Q & A V, and it’s a long one.
Mar 17th, 2007 by Curt Schilling
For any of you newbs that didn’t get it, “The Media Sucks” was tongue in cheek. I assumed that went without saying, but obviously that was a mistaken assumption. While I certainly have issues with some, there are some pretty cool people in the sports media. Like any profession there are bad eggs but there are more good ones than bad ones in my opinion.
Since some people mistakenly thought that the Q&A was me interviewing myself, no idea how that could happen, I have taken to pasting questions instead of trying to paraphrase them.
I’ve been tackling a few questions at a time and after I get a compilation like this I’ll throw it up here.
Where there are many questions on the same subject I have attempted to take the one that covers the topic the best and address it.
I tried to do this in Word and paste but major formatting problems seem to have happened. I’ll try and adjust it but it doesn’t seem to be working well at the moment.
Q-Don’t you feel your chances at the Hall of Fame are better served staying in Boston?
A- I am not sure I could elaborate any more than I have. While I recognize most of the players in the HOF are the greatest to ever wear spikes, I cannot play 20+ years of professional baseball and worry about something that’s completely out of my control. Some, not all, but some, of the members of the media that are voters for the hall have used their ballots as platforms to make points. I think it’s horrifically unfair to a player that IS a HOF caliber player to have his career ‘voted’ on by someone that can’t comprehend how hard it was to do what he did. That being said I am not a HOF player. I know this because I’ve played with actual HOF caliber players. Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez, Scott Rolen, Dale Murphy, Cal Ripken. When I think of Hall of Fame I think of guys like that.
Q-If you had to pick a prospect the Red Sox have to be a future star, who do you pick? (Lester, Dice K don’t count)
A- I haven’t seen enough of the young guys in camp to talk at length on any of them. Not to mention my insight into what makes a great everyday player is sorely lacking. But if I had to choose right now the kid I think has immense upside is Brandon Moss. I watched this kid hit yesterday for over a half hour and I was pretty blown away. He has immense pop for someone his size. He moves and looks like JD Drew from an athletic perspective. His BP was something to behold. I haven’t seen him play in a game so I can’t comment any further, but his bat is thunderous.
Q-The media sucks? Tell that to your kids when you come home without the puppies you promised them. You sound like ARod, “the media sucks”. “They suck so bad that I’m a quote-machine”… “It’s their fault that I can’t just zip it and play baseball”…”The sky is falling”, said Chicken Little.
A-You’re obviously one of the dolts that didn’t get it, but that’s to be expected after reading the rest of your post. Fact of the matter is if the media never comes to my locker again, and you don’t click on the link to come here, you never hear from me again, nor I you. Deal?
Q-I’m wondering how one might get involved with 38Studios? Are you hiring?
A-At the moment no we are not. We’ve got a stable of designers, artists, animators, engineers and team leaders that’s working in what could be called pre-pre-production! When we begin to look to expand the team and our President Brett Close feels we are ready to look for new hires you will find job postings at www.38studios.com
Q-If only some of the youger players had your outlook on things… you have shown respect and giving 110%.
A-I think a lot of mainstream america has this outlook, and I think it’s incorrect. Most of the guys, a huge majority of them, have my outlook or a better one than I do. This game is comprised of a lot of really great people who do a lot of incredible things.
Q-Does it irritate you at all that the FO keeps making chirpily confident statements about how if they want you at the end of the year, they’re sure they can get you?
A- No.
Q-Does their “no renewal” stance make you feel like they are, in effect, betting against you having a big year? Does that bother you?
A- As I stated earlier, I think the Sox are taking a wait and see approach. I’d prefer it not be that way, but I am more than ok with it. I can’t and won’t make it something it isn’t. I’m hopeful they’ll change their minds in the next few weeks but it’s not something I think about unless I am fielding a question here about it. There’s just too much to do to get ready to dwell on something that’s been worked through already.
Q-Why, at this point in your career, when you had been planning not to make any money from baseball in 2008, is the size of your contract still important enough to you that you would leave a team and community you enjoy to play elsewhere?
A-You have to understand that if I don’t come back to Boston next year, I will be somewhere that I enjoy. Obviously this is my first choice, but a lot better players than me have had a lot worse things happen. Steve Carlton, arguably the greatest LHP ever, was released. Mike Schmidt, Dale Murphy, a lot of guys were ‘pushed’ out before they wanted to go. It’s not personal beyond what you’d expect it to be, it’s a business. As far as the size of the contract goes, I think there are some things that most people don’t consider when trying to spend my money or negotiate my contract for me. As a member of the players union I understand that my contract is not done in a vacuum. My contract affects other players contracts, and vice versa. I’ve never worried about being in the top X% of players at my position, but at the same time I’ve always felt that I knew where I fit in the scheme of players and salaries and been more than comfortable, blessed actually, to have gotten what I have over the life of my career.
Q-Why should the Sox pay you 13 million dollars for the 08 season?
A-They shouldn’t, it’s what I asked for.
Q-Baseball is incredibly out of sync with the rest of the world.
A-And this is breaking news? The entire entertainment industry is and always has been out of sync with the rest of the world when it comes to finances. You can’t expect a business that generates over 5 billion dollars a year to be in touch with the normal common working person. Is it fair that the average salary for teachers, policeman, fireman is under 90,000 a year? That the MINIMUM salary in MLB is near 400K a year? No it’s not, but what does that mean? Should I feel guilty that the Lord blessed me with a right arm that works differently than just about every other human on the planet? Not only that but I had the fortune of being raised by parents that were good people and taught me the difference between right and wrong early in my life. I’m lucky, blessed and incredibly fortunate to have been able to experience what I have over the course of my life, but not because of the paychecks I can assure you. The people and experiences I’ve met and lived through over the last 21 years are the prize in all this, not the money. Oh I won’t deny that the money is incredible, because it has allowed us to do things for ourselves, and for others that we otherwise could not have done. But my paycheck didn’t stop my wife from getting cancer, it doesn’t stop my children from being sick, it doesn’t make being away from my family easier or funner.
Q-The real world philosophy is don’t bore me with what you have done, but tell me what you are going to do and do it.
A-People get paid for what they are supposed to do, and what they’ve done, not what they tell you they are going to do, otherwise everyone would be millionaires because who’d take a job and tell you “I’m going to suck at this so pay me accordingly”?
Q-It is not your fault baseball is so out of touch with reality, but the average fan doesn’t really connect with the player’s salaries and demands.
A-Why should they? Why should they want to? Do you connect with the movie star that gets 20 million dollars to have you sit through 2 hours of pure agony? Do you ‘connect’ with that? I don’t want you to connect to my salary or ‘demands’, if there was anything I really wanted it would be for people to understand that we are not all that different than the rest of the world off the field. We live the same lives in a lot of cases. Now you can certainly make arguments against that and find news stories to back your arguments up, but I would tell you that we’re more alike than people would have you believe.
Q-What’s the launch date for your game at 38 Studios?
A-I can’t give that date here, but let’s say it’s much more than 2 years from now.
Q-There are no better fans to play in front of than “Sox Nation!” Therefore, why is it necessary that you be paid $15 million dollars to stay in ‘08?
A-It’s not.
Q-Surely you don’t need the money, especially with a potentially bright future in your endevours post-retirement.
A-Not really sure that’s for you to decide but ok, we can go with that if it works.
Q-That leaves “ego” as the reason why you wouldn’t be willing to stay for less.
A- I can’t respond to this part since it plays out an argument that is wrong to begin with. I never asked for 15 million per year. Q-In other words, you’re as good if not better than “Joe Blow” who’s making $18 million so why should I not make at least what he makes?
A-I’d like you to find a quote, anywhere, in the last 15 years, from me, that said anything even remotely close to this.
Q-It’s this type of thinking that has driven salaries through the roof and has left me and my family unable to attend games because we can no longer afford it.
A-Not true.
Q-Let me be clear - I am in no way accusing you of being one of these ballplayers, yet I think if you do leave and go elsewhere for $15 million or more, that’s exactly what it will look like. Don’t you agree?
A-No. If I am not in Boston next year it is because they will choose to not resign me prior to this season for 13 million dollars, or I will enter free agency and they will choose to not seriously pursue resigning me.
Q-Why not set a presedent and make a statement by signing for less and staying with the team you obviously want to pitch for? Wake has done this, and Trotty has as well ( and look where that got him, but that’s another story).
A-Why would I sign for less than I needed to? I know that me signing for the amount discussed was not something that would hinder the Red Sox from completing the roster in a manner that would give us a great chance to win another World Series. The number is a number they are not comfortable committing to someone in my place right now, and that’s ok. Both sides, by not pursuing it further right now, are taking a gamble, I think me more so than them, but either way both sides are comfortable where they are right now and the team is moving along just fine without this muddying the waters. Q-Maybe you can explain to myself and others why this is NOT a good way to go out. It would still be on your terms, and “Sox Nation” would see that you’re more than just a nice guy that enjoys communicating with your fans.
A-So if I do not go to them and offer to take a deal for less than my current salary that makes me something else in your eyes? If I had to worry about that I’d be introducing an entirely new set of concerns into the issue.
Q-You’d be a hero that truly meant what he said when he claimed that he wanted to finish his carreer in Boston.
A-I’d disagree. In this town, much like NY, you’re only a “hero” when you do something, and even then that can die a quick death (see Keith Foulke). This town is about achievement. Sox fans, in my opinion, could care less about the contractual crap that goes on as long as it doesn’t affect the on the field product in a negative way. They get the fact that money isn’t endless, and that spending smart is the real way to create a dynasty.
Q-Do comparable salaries come up in salary negotiations? For instance, would you compare yourself to Gil Meche to make the point that you deserve significantly more than $13 million?
A-Absolutely not. The analogy I would give you is that I know where I ‘fit’ from a contract standpoint. Since 1997 I’ve been comfortable with where I thought I fit. I knew the post 1996 season market was going to be a big one, however I loved Philadelphia and thought that things were going to change. I thought the franchise was going to shift it’s philosophy and things would be different, so I negotiated a deal at around 6m per year. 24 million over 4 was a fantastic contract in my head. That winter Kevin Brown signed for 100+ million. Was I bitter? Hell no, I had guaranteed my family a lifetime of security. I did snicker a little bit AFTER the 1997 season, given what happened that year and how I felt I did, but no, I don’t compare the way you might think a player would.I would also tell you that I am sure some guys do, and more power to them if they do. The game made over 5 billion dollars last year, I have zero problems with players getting as much as they can. I think the problem becomes when players who get the maximum dollar try to present their case as something other than what it actually is.
Q-What do you use for stats in negotiations? What do they use?
A-Stats don’t really enter into my negotiations, at least for my last 2 contracts they haven’t. Stats play a huge role in arbitration, since they are basically the only evidence allowed. Stats play a smaller role in free agency with the exception of Scott Boras’ clients. From what I’ve read and seen the stuff that Scott creates for his clients is astoundingly in depth and convincing. Some agents use them to an enormous advantage.
Q-But are we ever gonna get any MMO posts on this thing? A-Absolutely. As 38 Studios progresses and I get the ‘ok’ to talk more I will. Right now there is an immense amount of detail about the IP that has to remain behind closed doors. As that changes you can expect a lot more discussions about the company and what we are doing.
Q-1) I do see the yanks would be out of the question but who would be your top team choices to play for in 08(the Red Sox are the obvious choice)? A-I won’t go into detail for a lot of reasons. But suffice it to say that if it ends up not being Boston we’ll end up in a place with a team that we are comfortable with and that will have a chance to win it all.Q-2) If you could have a ‘Super’ Team who would be in your lineup?
A- Fun one. Starting 9 with a DH, and SP, from todays players? No payroll limit?
C-Jason Varitek – As good a handler of pitching staffs as anyone I’ve ever been around, coach or player. Not to mention he brings value in the clubhouse as well. I have heard Joe Mauer is this same kind of presence, but he brings some pretty incredible offensive tools that no other catcher in the game possesses. I’ll stick with what I know though and that makes Tek an easy choice.
1B- Albert Pujols – There are some other great ones here, Morneau is a stud, Helton, Ryan Howard. I love Lyle Overbay as well. But Albert is doing things no ones ever done, ever, and when you are doing things that have never been done in a game that’s over 100 years old, that’s something.
2B-Chase Utley- I don’t know a lot about him defensively but his production at a position that doesn’t have a lot of power is huge. If I had to pick this based on defense I’d go with Orlando Hudson hands down.
3B-Scott Rolen-Personal bias here since I had the good fortune of being his teammate. Along with Junior Spivey he’s the best athlete I’ve ever played with. Opening day in 1997, 9th innning, 1 run game, Brett Butler hits a spinning chopper over the 3rd base bag, Scott, running to his right, backhands the ball, falling into foul territory, spins and throws sidearm, perfect chest high strike on the bag. Still one of the better plays I’ve ever seen. Not to mention the guy runs the bases to perfection.
SS-Derek Jeter-Lots of good choices here but Derek may be the only guy in the game that you’d not be able to find someone that had something negative to say. He’s money on the games biggest stage and an often overlooked fact is that he plays every single day. Tejada is another one. He brings an immense amount of energy to the field and he plays to win. For pure defense I’d pick Alex Gonzalez with no one even a close second. I will argue until I die that he’s the best defensive shortstop that ever played. I still think he played the best defensive season in the games history last year. Chuck the range charts or whatever ‘scientific’ method is used, this guy was a stud from pitch one until the end of the season.
LF-Jason Bay-I think he’s a stud. Unfortunately he’s almost invisible in Pittsburgh. I don’t know much about him other than the few times I’ve faced him but he has put up some incredible numbers and I thought he was a pretty good defensive player as well. If it were pure offense I’d pick Manny hands down, twice on Sunday. Manny is still the best pure hitter I’ve ever played with. Matsui is, in my opinion, horrifically underrated as a run producer. The Yankee lineup is drastically different when he’s not in it.
CF-Andruw Jones-I’d pick him just to watch him shag during BP. He’s so incredibly gifted it’s unfair. I had a chance to get to know him when we were on the MLB team that toured Japan after the 1997 season and I was blown away at what a nice and respectful young kid he was, and he was a kid. Didn’t he hit 2 HR in a world series game when he was like 15?
RF-Vladimir Guerrero-Most plate coverage in the game. Can hit a ball a foot off the outside corner down the RF line and deep. Cannon for an arm. The funny thing about Vlad is that if you watch him doing something other than running or hitting he looks like he’s got a broken back. He limps around right up to the point where he beats you. Ichiro would be another great choice, incredible athlete. Bobby Abreu, JD Drew are both in for big years as well I think. Both can run, throw and grind out AB’s.
DH-Who else? David Ortiz-I think he’s in the midst of one of the better offense runs in baseball history. Though I think you could argue that Travis Hafner is every bit as good or at least getting there. Hafner continues to amaze me with his ability to manage the strike zone. He’ll chase every now and then but most times, against me anyway, he chases ‘good’ bad balls. He chases in areas he’s looking, as opposed to guys that chase just because they are swinging.
SP-Johan Santana-True legit ace. To me the earmark of an ace is innings. I think it’s far and away a SP most important stat. If you’re good, and you compile innings, the other numbers all take care of themselves. He’s dominant and he carries that to the mound with his presence. There are others I’d be more than ok with as well. Brandon Webb, Roy Oswalt, Ben Sheets, Josh, John Lackey, healthy Pedro, Carpenter, Halladay, Rich Harden, Sabathia, Verlander, Bonderman. True #1’s are guys who, if you don’t win on the day they start, everyone is stunned, I think every one of these guys brings that in spades. The guy that even on a bad day is going to get you through the 6th inning. That’s what I think about Halladay everytime he pitches.
Q-3) Honestly speaking when is Jacoby Ellsbury moving up in your eyes? I really enjoyed watching him play at OSU and not knocking
Coco but he hasn’t produced like I really thought he would of.
A-I have no idea. Obviously foot speed is not an issue but I don’t know enough about maturing as an offensive player to answer this one honestly. The few times I spoke with him this spring I realized he’s a good kid and driven to be a great player.
Q-For games when you are not on the mound do you watch the batters and try to pick up on things or do you just relax and enjoy the game. A-Depends on who’s pitching. If it’s a guy like Josh, or Daisuke, or Paps then ya I will watch the hitter and how they react to pitches. Same with watching games on TV when we are on the road. I’ll tune in to a game that has a power RH pitching. Otherwise ya, if I am not in the video room watching some stuff for an upcoming game I am most likely doing something I shouldn’t be to someone I shouldn’t be doing it to.
Q-On your days off this year you may enjoy Mass Effect from Bioware. Coming out relatively soon.
A- I will say this. I don’t know much about Mass Effect but I am a HUGE fan of Bioware. They are a top notch company of what seems to be incredibly talented and passionate people.
Q-You’re delusional if you think the Yankees would pay you $20 million! Are you completely out of your mind?
A-No, because they won’t offer it nor will I ask for it. But thanks for asking.
Q-If you’re sincere that you really want to stay in Boston, you should be happy to re-sign with the Sox now at a discount, instead of holding out for the “better all around offer.”
A- Appreciate the expert advice.
Q-After all, since you’re so sure your company will be a “multi-billion dollar behemoth” (give me a break), your 2008 salary is irrelevant, right?
A-Right.
Q-In your negotiations, did Theo & Co. ever propose a smaller guaranteed salary accompanied by a set of reachable incentives (something like Boomer’s last two deals)? Given their legitimate concerns about your age, it seems to me that’s one way for them to mitigate their substantial risk. If they did, did you give it due consideration, or were you firm in your desire for a simple guaranteed extension at your current salary? Were you willing to make any concessions to assuage their concerns?
A-I think it would be safe to assume that we explored a wide variety of ways to structure a 2008 contract.
Q-When you decided to extend your career by another year (or more), were you partly motivated by the need for capital for your startup venture? I’ve read that 38Studios is still actively seeking capital (talking with potential investors, etc.). It certainly takes an awful lot of money to create a company like 38Studios from scratch, and I was just wondering if the chance to self-fund a larger part of the startup and initial operating costs and seek fewer investment dollars was in the back of your mind when you decided to continue playing (and earning).
A-No. 38 Studios was started and is funded by me. We have the luxurious advantage of keeping it that way until we retain partners that can offer us more than money. We are looking to find strategic partnerships as opposed to check writers. That being said the money from a 2008 contract was a nice potential ‘perk’ for 38 Studios as opposed to a motivating factor in me coming back for another year. The only factors that were included in the decision had to do with my desire to continue competing and Shonda and the kids decision that they were ok with me coming back for at least one more year.
Q-If the Red Sox asked you to play for the league minimum next year, would you sign with them.
A-No.
Q-1. Where do you think The Rocket will pitch in 2007 (if at all)? And how much would it mean to you if he came to Boston?
A-No clue. I haven’t spoken to him about it and most likely won’t. I’d love for it to be here but as of today this 5 man rotation is set. I think, like any other team in this league, that if our rotation stays healthy we can win it all.
Q-2. From my perspective, I think this year’s rotation looks like it is going to be the best one in the majors. Do you agree? I have no doubt that Daisuke will adapt quickly and that J.P. will make the transition successfully. I expect Beckett to have a more consistent year than last year (less long balls), and I never doubt that you are going to have a solid season, even if you are 40. I’m not too sure who the 5th starter will be,
Wakefield? Lester? Either way, I’d be surprised if the top 4 starters didn’t combine for 60 wins.
A-I agree on the perspective. I am assuming that based on what’s happened so far Wake will slot into the 5 hole and Jon will continue to regain his strength. The perfect scenario for the team would be that we all make every one of our starts. That would mean Jon would have to squeeze into the bullpen to get here, but that’s the perfect world. In the real world we’ll probably need some help and the thought of having a kid who’s as good as he is as insurance is something not many teams anywhere can claim.
Q-3. How do you think Varitek will fare this year, coming off some nagging injuries and an off year for him offensively?
A-Tek looks unreal. He feels fantastic which is all I care about. If he’s healthy and his body allows him to do what he can I think we can expect a ‘Tek like season. He’ll hit his 20-30 HR, handle the pitching staff incredibly well and be a major force for us on and off the field all year.
Q-do players, when negotiating contracts, ever consider other players?For example, you’re asking a team for X amount of money, and the team says ‘OK, we’ll give you that but we’ll have to get rid of 3 other guys to afford it.’Would that enter into it at all?
Or is it simply every man for himself?
A- I can only answer that as it pertains to me. It was absolutely something that was talked about in 2003 when I was in discussions with
Boston. They spoke at length about their needs for my AAV and contract length and how that coincided with their plans for other players. It was also something I was very aware of since I didn’t want to get into a position that had my contract negatively impacting the potential of the team. I knew that the numbers I was at, or around, we’re not going to impede their desire or discussions with other players.
Q-As I am on my umpteenth business excursion this year which no one here cares about, it has prompted me to ask, when making the decision to come back in 2008, how does the fact that you’ll be away from your family for another 135 days (counting spring training and the playoffs) in 2008 factor into that decision. Is your family conditioned to this fact as being “par for the course” or normal because it’s the way it’s always been? How do you reconcile the fact you’re going to miss out another year of family and friends’ weddings, baptisms, birthdays, etc.
A-It’s a massive part of the decision we made. In fact next to my physical situation it was the most important part of the decision. I jokingly stated that when the decision was made I realized that maybe I’m not all that fun to be around at home if they were that excited about me playing another season. The difference now is that our kids are getting to the age that I can take them on the road with me individually at times, and that’s huge. It’s one of the parts of this life people either don’t care about or don’t think of when they think what we do is the greatest. I won’t lie, this job doesn’t suck. It’s a dream come true in many aspects but there is always a price to pay and often times the price is paid not by the athlete, but by the people you care about most.
Q-CURT, PLEASE GIVE US ALL A BREAK! IF YOU UNDERSTAND WHY THE RED SOX DON’T WANT TO EXTEND YOUR CONTRACT BEFORE THE END OF SPRING TRAINING, THEN WHY ARE YOU CLOSING THE DOOR DURING THE SEASON FOR AN EXTENTION?
A-I thought we covered this already, or maybe you didn’t read the previous post? Either way no need to yell….
Q-BECAUSE YOUR A MODERN DAY ATHLETE THAT THINKS THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND YOU.
A-Ok….
Q-TELL YOUR AGENT WHAT YOU WANT, YOU ALREADY SAID YOUR NOT LOOKING FOR MORE MONEY, AND LET THE AGENT NEGOTIATE WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT.
A-I don’t have an agent.
Q-BUT THAT WOULD MAKE TOO MUCH SENSE, IN THE END YOU WANT THE CONTROL BECAUSE THIS IS 2007 AND THAT IS WHAT ATHLETES DO.
A-Hmm, ok. So Williams and Dimaggio weren’t doing the same thing when they held out? I played the requisite 6 years I was required to play to obtain the rights of a free agent. In a career where the average lifespan of a player is less than three years, that means something. I’ve earned the right to negotiate on even footing and it’s not something players take lightly.
Q- I CAN’T HAVE IT MY MAY SO I’M NOT GOING TO TALK TO YOU. YOU CAN FLOWER IT UP ALL YOU WANT BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS YOUR NO DIFFERENT THEN MOST ATHLETES. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY AND YOUR HUGE EGO.
A-If that’s what you need to believe to feel better about yourself that’s cool.
Q-ATHLETES IN GENERAL AND TOP ATHLETES SPECIFICALLY HAVE BEEN TOLD HOW WONDERFUL THEY ARE SINCE THEY WERE OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER. JUST THINK CURT, YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE IN THE REAL WORLD. HOW DOES THAT FEEL?
A-Not sure of what you are asking, but I can’t complain. Life has been incredible to me and I thank the Lord everyday at some point.
Q-I was also one of the crazy, screaming fans when you made your first appearance as a closer against the Yanks. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a game that loud. And, even though you didn’t succeed, it took some brass cajones to do what you did. I’ve been a huge fan of yours ever since.
A-I remember that. Jogging on to the field was one of the more memorable experiences I’ve ever had. Right up to the point that
Sheffield and Arod played ping pong with the Monster and Center Field Bleachers and I lost the game. That was one of those ‘more incredible than you can imagine experiences” right up to the point when I actually threw a pitch. I was under the impression I was going to job out, punch out the side and walk off the hero, then real life intervened.
Q-Are you still doing research, etc. with Multiman Publishing? Still playing Squad Leader?
A- I am not. I haven’t been involved day to day with MMP for some time now. (BTW if you are a WWII or Wargamer please check out www.multimanpublishing.com ) Brian and Perry have been doing the yeoman’s share of the work for years now and MMP is doing fantastic.
Q-On Pearl Harbor day (Dec 7) I went from being a healthy 63 year old professional with a successful life stretching before me, to a 63 year old patient with metastatic cancer of the tonsil. My perspective on the future changed in the space of one hour. So far I am doing ok, but believe me , this season is the only one I have an interest in now.
A-I don’t need to tell you that Shonda and I are praying for your recovery. In a much different way that’s exactly what happened when I received the phone call telling me my wife had cancer. Life as you know it changes, forever. Shonda and I had 11 years of living and befriending ALS patients to know we didn’t want to wait for an event like this to truly have perspective. Please drop in and let me know how things are going if you can.
Q-What do you think of Gabe Kapler’s venture into managing? Aside from you, Gabe is my favorite Red Sox member. He speaks so eloquently on many subjects and always has something interesitng and insightful to say. I think that his innate understanding of the “right” way to play and his ability to understand the psyche of young players will serve him well as a manager. I wish for his success and hope that one day he manages the Sox. Any thoughts??
A-Awesome question. I am planning on throwing up a blog about favorite teammates somewhere down the line and Gabe is definitely at the top of that list. In addition to being one of my favorite teammates he’s also one of the finest human beings I’ve ever met. His wife is an incredible person as well. Gabe will manage in the major leagues someday if he wants to. I stopped by the minor league complex the other day to check in on him and say hello and tell him how much we miss him and all I can say is that he’s in his element. Gabe loves making people feel good about themselves, he loves baseball and I think he’s captured that magical feeling of what It means to teach people. I can promise you that the players he manages will be better people in addition to being better players.
Q-Also, do your children like to watch games more when you pitch or when you don’t pitch?? What do they experience as your children during a game when you pitch? Are they nervous, excited?
A-My oldest son Gehrig, has, over the last two years, become incredibly involved in my starts. I always talk to him before starts and he usually gives me advice.
“Dad, watch out for Guerrero, he can crush the fastball”
Things like that. One of the coolest life experiences I’ve ever had was a few years back. I’d pitched a game and stunk it up. I was incredibly upset after the game and we were riding home from the park and he says to me;
“What’s the matter?”
“I stunk tonight, just disappointed in the game”
“Dad?”
“Ya?”
“Did you do everything you could to win?”
“I did, but that doesn’t always work here bud”
“But dad you told me that if I played as hard as I could, did everything I could to win, that was all that mattered to you”
…………..
What could I say? Taught a lesson in 5 seconds by my 11 year old son. Those are the things you take with you for life.
Q-If you wanted the Sox to sign you then why not show up at camp remotely in shape? If you look like you do now then what will you look like at next years spring training? You could pull it off when you were younger, but those times are past by.
A-I’d love to refute it all but I can’t. Now don’t misunderstand that. I was heavier than I should have been when I reported, by at least 8 pounds. But I was not ‘out of shape.” I’d been throwing per my off season program since day 1 and my arm felt great. That being said I allowed some real life stuff to intrude and I didn’t prioritize my time the two weeks prior to camp as I should have. However, as of today I am down 9 pounds and 2 pounds under my end of the season weight from 2006. I feel fantastic. I have worked my ass off to get to where I need to be and I feel awesome that I am where I am. The last time I felt this light was coming into 2004. The amazing thing about both years is that my weight doesn’t match the way I feel. I made that mistake, but I won’t make it again.
Q-Hi Mr. Shilling I am a die hard Red Sox fan and at times I go on message boards and there are always yankee fans that just dont get it. GET THIS. They say that in the 2004 playoffs on your socks was not blood but ketchup. Now I know it sounds stuiped but these yanks fans are idiots. Can you say something to that and please enlighten me?
A-I am planning to throw something up about this subject at some point, but needless to say it was blood, my blood, and it was coming from the sutures in my ankle. You’re either stupid or bitter if you think otherwise.
Q-here’s my question, By now, I’m reply 100 some odd… do you, honestly, read every single comment, I just spent 20 minutes reading some, and gave up…
A-I don’t. I just make sure there are no “f’ bombs or other stuff that I wouldn’t want my kids to read. Otherwise the stuff gets posted in the comments.
Q-also, what about the dipR%@ who use the comment forum as a way to insult/berate/name call… Although, lets be honest, you can afford to not care what some whiny jealous brats with nothing better to do complain about…
A-Hey I’m human. No one likes to be called names or talked down to, but the sooner you realize it happens and that the people doing so have no idea who or what you are, the easier it becomes. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, said a lot of things I wish I hadn’t, but at the end of the day I have to live with myself and I know I don’t wish bad things on anyone. I lost the ability to hate anyone or anything when I became a Christian, life’s too short to waste time hating anything. There are only 24 hours in a day and as of now I’m busy for most of them.
Q-1. You’ve said that you feel your newly developed changeup could be a dominating pitch for you at times. Forgive me for being a little skeptical, but for your entire career your bread and butter has been the fastball and the splitter. Ive always felt that the split was your ‘change of pace’ pitch that got batters knees buckling, and for that reason it would be unnecessary for you to use a changeup. It shows them a change in velocity and that last second unexpected movement. When the count is 2-2 with a runner on 3rd with a tie game, and you and tek dont think a fastball is gonna get it done, i dont see him calling for anything but the split. Is the changeup just kind of an insurance policy for days when your splitter might not be quite as effective? What kind of counts and situations do you see yourself using your changeup, and why would you use that over the splitter?
A- I can’t/won’t get into specifics about selection of pitches here, not now anyway. Let’s just say the overall strategy is to reduce my pitch count and get outs faster, and the change up will allow both of those to happen.
Q-2. You also said that your change is about 15mph slower than your fastball, and that is an ideal difference in velocity. Do you think you could share this wisdom with Josh Beckett? His fastball is normally a blazing 96-97mph but his change is usually around 89-90. A 6mph difference doesnt seem like it does much to fool batters, rather it just gives them more chance to catch up to the pitch. Last year his changeup was largely ineffective and usually got crushed. Is this something that Farrell and Josh are working on or do they think that with alittle more control his current style will be effective?
A-Josh is a different animal. Josh has power in spades. Would it be ideal if he could throw a change up at 80mph? Maybe. Having said that Josh is, and always will be about command. If and when he gains total command of his fastball he’s going to dominate. I will tell you it’s coming too. Regardless of what people write about his Curveball or his Change up, like every other pitcher on the planet he will live and flourish on his fastball command. He’s gotten better this spring and I’ve already stated earlier I think he’s going to ruin a lot of fantasy leagues this year for people that pass on him. He’s getting ready to take that next step and I think this year it’s going to start happening.
Q-Also… can you teach Josh the split??? Look what it did for Papelbon!! A-He already throws it. He threw it last year and started to have a pretty effective one towards the end of the season.
Q-1) You posted about “depth” in your pitches… and I’ve seen or heard this term used by scouts/GM’s etc. Could you give a quick definition of this for us layman?
A-Depth, to me, is a word that could be called ‘tilt’ as well. A slider that breaks right to left on a horizontal plane, has no depth. A slider that breaks right to left AND down has depth. The ability to get movement horizontally AND vertically is depth. Same thing with a sinker. If my sinker cuts in on RHH AND goes down, it has depth, otherwise it’s merely a left handed cutter.
Q-2) What makes a pitcher successful at the major league level? I know this is a fairly broad question, but what were the things you figured out after you had been in the league for a few years? The two major things I can think of are command and movement, but what are the things we may not know about? A-The ability to repeat a consistent energy efficient delivery 125 times every five days. The other is command. There is a difference in ‘command’ and ‘control’. Control is the ability to throw strikes, You need to learn that in A, or AA. Command is the ability to control the ball WITHIN the strike zone. Most people think home plate is 17 inches wide. It’s not. Home plate, for me, is 12 inches wide. 6 inches on the inner half, 6 inches on the outer half. Using the middle 5 inches is the easiest way to get a ticket to Pawtucket. I think that’s the hardest thing for young pitchers to grasp, The big leagues is not about throwing strikes, it’s about throwing quality strikes. Learn that and then you move on to ‘throwing strikes that aren’t strikes’, which is a whole other lesson.
Q-1. What incentive would “the media” have to distort the truth on an issue like this? (not much)
A-Really? I’d disagree. I’ll ask you this. Does something news worthy happen everyday in your life? It doesn’t in ours either. However the media has to talk and write every single day, whether there is news worthy material or not. So ya, some distortion or omission of relevant material is necessary to make something ‘worth’ writing on some days.
Q-2. What incentive would a player in this situation have for distorting the truth to bend public opinion to his side? (make a lot of money)
A-Huh? So by lying I am going to make more money? How exactly does that work?
Q-Players say things like “the media sucks” because they know you like them better than you like the media, and that helps them get their message out unfiltered. But sometimes it makes sense to take a step back remember by the filter was there in the first place. It’s for the benefit of the readers.
A-We can agree to disagree. I happen to think the media has gotten to the point of talking down to fans. While we are on this topic let me once again say that this is not the majority, far from it, there are a ton of good people in the media, but the bad eggs can really screw things up for the people who actually do take pride in what they do and aren’t actually interested in being part of the stories they write.
Q-Without “the media,” players, teams, government officials can lie to you whenever they want, for their own benefit.
A-So you are saying that the media keeps people honest? I think I’d agree and disagree with that.
Q-My question: I feel your faith and honesty would allow me to ask this tricky one. It is in regards to baseball being “entertainment” primarily, and always referred to as entertainment by the players and anyone involved in the game and by all means I do not intend this to be insulting or to call the integrity of the sport into question. Nor do I mean to say it’s anything like Pro Wrestling Is there ever a script? or some sort of baseball etiquette that is improvised during the course of a game or series? For example, a team / manager / player has to make a decision to ease up on another team, let another team have more of a chance to win or in an important series take into question that ratings matter and if the series were to extend for more games everyone has more fun? or is what you see, the total reality??
A-No.
Q-Felger was ripping you, your blog and those of us who like to get the scoop from you without his and his buddies’ filtering last night on TV.
A-Who?
Q-What are your thoughts on the media now using your blog as a way to get more information from you? I have seen many shows bring up your blog and your thoughts either the day you make a new post or the day after.
A-If it means the story gets printed and I don’t have to talk then all the better.
Q-Would you prefer that they get their information in person?
A-I think that’s going to be more story dependant really. I can tell you that the post game stuff this year will be interesting. I would imagine I’ll be able to give a more thorough in depth review and discussion of the games I pitch than the main stream media, for those that are interested in that kind of thing.
Q-Curt, with the new defense behind you with Lugo, and Pedroia being the starters at SS and 2nd base. How do you feel this defense behind you stacks up with last year and Gonzalez and Loretta?
A-I think they’ll be fine. I certainly don’t think they will cost us games. I think Dustin has a chance to be an outstanding defender. One of the things Coach Murphy (Dustin’s coach at ASU) told me a few years back was that Dustin was the kind of defender that if ‘he gets his glove on it, it’s an out”. I think Julio will be a lot better than people think. The main problem will be that anytime he makes an error the ghost of Gonzalez will come up in post game interviews. I think Alex Gonzalez is the best SS I’ve ever played with, or seen, so those comparisons are unfair to anyone.
Don’t sweat it Curt, it was plainly obvious to those of us who do not have an ax to grind.
Thanks for keeping this going, regardless of the nit wits who seem hell bent on even misconstruing (sp) your own words.
PEACE and God Bless!!
Hey Curt — excellent blog. Just a quick question for you –
I’m a bit of a uniform numbers guy. I’m just curious as to how the process works in terms of getting a specific number and how you settled on your number of 38. I noticed that, early in your career with Baltimore, you had number 43. You then had number 19 with Houston. I know rookies are issued less-than-desirable numbers in Spring Training, but do veterans basically get their choice of numbers if a number is not taken?
Again, it’s a great blog, and keep up the stellar work, both on and off the field.
WOW!!
Sorry for the second post so quickly…my first post was in response to your main comment.
This one is in response to all the idiotic questions regarding your salary and negotiations. I can’t believe that people are sodim witted that they think you should take less money than you can earn. Who in their right mind would do that, regardless of the job?
Anyway…seems the fans suck!!
LOL..Gotcha!!
Curt,
A few questions, but first a comment: I think it’s great that you’ve decided to interact with your fans in this way. I’ll admit I haven’t followed your career as much as I could have, but as an avid baseball watcher I’ve definitely noticed you progressing from team to team, and pitching better and better with each stop. Thank you for giving us a forum in which to interact with you.
My queries:
1) Do you type all of your entries, or dictate them?
2) You faith and political views are well-publicized. You don’t strike me as a particularly intolerant person (except when people ask you 38 times a day, “Why don’t you take less money now to stay?”), but I wonder how someone who believes strongly in Jesus as the Messiah interacts with players like Gabe Kapler, Kevin Youkilis, Adam Stern, Shawn Green, and other players who are Jewish. Is there any tension? Is it just not a topic that is discussed? How about Mulsim players, or those who are openly politically Left-leaning? I’m just wondering.
3) I’ve lived in Boston all my life, but am an A’s fan (long story) first, then a Sox fan. What do you think of the A’s as a team? Who would you count among your friends from the current club?
Thanks again, Curt. Keep up the great work, and good luck this season!
- JoshSamBob
Curt,
Give Windows Live Writer a try for managing blog posts — works offline, has a nice interface, etc.
http://windowslivewriter.spaces.live.com/
Should let you do the cut / paste thing from Word nicely.
First, sorry for all the jerks who insist on arguing with you and commenting on your salary negotiations. It’s none of their business. The same as it’s nobody’s business how much money I make. (I am in the entertainment business)
My question is about Josh Beckett. You have said, and I have read from other sources, that Tek is one of the best catchers in the game as far as calling games. I read a comment where Josh said he wished he had listened to Tek more last year (again, don’t know how true that is or if it was taken out of context). Is there any way to influence Josh to trust Tek more this season? I think he has the capabilities to be a great pitcher.
I wish you the best for another great and healthy season. GO RED SOX!
If you had to rank the top 10 pitches you’ve ever seen while you played, what do you think they’d be? I don’t mean specific instances of the pitch, just the pitch the way a certain player threw it (like Mo Rivera’s cutter or Pedro’s changeup).
And I have to say this blog is a lot more levelheaded and reasonable than I’d given you credit for in the past.
16 days….
I have a question - are you sorry this has turned into a massive Q&A? How many question have you answered so far?
I’m kidding.
16 days.
Hey Curt,
Just wondering about your thoughts on peoples opinion that Jason Varitek is on the back end of his career. Many have brought up his offensive numbers, but isn’t his ability to lead the pitching staff an intangible?
Curt, I simply can’t believe the amount of people that responded to your contract situation. One, they probably never even read your post, which by the way explained things prefectly. Two, they haven’t a clue how life (or business) works. I for one will be perfectly happy with whatever decision you make on your status. I am, and have always been, a Red Sox fan, but I realize that this is YOUR life. Please don’t let the “bad apples”of Red Sox Nation get you down, there are plenty of people who think as I do.
Now to my question: If you had to start a team tomorrow, what position would you start with? And who would it be (one past and one present).
Thanks,
Tim
GreenMonsterGuy.com
“1) Do you type all of your entries, or dictate them?”
He obviously types them. He complained in the beginning of this entry that he tried copy-pasting from Word and couldn’t get the formatting correct.
Curt,
Honest question. Has the current situation in Iraq caused you to reevaluate your support for our current president? If not, how come? Thanks for taking questions. Its an interesting read for baseball fans. It would be nice if there was less talk about your contract situation, but if thats what folks are interested in…
Hey Curt, your blog is awesome. This is a two part question. The first involves the titanium necklaces. Could you explain why you wear it/ when you began to wear it and the history behind it? Do you have any anecdotes, like convincing other players to wear it? I normally only see pitchers wearing it, do would you know why?
The second involves the upcoming Presidential race. As far as favorites, who are you leaning towards the most? When will we see you run for President… Schilling in ‘16 or ‘20 ?
Curt,
My mother was very upset when she noticed that J.D. Drew had been awarded Trot Nixon’s old jersey number, “7″. She felt that it was the final indignity in a string of insults to our favorite Sox player (we even named our new puppy after him last season!).
What is the feeling about this in the clubhouse, both about Trot’s departure and the number’s reassignment?
Hi! I know many have said it before (including me in a comment to a previous post), but I don’t think it can be said too many times - THANK YOU. Thank you for taking the time to answer so many questions, for all you have done for the Sox & for Red Sox Nation, and for all you do for the ALS Foundation.
I now have a new thank you (and a question) - I think you might be the first athlete I have ever seen to publicly acknowledge the disparity in what a professional athlete makes vs. what a teacher/firefighter/police officer makes. THANK YOU! As a teacher, I see so many students who look up to athletes and see them as role models. How hard do you think it is to be a positive role model for kids, in addition to your actual job as a starting pitcher? Is being a role model part of the job? Should it be? How do you handle seeing so many athletes that kids look up to being really poor role models? (drugs, guns, dui, gangs…the list seems endless)
Thanks again for truly giving kids someone to look up to!
Mara (who is keeping her fingers crossed that you will be pitching when we see the Sox play in April in Baltimore!)
Curt, I have a question:
Baseball players and atheletes in general are know to be superstitious. Do you have and pre-game rituals that you do, or anything of that nature?
Hey Curt:
I used to have the same formatting problems–and then I found this:
http://www.blogdesk.org/en/index.htm
Blogdesk is geared towards Word Press, and it works like a charm..
Good Luck!
Christine E.
http://www.bostonredthoughts.com
Curt-
I’m thankful and impressed that you answered so many of our questions (I think almost every one that was asked). Hate to flood you with questions but I cant pass up the opportunity to pick your brain!
1. I think its cool that you took the time to pick up some Japanese during the offseason so you could interact with our new pitchers Dice-K and Okajima. How much japanese have you learned and how easily can you interact with them? I heard Tek also learned a little Japanese, how has this helped their assimilation into the team and how are they fitting into the clubhouse so far?
2. I recently got into an argument with a friend of mine about athletes and retirement, and I figured you would have a unique perspective on the issue. The argument focused around Tiki Barber. My friend said that he admires Tiki for ‘going out on top’ and that he would probably do the same if he were a superstar athlete. I said that I admire the gamers, the ones that love competition and love the game so much that they will play as long as they possibly can. Guys like you and Tedy Bruschi, who had won championships and were injured. You returned from your ankle injury and he returned from his stroke because it means that much to you. Everything lined up perfectly for both you and him to retire, and no one would have blamed you if you did. But you guys keep playing, and for that I’ll always admire you. What do you think of Tiki’s decision, or other players who choose to do the same? Have you ever thought of retiring earlier in your career and ‘going out on top’?
Thanks again Curt!
It seems like some people want something, they get it and than they try to tear it down.
This is a pretty great way to hear you apart from the media’s version of who they think you are.
I love what you have to say, it gives those of hope you believe in reality and what’s true and what isn’t.
Curt,
Thanks for sharing your views on this blog. As a lifelong Red Sox fan, first let me join the millions and say “Thanks” for all you did to bring a World Championship to Boston in 2004 and even more so since you essentially sacrificed 2005 to deliver the goods in ALCS Game 6 vs. NYY and WS Game 2 vs. St. Louis.
Three questions:
1. Do you or any of your fellow teammates from the 2004 Championship team ever get tired of fans thanking you or do you realize how much that meant to the fans?
(By the way, I agree with you that players like Foulke and Bellhorn got the shaft from some of the “fans.” As a season ticket holder since 1996 and a fan since I was a kid in the early 80’s, it bothered me when the bandwagon jumpers (fans since ‘03) had no appreciation for the contributions of Foulke and Bellhorn. It’s now clear that Foulkie sacrificed ‘05 and ‘06 when he pitched in ALCS Games 4,5, and 6 on consecutive days- you don’t win without him. I always hoped he’d regain his form. Now that he’s retired, I hope the organization can bring him back and honor him for a day so that he can get the appreciation he deserves!)
2. While everyone will miss Gonzo’s D at SS, was he really that much better than Orlando Cabrera? I always thought one of Theo’s biggest mistakes was trying to upgrade from OC to Renteria at SS. Yes, Renteria should’ve been better, but the slight upgrade over OC (who thrived in Boston) wasn’t worth the risk (Reneria not being able to handle playing in Boston). I say any dropoff in D from Gonzo to OC (and I think it’s minimal) is far outweighed by OC’s offense and his ability to perform in the playoffs.
3. While your disappointment at the Sox not extending you so far is understandable, are you at least happy to hear Theo say that if you have a solid 2007, he’s confident they’ll be able to bring you back and have you finish your career in Boston? While some view this as presumptuous on the Sox’s part, I view it as a sign of the good relationship they have with you and that the Sox won’t let money get in the way of you staying here.
As a fan who has watched many great Sox players finish their careers elsewhere (Clemens, Pedro, Boggs), here’s hoping you end that trend and finish in Boston where you belong. Fans will never forget the Bloody Sock and to me, you and Big Papi will always be the face of that unforgettable 2004 team! Let’s not have to see either of you in any other uniform.
Hey Curt. Love the blog, and love the work you do on the field as well. And again, as you’ve heard numerous times, thanks for your part in 2004.
I have to say, as a fan of the game itself, and as a fan of great pitching, there is nothing better in baseball than watching a great pitcher work at the top of his game. Even before you were members of the Red Sox, two of my favorite games of all time were Game 7 of the 2001 WS between you and Roger, and Josh Beckett’s performance in Game 6 in New York in ‘03. (Of course, it helps that both games were against the Yankees)
Just one question….
I don’t think alot of people realize the HUGE disparity in talent between Joe Schmo, and even the “worst” professional out there. Even the difference in talent between the average fan and a .230 hitting, backup shortstop at Double-A is immense.
My question is, at what point did you “know” that you had that talent? Not so much the ability to win 20 games, or strike out 300, but when you really had a good idea that you had a legitimate future as a pro athlete?
Keep up the great work, and good luck in ‘07!
Schill, I love you dearly, but you are soooo way off on the teacher’s salary bit. I have taught first grade for 15 years and am making less than $30,000. I wish it was even half of $90,000! Granted I am teaching at a Catholic school which pays much less than public schools, but… yeah. However, one day I WILL save up enough to make it to a Red Sox game and hope to see you there! :o)
Prayers are sent your way for a terrific 2007 season! God Bless.
Couple of questions Curt:
1. What was your favorite team growing up and do you still “root” for them (except, of course, when playing them)? I have always wondered, especially in the free agency era, how players maintain their love for their hometown team or if they simply “lose it” over time.
2. I am sure you have played for many managers over the years. What in your mind is needed to be a successful manager? Is the most important part of a manager’s job is figuring out when to use the bullpen?
3. What is the typical schedule you have during the season leading up to a start? I hear bits and pieces all the time (such as, pitcher x threw on the side today), but I never really heard about what preparation is needed between each start.
4. How often does the pitching staff and Tek meet together to go over things? Do you bounce around ideas on how to get player Y out or is it more general information as a group and specific information between you/Tek?
The NCAA basketball tourney has begun. Who do you have winning it all?
At this time Boston College is down to Georgetown. Not looking good at the moment.
Curt-
A shot in the dark.
But what are the chances of a Vermont filmmaker doing a documentary on your possible last season as a Red Sox?
Obviously a dream come true/worthwhile cause.
Worth a shot.
ABR
Curt, I greatly respect you. At first when you got here I was a little turned off by your outspokeness, but that was a rush to judgement because I was hearing what you were saying but not listening. I think you have done great things for the community and you seem like a great dad and family man. I have to also say I agree with your politics and would like to know what if any your future political aspirations might be. I would love to see you run for senator in MA, because we certainly don’t have respectable ones now and think you would make some great changes. Curt I think your awesome and by the way think it was a no brainer for the red sox to re-up you for another year. But hey that’s how it goes.
Hey Curt!
Thanks for such a long post, it was great to read.
I have a question about your communication with Daisuke. How are you able to talk to him? I remember him saying that he was taking English lessons, but that takes a long time. I don’t mean any offense to him by this (I certainly do not know any Japanese!) but I am interested to know how he casually communicates with you or others on the team, besides Okajima.
Curt:
Checking in from Virginia, waiting for Opening Day (16 and counting) and MLB Extra Innings so I can track my Sox…survived breast cancer in 2002 and 2006 on a regimen of chemo, grit and Red Sox.
My wish for 2007? A World Series again, of course, but first and foremost is that you all let your love of the game and your sportsmanship take center stage. Give kids something to shoot for besides $$$$ and trash talk. I’ve been coaching women at the college level since 1968, and the sooner we get back to playing instead of talking, the better off we’ll be on and off the field.
And about the contract. You’ve said it all and said it enough. Tell everyone to give it a rest and let’s play ball.
Jiminy, Curt! Do you have to warm up and throw a bullpen before sitting down to a 10-inning Q&A session like that one?!
‘Preciate the insight, but man … that could only come from a guy who’s currently living on the road & ordering room service!
(or, like me, sitting in NH, where we just got 10 of the heaviest inches of snow we’ve seen in a long time.)
I don’t want to pile on w/another question, but I do have a topic I’d love to see you address sometime.
Youth sports. What works & what still needs work?
You’ve played baseball forever, and now you’re a dad. No doubt your kids are involved in sports at various levels. I’d love to hear some of your thoughts on the do’s and don’ts of introducing young kids to sports.
My youngest child will be 6 on April 12 (one of his gifts from me is attending your game at Fenway that afternoon), and he’s nuts about sports — football, soccer, basketball, baseball. He’ll play anything, anytime, and he seems to both have fun and excel. I want to encourage him & help him reach his potential — in everything — but I don’t want to become overbearing or suck the fun out of it for him.
Sure would love to hear your thoughts as a pro athlete & dad.
best,
Tom
Hi Curt I have some questions about teammates (no in in particular). One thing that really bugs me when we as fans say oh “he’s a great guy, or he’s a bad guy, based on what players do on the field. When we really don’t know you guys at all. With that preamble, which do you find more annoying/aggravating when fans think a guy is a great guy and you KNOW he is a jerk, or when fans think a guy is a jerk and you know what a great guy he is? Now for part two, if the Sox front office came to you and said they could trade for player ‘X’ and you knew this guy could really help the team, but you also knew who was a really bad guy and a lousy teammate would you still want them to make the trade, and how would you react once he got here, if they did make the trade?
Y’know, I haven’t had the chance to mention this to a Sox player before, so …
I spend a fair amount of time on the road for business, and I found myself visiting a certain NYC hotel last fall (I won’t divulge the name for fear of compromising your team’s privacy). I was speaking at an event, and before it started I chatted up the A/V guy who was supporting me. He found out I was a Sox fan, and he told me “This is the hotel the Sox have stayed in ever since they beat the Yankees in 2004! In fact, we like to think it was our beds that gave them the rest they needed to beat the Yankees in Games 6 & 7!”
Whether he was telling me the truth or just blowing smoke, who knows?
I just thought you’d get a kick out of knowing that even a New York hotel is trying to bask in the glory of what your team accomplished in 2004!
best,
Tom
Mr. Schilling, Thanks for taking the time to answer so many of my questions. I think I know what you mean now when things don’t come-off in the press the way they were said at the time. When you answered some of my questions individually, it made it seem that I was knocking you for not taking less money to stay with the Sox. I think you understood I wasn’t, but some responders who did not read my original post seem to have thought so. To clear it up, allow me to explain it like this: My present job is great, I love working there, the location, the people, etc…The hospital that’s out-of-state wants to pay me much more money to go work for them, but it’s in the middle of a bad city and the environment seems much less fun to work in. Do I go take the money or stay where I know I love the people and the job? Basically this is what I was asking you. Obviously you’d be foolish to stay with Boston for anything less than what you think you’re worth. Yet I think where you play and the people you play in front of has to play a big part in making such a decision. Bottom line is this, Curt - Whether it be $2 million or $50 million, I want you back in ‘08!! Thanks for listening. Eric Davenport - Meriden, CT
I applaud the way you handled the, shall we say, more snarky comments people felt the need to leave for you. Something that really bothers me is seeing people treat one another with complete disrespect. It seems as though that gets amplified when one of people is something of a public figure. It comes across that some people feel they are entitled to treat you harshly because your paycheck is not that of “the average guy,” and that is not something I can identify with. I wish I understood why some people feel that just because you are a well-known professional athlete, they no longer need to treat you like a human being, with respect, consideration, and some compassion. Interaction between people should be treated as a privilege & an opportunity to get to know a little more about another person, regardless of who either of the people involved in said duscussion are. People are people, and deserve to be treated with the consideration we expect to receive ourselves. Another case of the few bad eggs surfacing among the good ones. I sincerely hope this sort of attitude doesn’t turn you off from blogging. Speaking for myself, I truly enjoy the chance to to hear the thoughts & opinions of someone who is willing to share a perspective most of us will never have on the game of baseball, and the chance to see who Curt Schilling is when he’s not in uniform, playing a mean game of ball.
“Otherwise ya, if I am not in the video room watching some stuff for an upcoming game I am most likely doing something I shouldn’t be to someone I shouldn’t be doing it to.”
I think 8,287 words is officially the longest blog post on record.
Curt: If you’d like a low-tech solution to your formatting problem, just use Notepad (provided you’re on a PC, of course). It eliminates all the wonky formatting and weird line breaks, and it can be pasted right into the rich text editor when you’re done.
You know, I kept promising myself I’d stop reading so many blogs, and then here you come with one, and how am I supposed to keep that promise now? Everything you’ve written so far has made for an engaging read, and I always get overly excited when I discover you’ve updated. Thanks for being open, honest, and entertaining. And please keep it up.
I’ll come up with a question and pester you with it later.
Hi Curt Schilling do you sign autographs when the regular season starts and when would you sign a autograph like at a game on june 20TH against the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta GA? Do you like to wear the green hat and the green uniform on St. Patrick’s Day? I hope you and your family have a great Easter!!!!!!!. You are my hero Curt and I look up to you. I got some great photos that I took of you when I was at spring training camp. Can I send some to you? Take care.
From, Jeff Riley
Curt: Thanks for your kind reply to my post regarding my Pearl Harbor day shock. Since I live in Nebraska, I plan to be in KC to watch you open the season. God willing, I’ll be able to taste a hot dog by then.
Hey Shilling,
I appreciate you taking the time to write these posts. I know it takes a lot of time out of your own busy schedule and cotinue to keep this up (even if some people treat you like a dog). For everyone else, anyone can take something a person says and make it look like they are saying whatever they want it to say. I have a friend in AAA who just started a page like this and is already thinking of stopping because people blow everything out of proportion.
I believe that it is not the players who have made themselves look selfish, i believe it is the media. Anyways, a question for Shilling. I hear you talk of how the Lord has helped you and continues to help you make decisions. Has the money and fame made it a struggle to keep a strong faith in the Lord? also, how do you believe your faith in the Lord has helped you to get you where you are today?
Thanks for your time, and i truely appreciate hearing your coments. Keep it up.
Adam
Hey Curt, see this post for help with pasting from Word. Keep up the good work, looking forward to a healthy season.
Q-I understand that a major part of your pitching preparation is in writing detailed notes about your experiences and observations in your notebooks and referring to those notes in later pitching encounters with the opposing team. I was watching your recent interview on NESN and noted how you pointed out how you still have notebooks from the last ten years. Do you plan on creating a personal archive of those pitching notes or donating those notebooks to a library or museum long after you have retired (like 20-30 years after you retire)? I am sure those players you write notes on will have also retired or will be entirely different from the players they once were. I ask because your notebooks seem to be a major component in your pitching preparation and I think would be really nice for researchers and other baseball experts to get some insight into your pitching twenty to thirty years after you retire.
Oops. Looks like my comment didn’t completely publish. Let me try to recapture the missing part as best I can…
“Otherwise ya, if I am not in the video room watching some stuff for an upcoming game I am most likely doing something I shouldn’t be to someone I shouldn’t be doing it to.” — I’m going to have to remember not to be drinking a beverage when I’m reading your blog if you’re going to keep coming out with stuff like that. Oh & the next time a camera zooms in on you & you’re in the bullpen looking all innocent, like you’re just watching the game, we’re going to know that when the camera goes elsewhere, you’re going to go right back to “doing something you shouldn’t be doing.” Or plotting your next move. The question is, will you be sharing your best jokes & pranks or whatever it is you’re up to out there, here on your blog?
Curt, I noticed that you think the DirectTV deal signed last week “sucks”. A number of us baseball fans and civic organizations are forming a coalition as well as a petition to send to the FCC asking them to investigate the deal as like you said, it will be leaving millions of very loyal fans in the dark and unable to watch baseball. While you reside in Medfield, and your family has the ability to have NESN, I am sure many players families, just like many of the fans, rely on having the ability to purchase the Extra Innings package on cable. I would be honored if you would be willing to sign your name to our coalition and join us in preventing America’s pastime from becoming America’s past.
Don’t sweat the people who give you a hard time over contracts. There will always be a lot of people jealous of the success of others. They don’t understand that it isn’t your fault the games are expensive, it’s because people come to those games even though they are expensive, so the game makes a lot of money that you’re able to sign those big contracts. That’s capitalism, and it’s fair. You don’t deserve the crap they give you. It’s even more irksome to me, as a fan of a small market team (Minnesota) that Boston fans get all that angry about paying for players when they can spend a lot more than my team can.
Anyways, on to actual questions(feel free to parse them down as a couple are longer-ish):
1. I said I was from Minnesota, and I’m about as big a fan and spectator-student of the sport as you’re likely to meet anywhere, but a lot of the people around me (in Minnesota) aren’t like that. What do you think of Minnesota sports and fans in general?
2. Sorry if you’ve already answered this, but what pitchers, if any, did you watch and even try to emulate when you were younger?
3. What do you think about how NEw York fans treat A-Rod? Here’s a guy who has been a huge hitter his whole career, was an MVP just two years ago for them, but they treat him awful and act like he can’t hit “in the clutch.” What’s even funnier is the numbers don’t say that (they say’s he’s just a good hitter in “the clutch” as the rest of the time). I think his “bad” season last year (still one of the best in the game) was in large part because the New York media and fans were such jerks. What do you think about that and stuff like that?
4. Speaking of clutch, how much do you believe in that? Statistics sometimes say that very few people actually are more clutch than others (for example, the numbers show that Jeter is the same hitter in the playoffs as the rest of the time, which is still a very good hitter who’s a very tough out and knows how to situationally hit). Do you believe in a magical clutch? Do you think maybe some people just “choke” more than improve in the clutch? Is it an emotional thing (like players trying to hard to get a big hit or pitchers getting to emotional and overthrowing)? What’s your take on that?
5. Last, phew, what do you think of stats like VORP (if you’re familiar with it). Do you think it seems to convoluted? It wouldn’t really help you much as a pitcher, but it can be a good way to give a snapshot of someone’s overall production (I think). Perhaps these are more stats for analysts. You have talked about using things like hitters pitches per at bat, umpire’s stats, etc. So what are some other stats that you use and what to they tell you, and what do you think about some of the more complicated new-age type stats?
Sorry about all the question, but I love your site so much. I spend so much time talking about and learning about baseball with other fans that it feels like I found a new Gold Mine of knowledge in this site. Not tom mention there is the high from conversing digitally with one of the game’s top players, who happens to be a committed family man, active philanthropist, overall role model, AND lover of one of my favorite things (video games) to boot.
So thanks again SO much for doing this, because it’s just about the coolest thing ever.
Curt,
Let’s get to the real meat and potato’s who’s in your final four? I’m guessing Pitt is one of them.
Just want to reiterate the common theme of how cool this is that we can interact directly with you. I haven’t posted since one of the first days, but I did want to let you know that your story of Vuk was amazing. The sad thing is that until we can cure cancer there are way too many of us that can tell a similar story.
RIP JM
Curt, I want to join the legions who are thanking you for taking the time to do this blog and address our questions and comments, no matter how stupid or pointless they get. I hope you won’t find yourself overwhelmed by everything everyone asks; I’d hate to see you badgered off the boards.
I just want to wish you and the team the best of luck for 2007, to thank you for all you’ve given to Boston and to baseball, and to let you know that, like your son, we truly appreciate you giving it all you can.
Thanks again, and take care.
Mr. Schilling,
I am a Cubs fan who is in awe of your dedication. I have asked a total of two questions, and you have answered both very graciously. Thank you. I just wish some of our guys(CHC) would do somthing like this. Could you imagine Sosa doing a Q and A with fans. Funny stuff, I’m sure. Anyway.
Question.
Who, in your opinion is the most deserving player to have been “snubbed” for the HOF? i.e. Jim Rice, Ron Santo, Andre Dawson etc…..
Hi Curt,
In “categories”, I think you should start a forum on politics. You are a sports hero here on a Larry Bird level and it is fun to see an outspoken athlete on issues which you care. That being said, we do not agree on “stuff”. Instead of just hearing you talk through the media with your point of view, why not let it fly on a part of your blog? Maybe we could all learn a different perspective?
Anyway, thanks again for making Red Sox Nation proud. You’re a good man. (my wife is leftist, but she still loves you.)
Pete
Great read. Thanks for your authenticity and honesty about the game that we love and your experiences. As a youth pastor I’d love to hear more about your faith journey if that’s a possibility on this blog.
Let me tell ya Curt your a man of great integrity and I love to watch you pitch every single start. I have been debating whose number to get on the back of my Sox jersey and even if you end up leaving I will be proud to wear yours.
I recently wrote a blog entry on my site pointing people towards your blog so I hope anyone that comes will see the things that I see that make you one of my role models.
God bless you and your family, you guys are constantly in my prayers.
In Christ
Justin
Hey Curt,
Thanks for the updates. After your starts this season, will you allow us to ask you about pitch sequence and mechanical things we see?
Kudos to you for taking the time to respond to everyone’s questions and comments, both the favorable and the critical. I can’t say I agree with all your points, as most of your fawning fans seem to, but I’ll admit a grudging respect for what you’re doing here, and I applaud you for some of your acknowledgements. (C’mon, I’m a Yankees fan, this is hard for me)
I wonder if you’d comment on a non-baseball related topic that’s been bothering me for years–your vocal support for George Bush during election season last time around. Certainly, it’s a free country and everyone is legally entitled to his/her opinion and also to express that opinion. Indeed, if you had simply attended rallies and/or talked to your friends or teammates or neighbors about why you supported Bush, I’d have had no problem with it.
But I think it was distasteful and inappropriate the way you used your celebrity to conspicuously support a political candidate. It would have been different if, like Bono or Leonardo Dicaprio, you were actively involved in political issues–those guys have leveraged their celebrity to become vocal and genuine activists for causes they believe strongly in, so naturally they will speak out for political candidates who support those causes. But you can’t claim any such substance or activism, and you weren’t even making an argument about issues–you simply tried to influence the election by translating your celebrity into votes.
When journalists, organizations, or political figures endorse a candidate, their opinions are noteworthy because of the relevant expertise they claim to have. You however, had no such expertise, and you had a platform (TV) to influence millions of voters simply because you can throw a baseball well. Does that seem right to you? Do you think your celebrity qualifies you to have more influence on the election than Mr. Average Joe has? I don’t. Frankly, I think it’s pathetic that so many Americans put such little thought into their participation in the democratic process that they might be influenced by something as arbitrary and irrelevant as who a millionaire baseball player supports, but sadly that’s the country we live in, and you probably did have some impact.
If you had engaged in political debate and attempted to sway other voters’ opinions by virtue of reasoned argument, then I wouldn’t be giving you a hard time right now. But instead, all you did was take advantage of some Americans’ stupidity, by trying to steal their votes with nothing but your fame. I know you’re not the only celebrity who did it, but I still think it was classless and that you ought to be ashamed of yourself for it.
As an aside, I wonder if you have taken the time to meet any of the thousands of servicemen/women who have been injured in Iraq, or the families of those who have senselessly lost their lives? Do their stories give you cause to regret your ostentatious support for Bush, who has undoubtedly proven to be the worst President in the history of our great nation? Was your tax cut really worth it?
I wish you and your family a happy and healthy year.
This blog is unbelievable… a fan’s dream. Thanks for doing this and giving us insights into the game we’d never have otherwise. Oh yeah, and while I’m at it, thanks for a million other things too, like coming to Boston and breaking the curse and winning a World Series! Hoping like hell to see you retire in a Red Sox uniform!!!
okay, now a question… I’ve heard you have a dog named “Patton”. Patton is an extraordinary figure in history and a highly controversial one in his day. Care to share your thoughts about him? (the General I mean… but you can tell us about your dog too if you want.
Curt, I’m loving your blog. It’s so refreshing to read a very unique viewpoint about the Sox, the media, and the fans. Thanks so much for putting the time into this blog. Now, onto my questions:
1) You obviously are extremely articulate. Did you study writing or communication in college, or are you just a natural writer?
2) I’m interested to know what you do on your time off during the winter, that has nothing to do with baseball. Do you have hobbies we don’t know about? TV shows you’re addicted to? Music you dance to in your living room? Do you cook? Do you clean? What kind of person are you when you’re just hanging out at home?
3) Do you find it difficult to make friends outside of the baseball world? I ask because we live near Tek, and I know that most of his friends aren’t neighborhood types. Is it tough to just hang out with boring regular folks that aren’t financially able to keep up with your family?
4) Finally, are all your kids interested in sports, and is it OK if they are not? Are you a parent that encourages interests outside of sports, even if they are things you’re not interested in at all? Like ballet, for example? (Not that it isn’t possible that you love ballet, but you know what I mean…
Are your kids good students and are they thriving in the public schools in Medfield?
Just wondering about the guy behind the uniform. Thanks again for such a fun read.
Margalit
Curt,
Thanks for a new ‘daily i must check this’ bookmark!
Sadly those who just see huge numbers when discussing athlete (or even movie star) contracts just don’t seem to grasp that the scale of revenue most major league teams generate is a staggering sum. If the players weren’t making a share of it, the owners would just be even more wealthy is the only difference.
I do agree that ballpark tickets for MLB and NFL are becoming too expensive for the average fan to just go to a game on a whim. What can really be done about that?
-Frax (just a poster from the fohguild.org forums and the green monster game thread!)
Mr. Schilling,
My grandfather was born in Massachussetts in 1918, and died in the beginning of 2004, before you guys won the series. He was the ultimate Red Sox fan, throughout the 86 years without a pennant. To me, it’s in the blood. My interest started in 1987 when I was 13 collecting baseball cards, and my favorite player then was Wade Boggs, until he went to the yankees (that I think is when my “dislike” for the spankees started). I already have my 2 kids rooting for the Sox (ages 9 and 3).
Who was your favorite team growing up, and how did you get your very first interest in baseball?
*Ted Williams was the greatest all-around player of all-time, hands down*
Curt-
wow.
just wow.
the length, and depth, of that post astounds me.
as a Sox fan, and a Schilling fan (yes, I’m both), this is heaven.
thank you.
2 philosophical questions, if you don’t mind:
a) are there times you deviate from the scouting report?
for example, the report says Batter X can really hit the fastball.
yet the fastball is also your best chance to get the guy out.
do you still throw it, knowing that’s HIS strength as well as yours, or would you go another way?
b) one thing that always bugs me is when I read or hear a media member talk about how things are in the clubhouse, or whether a player is a “good” clubhouse guy or a “bad” clubhouse guy.
first of all, I don’t have any idea what that means.
I also think they’re not qualified to judge that kind of thing.
And even if they were, I’m not sure it matters much once you guys are between the white lines.
am I wrong about any or all of that?
Just wanted to be another one who supports your contract point of view. Some people think getting paid what you are worth or wanting to be is a bad thing, and say it like they wouldn’t.
Signing for minimum wage.. some people..
Also good work for creating the blog. Its nice to create a direct link for fans to talk to the players directly and vice versa. I just watched your interview on NESN, and agree completely with your comments about your blog.
I had a question about how you view a starting rotation and this one as a team. Obviously you guys are never actually playing in the same game, but need to work together. Does having these young guys in the rotation (Beckett, Papelbon, Matsuzaka) help the not so young? I think I read somewhere about the friendly competition you and Josh had last year for most wins, do you think it will be better this year adding Matsuzaka and Papelbon?
Curt,
Fantastic job on the blog. I really cannot thank you enough for everything you have done and keep doing on the field - and for finding the time to give us fans this awesome means to communicate with you.
Since you’re being so gracious in answering all the questions, I’ll just toss mine in the pile. I’d like to learn more about your video gaming tastes; how long have you been a gamer? Are you mainly a PC/multiplayer guy or do you also enjoy some classic action/adventure/console games? What are you favorite games of all time? And, last but not least - where do you find the time to support an MMORPG addiction with your job? Thanks, and keep up the good work. Looking forward to a spectacular 2007, good luck on that too!
Hi Curt,
I am shocked that there were people who didn’t realize that the Media Sucks…gotcha wasn’t a joke. Those people should just stay off this blog site as they are obviously not fans of yours. I hope that you are sitting back getting a laugh out of these ‘outraged’ fans and not letting it raise your blood pressure. Your true fans know you and love you so please don’t shut down this blog keep typing away. Can’t wait to see you at the NYY and Toronto games in April, I will be the screaming southern chick from Virginia in the bleacher seats, tell Big Papi to knock one outta the park for me
Keep up your awesome work on this blog site and good luck in all of your games.
Hey Curt I heard about this on the Mike & Mike show on ESPNRadio. This is really great. My friend has a blog and he mentioned your blog and he also mentioned all the good work you do for ALS. If you ever have a chance to check out his blog at http://www.menudo-myblog.blogspot.com he would really appreciate it. Thanx and GO SOX!!!!
Curt -
As a Phillies fan, I have fond memories of 1993 and specifically your amazing post-season performance. However, over the years, information that has come out suggests that a fairly sizable segment of the roster was dabbling in performance enhancing substances. Dykstra and Incaviglia were obvious examples, but there were no doubt others. The Braves implied as much, but that unwritten baseball “code” prohibitted them from specific allegations. Oh well, hopefully that era of baseball is coming to an end…
After reading all this I have to believe most of those questions came from members of the media posing as ‘fans’. They can’t beat you up in person thanks to this blog, so now they’re going at you this way. Ridiculous.
You’re a good sport for putting up with it, Curt.
And anyone who didn’t ‘get it’ must have missed the very first line of that post “gotcha!”.
If I may, Curt, I’d like to strongly suggest that you go back to answering questions by paraphrasing what is asked. By answering questions in the manner utilized in this entry, you are coming off with a far more prickly personality than is necessary. You don’t need to respond to these people, and it doesn’t make you look good to pick apart their posts and make snide comments. No one cares what the comments say or ask, or if some Yankee fan or Schilling hater makes a stupid comment. Its beneath you, and not worth your time. I thought that this blog was for you to communicate with the fans. Its worked very well to date, but I may start skipping your Q&As if it is mostly going to be a bitch-fest between you and people whose opinions don’t matter.
Curt-
I’m not one of those fan’s who has a problem with what athlete’s/entertainers make. In fact I think that athlete’s should probably make more and owners less. I know that if I was one of a handful of individuals in the world that could perform a job at the highest level whether it be (heart surgeon, film star, starting pitcher, software designer, etc, etc.) that I would want to be paid accordingly.
Unfortunately, people are jealous and bitter and somehow try to compare the value of a job like police officer, fire fighter, teacher to being an athlete in terms of “contributions to society” instead of looking at how much money that individual brings in for their respective markets. I’m sure that you generate more income for the red sox, baseball, and the economy in general than the 13 million you’re seeking. Look at all the jersey sales, ticket sales when you pitch, how many people are tuning in to see you pitch every fifth day and how many are buying products they see commercials for when their watching your games?
The other thing people miss is there is a small window of time for you to do your job (granted 20 years is pretty solid) but the avg is somewhere around 3 years…