try and make sure he gets his message broadcast and that's ... it's not fun.
"I would absolutely agree that it's affected this team. I don't question it. I've been around when it did before in '06. These are your teammates and it just makes it hard when every question, you're struggling in a 1-for-14 and grinding your [expletive] off at the plate and every question is about something that you have absolutely no control over..."
Schilling also said would give Jason Bay his No. 38 (and Bay's number with the Pirates) if Bay ends up joining the Red Sox in exchange for someone to give a five-figure donation to his charity, Curt's Pitch. "It pretty much can be had right now... yeah ...we'll work something out," Schilling said.
More quotes of note from Schilling:
“I don’t know… there’s always a part of some people that you want to see somebody not get what they want. You know?... Oh sure, [he’s going to win this showdown]. Manny’s going to be a free agent no matter what next year. It doesn’t matter where you play… It’s unfortunate that someone who’s going to be considered one of the greatest hitters that ever lived, is going to just be one of the greatest hitters that ever lived.”
“I don’t know. I don’t know how much support really is there. You’re talking about a very different man. Manny is, as we all know, one of the most talented right-handed hitters that’s ever played but I’m not sure it goes beyond that for a lot of us… the guy can hit and hit like nobody else ever could hit. I don’t know that there are a lot of guys… he has his moments when you sit and talk to him and he walks away and you go ‘wow, who is that guy?’ He’s got a soft heart at times but I never invested a whole lot there when the issues that I… the times that I had questions… problems, I talked to Manny, and we had our run-ins and there was a couple of times when I thought I was going to have a run-in and was told not to, but I don’t know about that losing [support from the] team. I don’t think there’s a lot invested there.”
“Recently I don’t know… I don’t know, I can’t answer that… I’ve had my moments, and that was both smiled upon and frowned upon when they happened in different times… the club is struggling enough where everyone is worrying about themselves. … This is not the first time a situation’s come up like this with Manny. There have questions in the past about things. So it’s not a Youkilis or a Pedroia thing [to sit down with Manny], neither one of those guys is that person. Mike Lowell, yeah I could absolutely see it. Jason [Varitek], yeah., but not a lot of guys are suited to be that person, or in a position to do that.”
“I’m not so sure, well… I would tell you that something to that affect at different times has happened already. You guys didn’t know about it, but it’s happened. He’s already had a couple of times when I think [Francona’s] said, ‘That’s enough.” I think early on he did it a couple of times and was called on the carpet by other people for it, and then finally people understood what he was dealing with and came to his side a little bit more.”
“I laugh at the fact that people are like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe that… on this night he didn’t…,” like that night was any different than any other night for him. .. It’s stunning to me that it just was OK I guess, the other day for things to go the way they went. It’s gonna be funny to watch all the people jump if Manny does get traded and things happen, how many people in the media area going to come out of the woodwork and say, ‘you players are idiots, you let him be like this for so long,’ and the media’s given him, for the mos part, every bit the free ride everybody else has... I thought it was telling the other night when someone asked about Manny's run down to first and I thought Terry's answer was something like, 'well, he does that a lot.' Think about that. That's someone saying, 'what do you think about this guy half-assing down the line and the manager saying, 'yeah, that happens a lot.' Again, things you kind of look at and go, 'What, we just move on?' Why is that the breaking point for people. Why after all this stuff in all the years, why is that like the breaking point?"
“..I’ve always wondered how we came to be OK with ‘… he’s just not gonna play hard today,’ and that was OK. We’ve come a long way, especially in this city as devoted and as much as the Red Sox mean to people, the fact that you could have a Dustin Pedroia, a Jason Varitek, someone who would bleed and literally play his nine breaths to make an out or get a hit or win a game, and have somebody at the other end of the spectrum from a committed standpoint, you know these players love the uniform, love the fans, and believe in Red Sox and what it means to be a part of this and then you have guys who really don’t give a [expletive].”
“No, no… when you think about the history and think about the kid gloves that these fans have had through all of it, he’s always come out a hero and he’s got a chance… this is because he doesn’t have a four-year contract. That’s it… it really is. That’s his prerogative but that’s the only reason this has happened.”
“I think absolutely he’s absolutely had a hand in this … I think he absolutely has a piece of this. Scott Boras stands to make zero dollars if the Red Sox pick up Manny’s options the next two years. Manny’s not 1- years from retirement, he’s maybe four obviously, that’s where he’s at. So does Scott Boras want to get a two year-deal for Manny or a four-year deal for Manny? At the end of the day it falls on the player because Manny’s an adult… I can’t fathom Scott hasn’t had some… you read his comments, he just has no ability to answer a question short, tactfully, and straightforward. It’s a 12 paragraph way to say 19 syllable words that you just can’t figure out what the hell he’s saying.”
“I enjoyed pitching with Pedro, but I watched Pedro for a year come and go as he pleased, and do whatever he pleased, from a schedule standpoint and to a point, All-Star break heading home and no one ever said a word… The things that Pedro said going out of town about Terry [Francona], that crushed me because of what I saw Tito do for him. Manny's the same way..."
Well, keeping Schilling ended up being a problem, didn't it?
Yet, still, he has something to say. This guy still thinks W Bush is a great president.
Maybe Curt should donate the rest of his '08 salary towards Manny's paycheck on another team.
Schilling is one of the best all-round people to ever put on a Boston sports uniform. Incredible person, leader, ballplayer. Manny has pocketed $168 million dollars form the Red Sox to date. How many dollars has Manny contributed locally to charities? How many Childrens Hospital visits has he made? What has he done for the Jimmy Fund? How many local apearances has Manny made for charity? And the answer to all of the above is ZERO. How pathetic is that? And this guy has supporters in Red Sox Nation? This guy sounds like an incredibly selfish person - and a cancer to the Red Sox - no matter how many home runs he hits. If it's "all about Manny", and nothing else, then he needs to be shown the door today.
KEEPING SCHILLING'S MOUTH SHUT IS A PROBLEM, TOO.
You can always count on Schilling for a real answer to these questions, and probably an accurate one. He is right to call out Pedro and Manny for whining about management, especially when the team put up with so much.
Says Schilling, as he collects $8 million for doing nothing. And who will play somewhere else with his arm rehabbed on the Red Sox bill. Sorry, but his remarks are interesting but completely worthless since he will probably never play for the Red Sox again.
Karen, the Schill is getting into the picture!!!
boo hoo hooo....
who cares of about what Schilling has to say. He walks around like he's some spokesman for righteous baseball.
he's a dick.
Dear Globe Staff,
You might want to edit your postings a bit more thoroughly. Your editorial comments abiut Schilling's responses, while true and painfully obvious, probably were not meant to appear in this posting. Just a thought.
Say what you will about Big Schill, but he just told it like it is. Plain and simple.
I appreciate somebody stepping forward with some level of candidness and honesty, but there's no way that Schilling's comments are helping anybody. He's pretty much in open opposition to Manny, and that's not okay, especially as he's not even a member of the team this year. He himself has questionable support from teammates, who might just want Schil to himself shut up.
Schilling isn't the most articulate chap to have walked the face of the earth. He manages to say a few things without being direct but the message is there.
The team is tired of Manny
Francona has had his hands tied by management for doing something about Manny
Manny doesn't care
He is hurting the team
Boras is behind the effort to get out of Boston
Manny is a sleaze who tried to con the Sox into believing he was a changed guy
Character doesn't matter with the current ownership. Put up the stats and all is forgiven.
As if we needed any more evidence to prove Curt Schilling is a prick. He's played exactly ZERO games for the Red Sox this season, yet feels the need to inject himself into this situation, as he does all the time.
Red Light aught to spend more time rehabbing his shoulder, and less time flapping his lips. He's like a teenage girl...always needs to know what is going on with everyone ever.
I'm a Yankee fan. Regardless of what people say about Schilling.............I admire him. Good for you Curt. Tell it like it is. So unusual. Everyone else is so "full of it."..................If you read between the lines it is obvious he feels Red Sox management was very much to blame for much of this not only with Manny but with Martinez {and I believe he's accurate.} The "Press" is as shallow as always..........but that is to be expected.
Medfield requests that Schilling be considered as part of any trade deal- preferably to a national League club that plays in the far west.
Schill has been a great guy for Boston , very dedacited to his charities, but more so to himself , he is and will be a legend here and I am gratefull for that. But in the end he is no different than Manny (exculding his efforts) Curt is about Curt he is a great and honest guy just ask him
Apparently A.M.F. you did not hear Schilling's interview on 'EEI. I don't know if anyone else on the team would have spoken up like Big Schill did today. Nothing was sugar coated. "Manny, you ARE the weakest link...GOODBYE!"
Mr Schilling should first learn how to speak english and then criticize a fellow player. He wants to say so much, that at times it does not even make sense.It seems as if everyone is trying not to be outdone when it comes to this subject.
Alas, it will soon blow over. Perhaps when the team wins a few games?
Simply, I like Schilling. He's an intelligent individual who cares about what he does (I'll give him a pass on his politics) and gives everything he has . . . with success. If there is or has been a problem, it is that some individuals in the media have difficulty dealing with an intelligent athlete, particularly one who speaks his mind.
It's Jimy Williams not Jimi Williams. Jimy Williams is a male or were you in diapers then?
Hahahaahaha!! Curt Schilling is talking crap again!! what a surprise!! How can you talk bad about two hall of famers and two players that made boston a power house in the american league. Pedro and Manny were the most exciting pitcher and hitter that boston has had since Ted Williams and Roger Clemens!!
As far as the $8 million goes..... the Red Sox had x-rays performed on that shoulder PRIOR to signing the 1-year deal. They knew exactly what they were getting into.... it was merely to block him from going anywhere else.
Curt makes points and says things others dare not to.
Keeping Curt could be a problem!
The Red Sox with out Manny are ice cream with out the cream....Flavorless. Schilling's opinion is worth a cent. I am more interested in what the actual players feel about the impending change.
Mr. Bloody Sock needs to shutup. There's no way the Sox win either World Series without Manny. And they'll never win if he's traded this year. Even Gammons himself has said Ortiz-Ramirez may be the best 3-4 lineup in the history of baseball. Think about that statement before you go Manny hating.
Schilling has been more of a cancer on this team than Manny ever has, and contributed INFININITELY less, outside of a handful of dramatic stories. Say what you will about bloody socks, without Manny, there is no 04 or 07, period. Aside from all that, The Schill has done plenty of slimy deal-whining too, just in a different, more underhanded way. He's also a compulsive self-promotion machine (video games? Please...)
Schilling is a non-HOF, at-times-great pitcher who is getting paid 8m to sit on his ass this year and talk more trash about other players, which is the worst of all habits.
Manny, outside of his weird tantrums and eccentric play, has never publicly trashed other players as far as I know, he's just done his thing. He is an undeniable baseball legend in numbers and charisma both. If he goes, I will miss him so much, and I think many of the haters will look back on this later and kick their own asses for not getting it. He doesn't know how good he's got it, but neither do we.
Don't bash Schilling here. He's never said the type of things Manny has said about the Red Sox that I know a lot of people really enjoy. I don't believe he's ever attacked a 61 year-old man who couldn't get 18 tickets for him at a second's notice...
Believe what you want with the media, but it doesn't take a writer to know Manny gave up on the Sox a while ago. Without Schilling, we'd have no idea how anyone felt besides Ortiz, Lowell, and the other guy......Lugo.
Manny, like Pedro did, talks about getting respect. Both of them should realize that respect is a two-way street, not just for what they want.
You know, everyone can bit@# and moan all they want about Schilling, but at least the guy talks and says what he thinks (right or wrong). Most of these guys all hide. Plus, when healthy he did pitch his rear end off and that counts for something too.
Manny can Hit.He can win games!Big Papi loves him.Lots of Sox fans love him.
But...he's alot like steroids;he can make you better or HE CAN DESTROY YOU!
Get rid of him!!! Get Bay...move on.Those Yanks are getting bigger in the rearview mirror and they just got a tune up.
Mannychild has to pack up his little boy ego and have a good time in Miami! See Ya!!
Why the antagonism towards Schilling? I'm sure he's saying things that other guys in the locker room feel, but can't or won't say because they have to play with Manny every day. There's no doubt that we're going to hear a lot of stories about Manny come out after he's gone, and they won't be complimentary. I always count on Schilling to speak frankly and honestly, and he certainly isn't the only player to have these opinions about Ramirez.
Curt's never at a loss for words.
Well Schilling IS right about Manny on this. And Boras should be banned frrom MLB as an agent.
Comment number one is interesting... Schilling is a Republican, therefore has no credibility commenting on Manny...the poster must be on the Globe's editorial board.....and of course Schilling is at fault because his shoulder fell apart.. There is one in every crowd.... Good job, Curt, for being candid. Too bad there isnt more of that in sports...... And to Anne Falcone, stick with Moveon.org....
Schill is DEAD ON, I'm very sorry to see Manny go but unfortunatly he has teamed with Scott "The DEVIL" Boras and at the end of the day it's all about the $$$$. Manny just doesn't care, a great hitter but he doesn't care. He does care about 4 years and $80 more million. This runs been fun but he's got to go, NOW.
As always... Schill speaks his mind and says the things many others are thinking but don't have the balls to say.
Even the times he's dead wrong, at least he has an opinion and puts himself out there.
Schilling is the biggest pot calling the kettle black.
Schilling is dead on. The organization may have to pull punches (though fewer and fewer every day) when they speak, but Schilling doesn't. As frank as Schilling is being, you can still read between the lines and know that Manny is a great hitter but a first class sphincter in every other aspect of his baseball life. Good riddance. I hope he gets his trade and blows out a knee before season's end and never gets another contract.
Schilling is the most arrogant, self-righteous baseball player ever to step foot on a field. At what point did being Christian give you the right to judge and point fingers. World-class know-it-all...
Schilling is talking to much trash, he's talking that way because Boston just gave him a favor on hired him for one more year, if Boston let manny go, Boston will be done for this year; what boston will have to do is try do cool down the situation with manny, if will be necesary using David Ortiz help and trying to end the year with a playoff season at least and then at the end of the season let manny to go and don't sign him. I still thinking is a solution out there for this novel manny being manny without letting him to go.
This is great. I live in Philadelphia. I saw Curt complain and moan about how he couldn't wait to get out of Philadelphia. RSN: Sorry you have to lisen to Curt!
Shilling is the only person on the team who has the guts to say what's on his mind, and I for one applaud him! Yeah he is getting money for rehabbing and probably won't be back next season but it was the Red Sox decision to have him do it their way which it turns out Shilling was right again. If they had done it the way he wanted he would possibly have had a chance to help this season.
it's just Schilling being (blowhard) Schilling
Like the guy personally or not, he gives you a straight answer. And last time I checked, it was Schilling that wanted to have surgery immediately and try and come back - and it was the Red Sox that disagreed. Don't blame him for collecting on a contract that they signed with him. It's not like they don't check his medical condition or anything...
Schilling is one of the best all-round people to ever put on a Boston sports uniform. He earned the $8 million he's getting this year back in 2004. Curt was instrumental in bringing that world series to Boston and that is worth more than money (I don't think the Sox had to sacrifice much to pay his $8 mil this season). He does more for the morale of the team than Manny does...I'm ready for Manny to go.
Schilling is the biggest hypocrite to wear the Red Sox uniform.
What he did this year was calculated and dispicable.
Manny being Manny, and Curt being pompous. Look in the mirror.
They both hane to go!!!!!!!!
What a cornball.....I can't stand Manny....never liked him. But Schilling....he's just as bad. When's the last time he played? Eventually, the front office will grease the skids for Shilling as well. This organization is a joke. I will enjoy watching them fall apart and based on the last six games its already started.
There are people who play the victim role, and people who don't. It's a fundamental difference in character. As much as I've loved watching Manny, he's been very well taken care of here and hasn't given much back beyond his bat. And now he feels persecuted? Sorry. I'd rather watch the Red Sox lose another 86 years with heart and grace. As much as some tire of Schilling, he never plays the victim. He defers to the good of the team. You might not love his swagger, but in the end, he's a good man.
Why do people blame Schilling for being hurt and being paid?
Get a clue, you fair weather fans.
He says what he feels, which is a HUGE difference from 99.9% of athletes who never say anything.
I love the fact that he speaks his mind, and tells the truth as he ses it, the fans aren't stupid, they see it too.
Get rid of Manny, just like we got rid of Pedro and NoMas......
those were two excellent decisions, no?
I'm a high school coach and an avid baseball fan. My team is the Red Sox. Curt is right on target and anyone who supports many hasn't got a clue about the whole concept of team sports. Manny makes enough money and he signed this contract. If he just kept playing hard they probably would have picked up his 20 million next year. Now he is too busy knocking down old men and completely selling out his teammates. I love the Sox, but I can't stand watching Manny anymore. Trade him and take Jason Bay. I'm sure he'll play hard and for a lot less money. Manny it doesn't matter whether its high school, college, or professional athletics the reason you compete is for the respect you have for your team and yourself. Too bad for you that you haven't learned that yet.
Schilling is giving us the straight stuff, thoughtful and well-considered. Manny is a totally narcissistic LARGE CHILD stuck at about five years old, just like Pedro. Tempermental geniuses with talent are notorious for imploding & both Martinez and now Ramirez are following script.
Someone had to post a comment about Schill's politics; what a joke. That's what I really hate about my home town, you just can't leave your ultra-liberal politics out of anything! Schill is right on the money about both Manny and Pedro Mart. He's a gamer and always gave his all; without him we never would have won 2 WS in 4 years. Right on Schill! Manny can follow PedroMart right out of town and end up with the Mets next year; let Minaya take all the prima donnas and slackers. For $20MM Manny should have known better than to throw his team under the bus. Hit the road, space cowboy!
BTW Anne; look at how much Schill has done for charity; what the hell has Manny done outside of selling his grill on Ebay? Get a grip.
I hear echoes of all the bitterness from the old days here ; - ) Did the Red Sox win the series last year? I often think that even though Sox fans love the WS wins, part of the nation still needs to be bitter about something and the rage has just been redirected. I just thought Bostonians could make it one full championship season without venting on someone.
Long term, Pedro, Nomar and Manny being run out of town is not going to serve Boston's reputation very well. Soon Latino ballplayers may start saying what the black ballplayers say. They would only be partially right - bitter sox fans have hated plenty of white players out of town as well.
Schilling (when he talks), Dennis and Callahan: three of my least favorite people in Boston sports.
How can you compare Schilling to Manny? Shilling has a valid injury. Schilling played hurt, to the point where it could have affected his career (how soon they forget). Manny takes a day off because it's his time of the month. Even when he's in there, he decides to take the day off (see 3 strikes right down the middle from Rivera with the bat not even leaving his shoulder). Oh, let's jump on Schilling because he supports the president. That's relevant. Morons ... the lot of you.
This is all very heartbreaking. Not the loss of Manny or Schilling's comments, but the vacuous, shallow whining of the so-called fans in these posts. Schilling will always be a true Red Sox hero, as will Manny. They are both at the ends of their respective careers and BOTH deserve the respect and admiration of the fans. The only villains here are the agents who've demeaned everything good and noble about baseball by turning it into a money game. I wish we could go back to days before free agency when great players (think Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle) spent their entire careers with the teams they came up with.
schilling is a tool period.
say what you want now.... no manny=no playoffs.
Manny should shut his mouth, & play the game. He is nothing more than a spoiled friggan brat, & is a bigger pre-madonna than Pedro....
I'd rather have Timmy Lupus from the Bad News Bears play on the sox rather than Manny.
I hope Curt is able to come back for another year at least after what he went through this year. "Go Manny", and don't let the door hit you in the arse on your way out. Come on people, he is replacable, we have several other great players on our team. If they can get down to business and quit worrying about this idiot savant perhaps the Red Sox can get back to doing what they do best.........play outstanding ball!!!!!!
Why are so many of you bashing Schill? Just cause he hasn't played this year doesn't mean he's not part of this team. He possibly could've played if the Sox would've let him have the surgery, but the made him try and rehab it and it didnt work. But someone asked him, so he told them the truth, and he nailed it right on the head. Manny is Manny. He's got no respect for his teammates and is as selfish as they come. He's one of the best hitters of all time, but he's also one of the worst teammates of all time. It's been the same thing since 05-06 with Manny....its time to move on
Jason Bay for Manny. Similar production, less money, younger, less whininig.
Where is the problem?
While I'm not crazy about Schilling taking $8 million for nothing, you have to admit he does speak frankly about how a cancer / malcontent like Manny impacts his teammates or co-workers. Its hard to get motivated to do a good job, when there's a primadona who's 1. been allowed to play by separate rules, and 2. doesn't even put forth an effort. Kudos to Theo for hopefully getting rid of Manny, Nomar (don't get me started), and Pedro. All were traded at the right time - and in an unhappy state. Betcha the Mets are REAL happy they paid so much for Pedro...while I'm on Theo - I will NEVER forgive him for the incredibly stupid mistake of not re-signing Orlando Cabrera - who wins everywhere he goes AND is a postive influence in the clubhouse. Julio Lugo at SS? Give me a break..... Cabrera was a winner
I love all this discord on the Red Sox, it's almost as much fun as the fact that this year the Angels are kicking Red Sox butt all over the place. Please keep it up, Manny and Curt. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Angels Fan
After what Schilling has done for this town and this team, he can speak his mind as much as he wants. It's like all you idiots who overreacted at Foulke for a Burger King comment and turned on him. Do you forget 100 pitches in 3 days against the Yankees? Should have been MVP of the World Series? Schilling - bloody sock? Experimental, career threatening procedure? No gratitude shown at all.
It's nice to hear a player's point of view regarding the Manny situation. Curt has always been open with the fans and I admire that. He's opinionated, but so are all of us who post here. None of us will ever agree with everything he says, but that's life. He's entitled to his opinions just as we are.
Anyone who compares Curt to Manny is way off base. Those two are as different as day and night. Curt would be pitching right now if he had his way and if he'd had the surgery as he wanted so many months ago. Personally, I hope he makes a quick recovery and comes back (hopefully to the Sox, but if not, somewhere) for at least one more season. It's a pleasure to watch someone who takes the game seriously and appreciates all he has gotten from it.
No one likes a sanctimonious blowhard. I understand that, I really do. And I understand, too, how hard it is to accept that Schilling is drawing $8 million from the Sox payroll without contributing one single pitch. But none of that is really the point here. None of that has to do with the content of Curt's comments about Manny.
The real issue is whether Curt Schilling's comments about the Manny Ramirez situation are fair, insightful, and accurate. I believe they are all of those things. He has an insider's point of view that none of us has.
Who among you would have the guts to take Manny Ramirez into a corner and give him a talking to? It takes courage and integrity to do that. I don't see anyone on the active roster holding Manny accountable.
I'm not saying Curt is a saint, or that all his points of view are right. But don't attack everything he says just because it came from him. I believe he is right on this one.
Red Sox nation, don't be so blind. We are talking about an athlete (or athletes if you include Pedro) who make millions and act like baffoons. At the end of the day, what bearing does this have on your life? NOTHING!!! You work, you pay your bills, you deal with life's ups and downs, and if MAnny stays or goes, it will not have an affect on your daily lives. I have been a fan of the Red Sox since before the '75 World Series. Notice I said the Red Sox and not individual players. Enjoy the game, root for guys like Pedroia and Tek and Youk, guys who get it, and don't waste yor energy on guys like Manny or Pedro or Nomar, they proved they will quit at some point. Support the team because it will always be there, but individual players won't. As for Schilling, I respect him as a player and individual. Gave heart and soul, ala Pedroia and Youk and Tek, and even though he felt surgery was the better way to go with his shoulder, did as the organization asked. Let's not forget that the Red Sox organization had to decide if they felt he was a good risk, and they commited to that, with all their doctors and consultants in agreement. There is responsibility there for all to share. I also respect Schilling more for what he has done outside the game, for the community and charities. He and his wife have touched and made a lasting difference in so many more lives then athletic exploits ever will. As for Manny, laugh at him, he's a fool, only thinking of himself, and deserves nothing more then what a fool should get. He has a contract, shut up and honor it, and then see what happens at the end of the year. Either way, I will shut off the TV when the game is over and not give him another thought.
It's amazing, because Shilling is a conservative, that people on this post don't like him for speaking out. First of all, he is one of the oldest players on the team and when I was growing up, you respected your elders and what they had to say. Second of all, Shilling has spoken to Manny in the past, face to face, so it's not like he's going behind his back with this stuff. Third, he's correct in what he's saying: speaking the truth always is OK. Finally Anne Falcone, Bush has been a great President, keeping your sorry butt safe for all these years, show some respect for a great man.
Schilling "Just shut up" the world of baseball does not evolve around Schilling.
One thing to say is that the RED SOX office doesn't seem to amuse me??????? 3 times 3 profitable ball players ???? come one guys!
Manny best of luck to you ! and *Bienvenido ah Miami *
Schilling, for once, just once, keep your mouth closed!!
Bob
maybe he has donated privately, how about that?remember when he gave ortiz his car on a whim? i don't think he cares about money.
how would donations and charities affect anything about his personality? a lot of selfish athletes and all around jerks give money to charity....
i agree that he should be shown the door, but let's keep an open mind to what some people consider private deeds
Regarding Shillings comments being " straight forward, accurate, candid" . "A great leader and all around guy"....? You must have all missed his testimony in the congressional review of steroid use....a real leader alright. Please.
Wow, a lot of anti-Schilling comments here. Sure, Manny contributed a lot to 2 WS championships and has put up numbers, but if that's the only criteria you use for evaluating your baseball heroes, you're as shallow as Manny is. The man has acted like a spoiled child for 8 years in this city.
Schill is right to have issues with the way Manny and Pedro (great players both) shot their mouths off on the way out of town. Both players wanted money, and their way of trying to get it was to criticize management for not treating them well. GARBAGE! Both were babied in this town. Management did everything but cave to their desire for (their second) huge contracts. Manny needs to go!
Incredible!!
There is a 'new generation' of R.S. fans-- and God bless you-- that have no [Bleeping] idea of what we [old guys] went through for 50 years --- and then Theo goes to a thanksturkey dinner -- we have a stud [C.S.] win two W, Series [ runs Curt's #'s] ----and are you/we grateful!?!
The guy {C.S} deserves our collective respect and gratitude--but if I have to explain - you're never going to understand.
Manny : is the epitome of all that is wrong with spoiled jocks--albeit with great #'s
----Reread what C.S. says about Capt. V / Dustin--that's why we love our Sox.
I have to laugh at the Ramirez sycophants ad apologists who bash Schilling for speaking his mind - and telling the truth.
It's that very attitude (both in the media, red Sox management and fan base) that has facilitated Ramirez's continued outrageous behavior. Some people are simply information-proof. To paraphrase a now famous line from the movies...."they can't handle the truth...."
Simply put, Ramirez is an immature, self-absorbed and greedy "celebrity". He thinks he's infallible because he used to be able to hit a baseball better than anyone (not anymore). Most of the world (including his teammates and employer) has looked the other way as the media characterizes his chidish antics as "Manny being Manny".
Well, I don't know about you, but where I live, physical assault is considered a felony. When Ramirez attacked the 64 year old Red Sox traveling secretary a line was crossed. He should have been FIRED then and there and placed under arrest.
However, we live in a culture that dismisses accountability. From the White House to the Clubhouse, nobody is held accountable for their behavior. Red Sox ownership has demonstrated just what a bunch of chikensh*t whores they are by continuing to make excuses for this jackass clown.
Talk about the tail wagging the dog.....
Schilling's a blowhard schmuck. How many millions did he con the Sox out of after last year? Look forward to '09 when they'll both be gone. Loved Manny, don't any more. Never could stand over-opinionated big mouth 38.
Schilling is an asinine moron
Go Schill!! Nobody else in the organization has the cajones to say it.
The Sox have pampered Petey and Manny and they got nothing but crap from those two overpaid prima donna crybabies on their way out of town. In all honesty, the "Manny being Manny" incident in Houston should have been the last straw. But ownership showed once again that they are gonna kowtow to this child just as long as he is in Boston.
Question? Did Manny ever fund the Boston charity he set up years ago? Just wondered since Martinez never did. At least Nomah put his $$$$ where his good intentions were. So has Schill, and he continues to.
All you people crapping on Schilling here: are you serious? "He talking trash about 2 Hall of Fame players". Yeah, and 2 of the worst prim a donas to ever put on a Red Sox uniform. "He hasn't played a game this season." Does that negate the 4+ years he's been Manny's teammate. Say what you want about Schillings political beliefs, penchant for talking, etc, but anyone who disagrees with what he said about the Manny situation is either a severe Manny apologist, a complete buffoon, or both.
A question for Bob Daly. Do you know for sure that the answer to your questions about Manny and charities is zero? How do you know? I'm not a Manny supported - I want the Sox to make the right baseball decision - not an emotional decision. I don't know what the right decision is, but as a long time sports fan, I trust the Sox management team, like I trust the Patriots. The Sox are in the drivers seat with his contract options, Don't make a rash decision.
Keep Manny and charities out of it. Are you his accountant? Are you an accountant for all the local New England charities? Hey - I hope he has made donations - I just know I don't know the answer to that question. You can call him selfish about baseball items, but the best opinions are based in facts. Keep it to baseball - not off the field stuff that has no impact on the field.
Curt Get's IT! Always Has... Show some respect you idiots who wanna trash mouth the best gamer ever in Red Sox history..... if it wasn;t for Schill Not one world series vistory ---Get That !!!!!
Thank You Curt Schilling for all you have done for Red Sox Nation.
As in Business and that what we are talking about .... Executives execute... Managers manage and players play (as long as the Executives and managers want you to, so players have to look out for them selves.. and their families)
It's the cycle of sports, business and life.... born , live and die( go away) !!!
In Boston it's called "Manny being Manny"
In NY and elsewhere, it's called "Manny's a schmuck"
I'm guessing that the Manny apologists on this blog are just young and clueless.
If Schilling hadn't come here, this team would still be waiting for it's first WS title since 1918.
Schilling is right on the money, as usual. Manny has become a cancer. He's a firt class jerk, plain and simple. All the Manny apologists seem to forget how much money the Red Sox pay this man (and I use "man" loosely....more like a child).
Hell, MannyNation even was trying to make excuses for the cowardly act of shoving a 64 year old man to the floor in the name of baseball tickets.
Manny Ramirez no longer brings any value to this team. Instead he is infecting it. Does anyone really think that the Youkalis/Ramirez debacle in the dugout was just 2 guys letting off steam ? Hell no. My theory is this: Youkalis is a guy who busts his butt 100% of the time. This dugout skirmish occured after the brawl with Tampa Bay. I'm guessing Youkalis chastised Manny for taking his sweet time to get out and back up his teammates. Privately I think all of his teammates have had it with that clown. Youk just finally had enough and had the balls to tell Manny to his face.
And I was once a Manny apologist.....but no more.
The sooner that moron gets run out of town, the better.
I'm really surprised by all of the negative comments about Schilling on this! I think it's so refreshing that Curt speaks his mind. And I'll forever look at him as a hero for his role in that championship season.
Manny wants to be a free agent, so he's doing whatever he needs to do to reach that goal. He doesn't care about the fans, the team, his public image. He wants to be a free agent. He's a bum, time to let him go.
To speak with such authority about the current Red Sox situation, shouldn't you either need to have managed the team or have played in a game this year? Schilling has done neither. When he officially becomes the team's media relations chairman or the team public relations spokesman, let me know. Until then, his word is nothing but rumor and innuendo. He should not be allowed to speak on behalf of the players who have suited up with Manny this year, for Tito, or for the Red Sox management. The best part of all of this silly soap opera is the fact that ownership is still so concerned with dollar signs and affixing price tags to every minute detail of the Red Sox brand name, that they haven't done what needed to be done: stand behind Francona and stand behind the integrity of the Red Sox tradition. Manny dogs it down to first base, shoves a 64 year employee to the ground, etc., and they never make a public statement for fear of disrupting the cash register. Root, root, root for the Bo$ton Red $ox! Please swipe your credit card in order to officially be designated as a fan...
Manny's gotta go!! He doesn't understand that there is no "I" in team. Like or dislike Curt Schilling he's closer to the situation than any of you bloggers. I don't think he speaks with forked tongue. You can't have a player telling you when he wants to play. He sat down on the Sox just like Nomar. Manny's time has come and gone. He needs to move on to another patsy.
It's laughable to read through some of the Curt bashing posts above. Clearly the wacko liberals here in New England are still irate that Curt isn't a pablum puking liberal so they feel the need to bash anything and everything that he has to say. Just goes to show you how completely closed minded liberals really are. If you don't agree with them they vilify you.
It's sad that supposed open minded people feel that disagreement with one's opinion gives them the right to spew hatred and bile at them.
I'm confused by the attitude some people have towards Curt. Was he supposed to just walk and not try to rehabilitate? He WANTS to be pitching and HE wanted the surgery. It's the FO who decided he had to do therapy instead. What is the issue? Was Curt supposed to turn down his paycheck? I wouldn't! I have the utmost respect for Curt (except for his politics, but that's another story).
Good to see Curt has found a way to try to make this about Curt.
The idea that Curt is some straight shooter is the biggest myth in Boston sports. He spins everything to make him look better whether it is his steroids comments to the media that he refused to say under oath or his lies when someone said he didn't like Pedro .
It amazes me that there are so many people out there who just want to keep the truth buried somewhere, like a child covering his ears and yelling so he won't hear bad news and can pretend it was never said.
Curt Schilling puts relationships with current and former teammates on the line to inform us fans — maybe the most loyal in baseball — as best he can. So, he feels we deserve at least that. Is that a bad thing?
Setting aside any any possible ire he's raised in the past, shouldn't he, at least, be commended for that?
He may not have provided EVERY detail, but who else has?
Curt, your candor is appreciated.
God bless Schill and his bloody sock and all, but you'd have to be nuts to get rid of Manny Ramirez. The guy is dynamite in World Series.
I've always liked Schilling. He has been forthright and honest and a true Red Sox team player. He genuinely cares about the team and his teammates, and he and his wife are an asset to the Boston areas with their charitable work. For the poster of Comment #43, you just can't see the forest for the trees and seem to be taken in by the cartoon that Manny has become. I know. I, too, was a Manny apologist, but that's over. He has made the (premature) negotiation of a contract extension his top priority for the past few months. Instead of being an adult and waiting until the end of the season to sit down and talk with Red Sox management, he has morphed into a petulant child who wants what he wants NOW without concern for his teammates and their chances at a repeat Wolrd Series. So now all you see him do is and pout and complain. Oh, I forgot, he says he loves the fans of Boston. Right. Wake up Manny bandwagoneers!!
Typical liberal Redsox fan response. Attack the messenger. How quickly we forget . If it wasn't for Schilling, you would still be counting the years since the last Redsox worldseries championship!If your kid act like Manny what would you do? You people need to grow up. Many only cares about Many.
This has nothing to do with schilling. This is all about Manny being an ungrateful prick. I am sick of these pre-madonna type ball players who think they are bigger than the game. When is enough enoough? He is making 20 million dollars. Play ball and shut your whining cake hole. Next to Pedro he has to be the most insecure mindless piece of doo doo that I have even seen play for a boston team. I never thought he was as bad as TO but I now think he might be worse. ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME. There is no Me in Baseball. It's TEAM.
Great to hear #38 is available "in exchange for someone to give a five-figure donation to his charity, Curt's Pitch." Does Shill need a number to rehab? Never forget no "I" in team, 2 in Schilling. Nobody appreciates his opinion more than Curt himself.
As a devoted sox fan, to me ,its about a group of guys working together to achieve a common goal, a Championship. My favorite players have always been guys who simply came to work and did their job like Bill Mueller, Mike Lowell, Jason Veritek, etc. Guys that respect the game, and its integrity. The amount of support they receive from the fans is valued. Manny doesnt fall into this category, PERIOD!!
Unfortunately, todays ball players are more interested in the "All Mighty Dollar" and their few years of fame. They could care less about the average baseball fan and what their team means to them. Its all about me, me, me.
All you have to do is take a look at Scott Boros` list of clients to see who I am speaking of.
I would be in heaven if Tek, Youk, or Mikey will stick a boot in his $*#@% for me.
Dont go away mad, just go away!!
Curt stole $8 millions from the Red Sox,he knows his career is over,"PERIOD",and he still says ,he will donate his # 38,he can shove it up his .........
Manny is the Man,you people do the math.
It’s obvious that Curt Schilling doesn’t like Manny much, they had their differences but Schilling is just taking it too far by talking smack about Manny who is one of the greatest hitters. I guess he’s jealous because he’s not receiving enough attention or as much as Manny. If Manny is traded the Red Sox will loose alot of fans including myself.
I can't stomach Curt Schilling....
While I will forever be grateful for his intrical role in the 2004 Championship, I find him to be the furthest thing from a team player. It has become painfully obvious that he is priming himself for a career as a broadcaster and/or sports reporter I think that is a wonderful second career for many atheletes; however, Curt Schilling puts Curt Schilling first. Have you Bostonians forgotten the bs of this past year? You mean to tell me he felt healthy enough to sign for the big bucks and then the reality of his injuries conveniently popped up? I am not saying Manny isn't in the wrong. Sadly, this organization is shaky and it makes me sad as a Red Sox fan...
thank god schill has a clue.
all you people that wanna keep manny here are the same idiots that are gonna vote for barack obama and watch this country die.
Man. I appreciate Curt's candor. It is really refreshing. Say what you want about him but he was one of the main cogs in two WS championships. He also does a lot for his community and for charity. Manny has helped win championships but I can't remember him doing a thing for anyone else.
Wow
Red Sox fans all have an opinion and as much as I dislike Curts opinions on everything from politics to baseball he was a huge factor in our present day success and has every right to voice his opinion.
Personally I skip all the journalists and go right to what Curt has to say simply because he is believable (as far as baseball goes).
Be thankful for an honest insiders view, it is as close as you will get.
You guys bashing Schill are morons. Mostly, he isn't throwing our his opinion. When he does offer opinion, it is certainly more informed than what you tools think. He saw the stuff go down.
To say that he is inserting himself into this incident is ridiculous. He is the guys coworker.
As unpleasent as Manny has been the last few weeks, the Sox need to keep him. If he is traded away, who ever gets him will not keep him after this season. And that only leads to his signing in NY. We know the yankits will over pay for anyone, and Manny would be no exception. He is far from done. Manny has a few great years left. He may not get 40 -45 homers in a season anymore, but he's an RBI machine. And with mr. steriod, aka giambi, on a serious decline, Manny would undoubtedly be in the dreaded pin stripes by the end of January. What the Sox need to do is have Big Papi give him an attitude adjustment by beating the living Schizola outta him. And JH could make a little peace and annouce he's picking up his option for '09.
Curt Schilling was a key figure in getting the Red Sox two WS championships. I don't care about what he says in his blog or his personal opinions about other players or Dubya. He came here to do a job and he did it, twice. He will always be a New England hero in my book. But Manny is a New England hero too, despite his immaturity. Thanks to them both for the WS trophies!
This was a great interview. I enjoyed it and didn't find anything wrong with Schill's approach to any of the questions, simply put.
Thanks, for that, Schill.
Curt should take this years gift and fade into the sunset. Who cares what he thinks about anything.
Why all the animosity with Schilling here? He's articulate and not afraid to say what he thinks - nothing wrong with that. Our politics may be different, but I respect his insights into baseball........AND I think he's been the most forthright in this whole Manny situation. Interesting that he noted a probable Boras influence here...I had been thinking that Manny didn't come up with this "creative" strategy on his own.
Maybe Boras should have reminded Manny that Sox fans don't like hearing about staff being roughed up, get really upset when they see him strolling to first and don't like egos getting in the way of performance.
It's amazing to read all the comments by the dimwits criticizing CS.
Curt is going to have a comment on many aspects of the sox, as he always does. Plus, he has nothing to lose, he's getting payed and he's ready to release his number to Jason Bay. The bottom line is this, Manny is a great hitter. He is also hard to love and hard to dislike. The lose of him batting after Papi is not only painful to think about but probably more if I see him batting on another team. I would only hope that the top brass sits down with him and they have a face to face and air out all the laundry. This BS of him not giving 100% really sucks. I and my 2 sons love him to death when he's zeroed in at the plate, we laugh at the missed balls in the outfield and enjoy the great chemistry with Ortiz. But if I have to watch a 36 year old millionaire complain about money and look like he is miserable playing for the Red Sox ,one more game, I'm ready to see him off.
Regrettably!
#96 ...Tek is a Boras client.
Perhaps Curt can someday tell us what the attraction is to Scott Boras. I understand it's all about money, but my impression of Varitek and some of the others is that they are much higher class than Boras and it surprises me that they'd associate with him. As soon as I hear someone has signed with Boras, I get uneasy and question the players integrity. Everyone is entitled to make all the money they can/want, but at what point is it ridiculous? Grown men play with bats and balls and for this they're worth millions of dollars? The world is truly nuts. Sports figures do NOT deserve this kind of money and it's a pathetic statement on this country's priorities when they are worth more than police, firemen or teachers.
Mike Felger rightly said that Schilling always seems to be vocal about his thoughts when that's the thought of the month! Take a hard stance, Schill!!
Now when the crowd is predominantly against Manny, he says Manny is playing dirty - duh! yeah!! Where were you before this? Being a member of the clubhouse one can be sure that he'd know more than any one of us or the media.
And I agree with a lot of folks here, Schill has no business to comment on Manny. Manny at least PLAYED for a few games. What did Schill do?? Sit on his big fat ass and get $8M!!
Who gives a crap what The Shill has to say? I mean, who really gives a crap?
Oh its Schillling with his outspoken mouth again, although I think Schill had a few great years in Boston get over yourself. You ended up a problem more than Manny did. The fact of the matter is, Manny had 8 great years in Boston and will go down as a Boston legend and Schill will not (although he had a few good years, 1 great). Schill never liked Manny because they clash and are total opposite personalities. Yes, Schill has donated a lot of money to charity which is great, but please Schill stuff a bloody sock in it will ya..
Good for Schill....he tells it like it is and I will always respect him for that. He would never give up on the team like Nomar and Manny. Schill deserves every penny he is getting this year even if he never throws another pitch. I'm so tired of athletes making more money in a year than 90 percent of us will make in a lifeteime crying and whining,. Manny isn't at peace with his situation? 168 million would sure make me feel at peace. Next time he "jogs" out a grounder maybe he should think about just how fortunate he has been.
For someone to insinuate that Curt knows nothing about the current situation because he hasn't played this year is totally ridiculous. Curt was with the team earlier in the season and he's been around Manny for years. He knows the dynamics of the clubhouse and is the only player who tries to share this with the fans. I appreciate his taking the time to share his viewpoints with us.
For those of you who hate Curt so much, why do you bother reading his blog? It makes no sense. Your jealousy is showing.
I have to say that there are some sorry individuals that just don't care about baseball or people who are commenting here. Comment # 25 is just plain stupid! "Even Gammons himself has said Ortiz-Ramirez may be the best 3-4 lineup in the history of baseball. Think about that statement before you go Manny hating." First of all, it has nothing to do with his damn talent...the guy is an ass. No one disputes he's a great hitter. But that's all he is. I can't image that there are people who don't care how he acts on and off the field and are OK with what we've seen from this clown. He's never going to play his heart out for 1 more game with this team so let it go! And another comment said we never would have won either World Series without him....oh really, did he pitch 9 innings too...give me a damn break or get your head some sunshine or something. He's had 1 walk-off winner with Boston in all his time here....take a look at the other stats before posting something that obviously means nothing at all. BYE MANNY!
Look in the mirror Schilling!
Who came to this team so fat and out of shape, yet always has something to say about other coaches and team mates.
He's an overweight has been. Go back to AZ.
WAIT A MINUTE RED SOX NATION! Schilling may open his mouth when he should stay quiet sometimes but he is a LEADER in the clubhouse. When healthy you can count on him to take the mound every fifth day. Did he quit on the Red Sox? Yeah he is collecting 8 million this year wihtout throwing a pitch this year. You know what-he deserves it! Let's call it a thanks for helping bring two World Series trophies to beantown. I hope he comes back next year to replace Buchholz who needs another year in Pawtucket. Manny is finished playing for the Sox trade or no trade. He has made that quite clear the last few days. I plan on buying a road Ramirez jersey when they go on sale and have the name Evans placed over Ramirez! Dewey Evans a true Red Sox! Thank you Manny for your past performance the last few years but it's time to say goodbye.
How come no one knows how to spell PRIMADONNA?
Pre-Madonna is A-Rod's ex-wife.
Schilling's biggest flaw is that he's a Bush-loving Republican, not that he has a big mouth. He can say whatever he wants about baseball. Does no one remember 2004??!!
Looks like Manny's with us for rest of the season. Sox won't even make the playoffs if they don't start pitching and hitting. Who'd have thought the Angels would become our Daddy? GO PATRIOTS!