The Boston Globe (among others) is reporting a story that Curt Schilling's doctor, Craig Morgan, told WEEI that Curt would consider signing with the Yankees. Curt, in Cleveland with the rest of the team, claims to have been surprised by this revelation and insists that it is not true.

I watched an interview with Curt months back (think it might have been on Real Sports, but I am not sure) that was before he resigned with the Sox. Curt was talking about places he like to go and was adamant that the Yankers were not an option. While mentioning various options that he'd consider possible, he mentioned the Phils and the Diamondbacks. He specifically denied a chance of wearing the nauseating pinstripes on the Bronx Bozos. I believe the way he put it was that going the the Yankers would be like switching from the Hatfields to the McCoys.

But here we are, not too much later, reading about this supposed conversation. With the issues that exist between Schilling and the Red Sox front office over the shoulder problems he's having, or, more specifically, how to deal with them, this story might be getting a bit more credence than it would earn otherwise. Schilling is also reported to be voluntarily restructuring his contract to eliminate incentives he is scheduled to receive for making weight requirements. Schilling said this:

“It’s against probably the advice of the Players Association and my attorney, but it just didn’t seem like it made any logical sense. I’m already collecting money I’m not earning right now, and I’m going to make more?”

My hope is certainly that Curt is being honest. As things stand, if he never threw another pitch, he would still be an icon in Boston. If things end up being that he moves on from the Red Sox, I think fans could handle that. If, however, he were to go to the Yankers? Well, I think most would add his name to the list that holds Damon and Clemens.

Labels: baseball, Curt Schilling, Red Sox, Yankers

First, read this: "Writers' New Rule no Bonus for Schill"

The important part of this:

Beginning in 2013, any player who has a clause in his contract that contains financial incentives for postseason awards voted on by the BBWAA will be ineligible.

The impetus for the rule was thought to be a clause in Schilling’s contract calling for a $1 million bonus if he received a single Cy Young Award vote next season. The BBWAA viewed the clause as a potential conflict of interest for voters.

First, why should the BBWAA have any influence over contracts what-so-ever? This whole idea of writers having any say in how contracts are done is ludicrous.

Secondly, who really has an issue with athletes being paid based on performance? Come on! In a world where Physicians, cancer researchers, and soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and paid far, far less that guys who dribble or hit well, what is the crime in actually saying to one of them that if they play poor they get paid less than if they play very well?

Certain folks I know who have weighed in have mentioned the concept of a writer giving a guy like Schilling a vote as a "favor" the bonus will be given. Oh, yes. This sounds logical. Just as logical as writers who don't vote for players who weren't press friendly. (Case in point: Roger Maris not in the Hall of Fame. And if you think his numbers are too weak, keep in mind he held one of the most revered record in baseball for 37 years. Then look at the numbers of Bill Mazeroski!)

Baseball writer have consistently high opinions on one topic: Themselves. The idea that they should have any influence, individually or by committee, on player contracts is inappropriate and, to be blunt, moronic.

Labels: awards, baseball, BBWAA, Curt Schilling, HOF, Hot Stove, Roger Maris