*Picture courtesy of Kelly*I've held off writing about this because I was hoping the story would change; well, it has. Unfortunately it keeps getting worse.
It looks like Curt Schilling's shoulder has turned into spaghetti and the odds of him pitching this coming season, or ever again, don't look good.
We all know about 2004 and the bloody sock; how Father Curt sacked up through the pain, and gutted his way through the ALCS must win game with the Yankees and in the World Series. Well, that same bloody sock may have cost him in the long run. After 3 substandard seasons with momentary flashes of brilliance (his ALMOST no hitter in Oakland last year, his ALDS win), the end of the line looks like it might have finally arrived.
I don't want to imagine the Sox without Curt, at least not yet. I was looking forward to the " 2008 Curt Schilling Farewell Tour", complete with videos from his past, endless quotes from the Mouth that Roared, and hundreds of games with Schilling and Beckett on the top step of the dugout, with Schilling yammering on and on while Beckett just nodded right along. Sadly, that might not happen.
Which makes Kelly's picture much more poignant; the new ace pouring champagne all over the guy who turned a whole culture around. A guy who came to Boston to win the World Series; nothing else was acceptable. A guy who once said that he could think of nothing better than making 50,000 people in Yankee Stadium shut up. A guy who, whether you liked what he said or not, always spoke his mind.
He's also Rakes' favorite player NOT named Manny or Big Papi, which of course makes me like him even more than I already did. So if this IS it, and we've seen the last of Schilling in Boston, I've only got one thing to say.
Thanks.
73 comments:
Good thing they didn't trade Lester...
Of course, Santana would be a tad more pleasing now, eh?
I will always appreciate what Schilling did for us in 2004. I just hope someone just realizes what his limitations are...and own up before letting it go down the drain.
Newt, they had to know something like this might happen. I'm not sure they ever really wanted Santana, just didn't want the Yankees to get him. The fact they re-signed Kielty tells me they are going to move Crisp, and probably for pitching. As it stands, the rotation without Schill would be Beckett, Daisuke, Wake, Lester, and Buchholz, which isn't too shabby. Though I would have LOVED to have Santana.
Tex, I don't think they expected more than 140 innings out of him this season. Wake being hurt last year has me a tad worried though. But I think Theo has a plan.
Man, you said it. Honest to god man, Schilling and that 04 team gave my dad something, I wasn't sure he'd see before he passed. As it was, my grandpop missed it by two days (in the flesh anyway). That 03 ALCS loss almost crushed my spirits, that he'd get to see it. All of that changed when they signed Curt. I just knew we'd win with him here. When game 4 of the ALCS started in 2004, how many of us thought we'd see Curt pitch again? We had to believe we'd get there because...anything less would be catastrophic after the 03 heartbreaker. Not only did we see him pitch game 6, we saw one of the most gutsy performances ever put by a professional athlete. I never saw Youngblood play on a broken leg, BUT what sports history nut doesn't know the story? Schilling's was done because I believe he understood what the Sox brought him in for (To shut up 50K yankees fans whilst bringing a pennant AND Series to Boston for the first time in 86 years HAHA). Many have their opinion on the guy, but honest to truth he understands his place in Sox and baseball history, and I think Theo played to that in his pitch letter to Curt in 03. Thank god for it to man...Because honestly, Curt was that missing link that we needed. For my Dad's sake, who got to see them win one in his lifetime, I'm eternally grateful for EVERYTHING Curt and the rest of the Sox brought us Ted. And I may have to stop on over to 38pitches to tell him that. Thank YOU for this blog Ted. Baseball moves me as a sport, like no other. And the love for our Sox is deep.
im hoping he has MORE than "a plan"
Wayne, that is awesome your Pop got to see them win it all, and the story about your Granddad breaks my heart. Without Schilling, I firmly believe we never would have won in '04. And partly because '04 changed the culture, we won it again last year.
Sometimes it takes a guy like Schilling to make that kind of thing happen, and you hit the nail on the head with the letter from Theo.
And Tex, you know what I mean. As smart as that FO is, you KNOW they have a back up plan if this happened. Signing a 41 year old pitcher is dicey at best; I've gotta think they had alternative plans in place if something happened.
Anyone ever tell you that you're cranky when you are sick? ;)
im just getting warmed up
Ted, I don't know how many of my Myspace buddies will come over, but I shared your blog so I hope at least one or two come do in order to read it.
Yours is about one of three blogs I never skip over in the Reader view panes.
if wayne brings his friends over, he'd better warn them dontcha think Ted?
Wayne, thanks for linking the blog. Any friends of yours, ...
And thanks for the compliment; I'm grateful for the faithful like Tex, you, etc...
Warn him about what, Tex? You, Scott, or Rakes?
Scott of course.
Nah; he's harmless. Besides, Wayne's military, so his MySpace buddies can probably teach Scott a thing or two. ;)
i didnt know okies could learn once they turned 40
Amen.
Now Bub, are you telling me you can't learn a thing or two from some servicemen? I have a hard time buying that.
Tex, I'm pretty sure they can't. But humor him, will ya?
Dawn, are you amening the post?
Or Tex's crack on Scott? 'Cause if it's the Scott thing, you just became my favorite woman not named Angie or Tex!
That was pretty much an all-inclusive amen. ;-)
im sure it was the scott comment :)
ok im over and out. i gotta get some rest
Dawn, I like the all-inclusive amen. It covers everything. ;)
Though I agree with Tex. I'm sure it was Scott's comment.
Night, Tex. Feel better.
It must be all-inclusive because I cannot disrespect The Bloody Sock.
Me either, Dawn.
Gives me chills everytime I see it.
Of course Ted also got the chills with championship wrestling hidden razor cuts also.
Dawn and Tex , hear that. That was me running laps around you both. But you can always pray. Amen
Bub, once again you make no sense, but you made me laugh anyway.
wake up Scott, you're dreaming again.
I see Scott stuck with the nice small words this time. That's ok. They're easier to spell. ;-)
Thats what I like to see: TeamWork Dawn :)
I just can't seem to help myself! And I am normally so sweet & kind... ;-)
normal aint fun. and Hey everyone
Its TRUCK DAY!!!!!!!!
Gosh Dawn and Tex you guys can spell you appear to have all your teeth. In some parts of the world you would be a real catch.
those parts meaning Oklahoma. :)
Speaking of Truck Day, our own Kelly, sittingstill, was on the Red Sox website today!
"Just after 10 a.m. ET, the truck left Yawkey Way with a banner reminding everyone with a view that "The Boston Red Sox are heading to Spring Training."
"Why the heck not?" replied Red Sox super fan Kelly O'Connor of Arlington, Mass., when asked why she came out with her camera on a chilly morning. "Have a nice day, stand here in the cold and look at palm trees on the truck and think, 'I can't wait till this starts, I can't wait till this starts.'"
O'Connor, who is an avid photographer, brought her mascot, "Steve the Ferret," to pose with the truck.
"We're lucky enough to be able to do it, we're lucky enough to be in a city where people are this passionate and a little bit crazy," O'Connor added. "
Oh and so is Steve...the stuffed animal has been involved in more than I ever have.
Schilling = 2004, all i'm saying!
I was thinking Bangladesh.
isnt that north of texas?
Man goes to work on Saturday and the inmates take over! Dawn and Tex; nice job on dealing with Scott. Just don't let up.
Krystle, that is awesome about Kelly! I've got to go check that out!
hey someone had to take control.
Tex, I knew I could count on you to maintain some order around here. ;)
Hey Ted. It's not baseball related, but I remember you're a skins fan. Looks like Zorn is not just he offensive coordinator...He's NOW the Head Coach. Thought I'd share in case ya missed it.
Snyder gave Jim ZORN the head coaching job? Oy vey.
Is it a wonder they have been one of the worst franchises in the NFL since he took over?
Evening everyone:
Happy Truck Day!
Can you believe about FOUR days until pitchers and catchers? And the fact that Curt will not be there in any type of pitching capacity, well, to say the least--SUCKS...:-(
And how bout the stuff about DEBBIE Clemens? LOL This just keeps getting better and BETTER
Hope you are well..
Go Sox!
Hi Christine,
It's sort of hard to believe it's less than 2 months until Opening Day. I'm bummed about Curt, but unless they lose anyone else they should be OK.
GO SOX!
Four days til our pitchers & catchers are just three hours south of me. >=] No one worry of Tek goes missing, ok?
Dawn, I won't worry if it's Tek.
But if something happens to Mikey Lowell, you are Prime Suspect #1. ;)
Tek is just to tide me over til the rest of the boys report. ;-)
To clarify: Mr Lowell arrives with the "rest of the boys" -- I don't plan to steal *all* of them.
//I don't plan to steal *all* of them.//
RIIIIIIIGHT. ;)
I'm not greedy. Just some Lowell. Ya know, since Trot won't be there. And I don't want Tex to fight me for Kielty. ;-) I might consider Sean Casey though. Then I would have *two* of the nicest guys in baseball... Hmmm...
Good thought, Dawn. You probably don't want Tex angry. ;)
I'm very excited about watching Casey in the dugout and interacting with the other guys. It looks like management has made a concious effort to have as many "quality" guys on the team.
Which is never a bad thing.
Do I need to warn the staff at ST to be on the lookout for a innocent looking blonde who may or may not have bad intentions?
Sure. Tell them blonde. That will work. ;-)
Not all bad intentions! I will return him for games, because the best part is watching him actually *play*.
Casey and Kielty are my two boys to root for this year...although i think kielty has a minor league contract...hoping to move up after spring training
i dont mind sharing. just dont get chummy with my boy Beckett. hes my drinking buddy
Well, it looks blonde in your picture. Maybe I'm color blind. ;)
Maybe bad intentions wasn't the right term.
Illegal intentions?
Beckett is all yours, Tex. I am a Wakey girl when it comes to pitching. That man mesmerizes me when he makes the ball dance. I will strike a deal with you: Beckett is yours if Lowell is mine. ;-)
Ted: It looks a bit blonder in photos than it actually is. I have blonde highlights but my hair is brown "in real life" and the brunette shows more in person. Is it illegal if he *wants* to come visit? ::bats eyelashes::
Tex, this "friendship" you have with Beckett KILLS me! You are too much. ;)
And Dawn, I love Timmeh but I want to guzzle a bottle of antacids every time he pitches. You never know which Wakefield you are getting.
LOL you "Batting your eyelashes"!
Dawn, you misunderstand my relationship with Beckett. he's JUST a friend. and like I said.
other than that...all boys are up for sharing :)
i had on Lowells shirt all day. well my shirt with his number on it. if I had HIS shirt on right now Im sure I wouldnt be typing here ;)
//Dawn, you misunderstand my relationship with Beckett. he's JUST a friend.//
Tex, have you ever seen the Wesley Snipes/Rober DeNiro film, "The Fan"?
:)
Ted. I dont know what you're trying to insinuate but its not becoming of you to be jealous of my friendship with Josh
Oh you can have whatever sort of relationship you like. I prefer mine with Mike to be gazing at him in admiration & wonder. He doesn't have to actually *do* anything but sit there & watch tv. And play third base.
and Ted regarding Dawn's hair...just think of what mine looks like...and thats what she's talking about.
now you DO realize the blonde in my hair are manmade? I am brunette
Sorry Tex, I didn't mean to be so uncouth. ;)
Dawn, the two of you are making me consider getting a pre-emptive order of protection for some of the players!
Tex, you aren't blonde? :P
::rolls eyes::
ok im going to watch tv for a bit. i keep thinking ive coughed up everything i have left...but i keep being wrong
I cannot speak for Tex, but the boys are in *no* danger from me. Just remember how much I live to watch them play baseball! I just wanna look.
I gotcha Dawn.
::calls Sox front office just in case::
Feel better, Tex. Working on a new post in between chatting with you two stalkers, I mean, you two ladies. ;)
Ya know if I can't get my primo third baseline tickets at the Trop this season, I may have to hold you personally responsible, Ted. =P
Dawn, I'd never keep you from your prime seats.
Just don't be alarmed if a man in a jacket with sunglasses is watching you closely.
Why would Lowell be wearing a jacket & sunglasses inside a dome?? ;-)
Not Lowell, you goose.
The big goon MLB hires to PROTECT Lowell. :)
Wow. Lowell *and* some goon will be staring at me? Two guys at once? That might be a new record. =P
Lucky goon, I say. :P
How many games do you get to at the Trop?
And is that place as bad as it looks on tv?
To be that close to Lowell? I'll say.
I am going to try for one during each series. I got spoiled by my awesome seats from last season so I can't really justify spending more than the cost of three games. Plus the drive from where I live to Tampa stinks, and only one series of the three is a weekend series.
The lighting in that dome is terrible. I think they suck the life force out of the fans to power it. (Hence the reason it's so dim.) And also? That excuse for a "bullpen"?? OMG. Iit's even more pathetic in person. A bench at the side of the field, a couple of folding chairs, and a dirt strip do not a bullpen make. Plus your warming pitchers have to worry about getting beaned by foul balls -- or taken out by bullets sporting Ellsbury on the backs of their jerseys.
Dawn, it just seems depressing. The whole place; from the stupid catwalks to the Single A bullpens to the moronic announcers.
And they wonder why they can't draw flies to come see a game that doesn't feature the Sox or the Yankees.
What's sad is, they don't have a bad team; a lot of young talent that if they had any pitching not named Kazmir, they'd actually be, you know, good.
It really is. I don't notice it as much when I am at the Sox games because the place fills up. And sitting above th visiting dugout, we have a lot of fun. Lots of Sox chants & camaraderie. I hope they can get past all the community complaints about the new field because that would work wonders.
They did have that other pitcher last season, another young kid, whose name I cannot recall to save my soul right now -- he was pretty good. Darn. Why can't I remember his name? I almost picked him up for my fantasy team...
Are you thinking about Shields?
He was pretty good.
Also, new post.
Yes, Shields! I think he will just continue to improve. He showed a bunch of promise.
Heading over to the new post.
Dawn,
He was pretty good. With him and Kazmir, they have a good pitching nucleus to build on.
Sadly, I'm betting one or both of them are gone in a few years.
Post a Comment