5/23/07 vs. New York
May 24th, 2007 by Curt Schilling
Before talking about the game I’d like to make people in Boston aware of an event that’s coming up next week to benefit ALS.
The annual 100 innings for ALS marathon game is being played on May 26th and 27th at Adams Field in Quincy, Mass. Check out www.100innings.com for details on how to get involved. Thanks in advance to those that do.
A craptastic finish to what could have been a nice series. I never gave us a chance to even get into this game. I felt great during the day, even better after warmups and then the game had to start.
Andy’s been pitching his butt off up to this point, and there was no reason to expect that to not continue. I’ve faced these guys so many times that the game comes down to executing a plan both Tek and I knew well going in.
I could go pitch to pitch on this game but it would really be retyping the same thing over and over. The first inning and three hitters into the game we are down 3-0. JD hit a fastball over the plate for a double to right, Jeter hit a fastball middle to right, and then Matsui hit a 3-2 fastball that was supposed to be down and away, but instead was middle of the plate letter high, for a line drive home run to right.
To say this was frustrating would be a huge understatement. John and I spent the last few days working on commanding my fastball, getting back to some of the basics, and I felt I had it under control going into this game.
My split was not getting into the dirt consistently, which only adds to the problem when you mix that in with inconsistent fastball command.
Cano laid down a bunt in the second. We ended up getting two outs but Damon and Jeter hit balls that ended up being perfectly placed for another two out run.
Alex hit a split in the third for a double, leading off the inning. Looking at the pitch I think it was more him hitting a good pitch than it being in a bad spot. I then hung a curve ball to Posada which plated the fifth run of the game. Regardless of the situation I just couldn’t stop the bleeding and continued to let them pull away inning after inning.
In the fifth I left a fastball over the middle, inner half that Doug crushed to left for the sixth run.
We ended up getting through six but I struggled to do it. 24 base runners in the past 12 innings means there isn’t just one problem here. From lack of command to horrible execution, the problems run the gamut. This game always is and always will be about making adjustments, and right now there is a plethora of adjustments that need to be made.
There are worse places to be than 9.5 games up on the second place team in late May, but like anyone else you want to feel like you are part of the solution when it comes to performing. This series was about starting pitching, as most are, and the team whose starter pitched best, won. Sometimes it’s that simple.
Players on both teams know how far is left in the race; neither team is even remotely thinking it’s over one way or the other. Bottom line is that we have complete control of our own destiny. Playing this schedule means that when you get a lead this big you’ll play the teams behind you enough to finish them off or let them back in. Throw out my inconsistency and I like our chances. Obviously we need to stay healthy, but we have a solid deep team with tremendous character and those two things are tremendously important over the course of 162 schedule. Add to that a front office that you know will fill any hole we might have come the trading deadline and you have to feel good about this team.
I’ll attempt to get to some Q&A this weekend if time permits.
Way to be older and crappier then Mussina was last night.
Curt,
Everyone is entitled to a bad day. When it comes down to it, it’s just one game. I know you’ll get ‘em next time.
God bless,
Nollie
The good thing is this was only 1 game. Still a lot of baseball left and we all know here in Red Sox Nation, that your next start will be vintage Schill.
Good luck to you guys in Texas. Enjoy your off day. You guys deserve it.
Curt, do you think six days of rest had anything to do with the poor performance? I’m not looking to make excuses for you, but I have heard pitchers say in the past that they do not like it.
Curt,
These things happen, and Murphy’s law dictates that one lets their guard down/command get away in the worst possible situation. Tough game — Andy did pitch a great game despite the number of hits he allowed, it just seemed that our offense couldn’t string a number of hits together to produce runs. We’ll get ‘em next time.
Two questions —
1. What was up with Buckner, the umpire? His zone was all over the place. It didn’t seem consistent at all. The two players (besides you and Andy) who noticed the most were Tek and Posada. I’d trust them in regards to strike zone location seeing as how they are in there first-hand. It’s obviously not a thing to blame the outcome of the game on, but I was just curious what was going on there.
2. What’s it like pitching to guys you have already played with in the past (Damon, Millar, etc)? Is the advantage with the pitcher or the batter, or is it a wash? How do you prevent from busting out in a smile sometimes?
Thanks for the blog — it’s an incredibly unique perspective and I love it.
Hey Curt,
Sorry about your rough outing. No worries because I know that you will figure out a way to turn it around. I am a resident Arizonan transplanted from Massachusetts. I look forward to seeing you guys play at Chase Field in June. I want you (and the rest of the team) to know how proud I am of all of you. Whether it is a win or a loss, I love to watch all of you play. The 2007 team is truly special and has a lot of heart. Whenever a teammate is struggling, the other players seem to always find a way to support him through the rough spots. I love this team!
P.S. Kudos to you and Shonda for the charity work that you do.
Lets Go 2007 Red Sox!
Roll on Curt, the nation stands strong behind you. Again We Believe…I watch every pitch of your starts and just hope to someday cross your path. Your great for your honest and pride. I know the Red Sox nation in Maine will always have your back. Q: What do you believe to be your biggest weakness so far this year?
I am not at all concerned that the IRS, I mean the Yankees took 2 of 3. The net result is that they only picked up one game. Big Deal (not)… We are still well ahead in the season series, they are still 9.5 games back, and the Rocket is walking in runs facing minor league players.
Hey Mr. Schilling: It’s too bad you didn’t serve up a purpose pitch to A-Rod in response to that cheap shot he took on Pedroia sliding into second on Tuesday. How many more cheap plays will it take for the world to realise A-Fraud is simply a bad guy???
That was painful..but hang in there Curt. I still love you! And seeing the boys ‘fumble’ so many times stung as well. There are plenty of games left, and hopefully you’ll feel more like yourself next time you’re up. Also, I look forward to you answering some questions; It has been awhile.
Sorry Schilling but this loss is unexceptable. (sp)
We need you to be you. Bad games happen but this is like the third bad game in a row. I love you but you need to get your head in the game.
At least you always have a silver lining. As was said by the analysts during the game today, the rotation behind you is so strong that they’ll always have your back during rough patches. It’s this reason that will make it very hard, if not impossible, for this Sox team to fall into a bad slump.
Curt, thanks for mentioning the 100 Innings game. For all those interested we will be down at Adams Field in Quincy all weekend playing non-stop to raise money for ALS research and patient care.
For all your loyal readers to Curt’s blog any donation, no matter the size, you might be able to give to our our cause would be greatly appreciated. You can donate directly at http://www.100innings.com.
We are still allowing players to sign up as well so if you think you still have it don’t be shy!
Tough game tonight, but we’ll be just fine. That’s the great thing about baseball. There’s always another game right around the corner.
-Mike
http://www.charityhop.com
Schil, you were awful tonight. Like you said you never gave the Red Sox a chance to get into this game. You can’t have bad outing like this especially against the Yankees because you know as well as I do that if any team in this division is going to give us a competition to win it come September that team going to be the Yanks. Hopefully Beckett’s return will get this rotation back in shape. I have to say, Schil, I had faith in you at the beginning of the season and thought you were going to be an ace but your velocity has diminished and you have become extremely inconsistent these last few starts. Focus on your game don’t think about each pitch just execute and hopefully you won’t keep getting knocked around. If I were you I’d try extra hard to get your game together especially since you want to play next season. I have to say I didn’t agree with management when they didn’t give you the contract extention you wanted prior to the season but now I’m starting to understand where they were coming from. Whether you want the task or not being the outspoken veteran pitcher on the staff it is your job to set the tone for the entire staff. So do it.
hey Schilling don’t worry about it were 9.5 up. best pitching staff in baseball. They’re terrible against the angels. we have texas. im calling we get two more up on the yankees by the end of the serries.
What happened to the changeup? Don’t see it in the arsenal anymore. I thought that just showing from time to time would give you a little more life on the fastball and also give you a little wiggle room with control. Also would get you some cheap outs and lower the pitch count. Have you lost confidence in the change?
“There are worse places to be than 9.5 games up on the second place team in late May, but like anyone else you want to feel like you are part of the solution when it comes to performing.”
Yes, like being 14 games up in mid July 1978
Thanks for the honesty. I’m sure you’ll get things figured out.
-Josh
Just want to say that Curt when you play the Yankees as often as you guys do then there are nights that they will have your number. Tonight was one of those nights but it was a matter of time before that lineup was going to get someone and unfortunately it was you. Whatever adjustments you need to make I have confidence that you will make them and comeback better the next time out. Remember how you cameback in 2004 with a bad ankle and silenced the yankee fans in yankee stadium during your Championship season?? You made adjustments then and you clearly defied the odds to bring home a Championship to Redsox nation. If you could do it then I know you can do it now. Maybe this could help. I say dare to be unpredictable when you pitch again. It seems like they know what you are throwing so throw something different at different times. I am not a major league player but reason would tell me to keep them guessing. If they cannot predict you they cannot hit you…………..The element of surprise is always the best weapon. Anyway, Curt thanks for all you have done for Redsox Nation and know you will comeback with a vengance………………..
We’ll chop this one up to just a bad day at the park. Too many of these though we’ll have to bring back Oil Can Boyd baby!
9.5
The team can’t win them all! You guy’s in the past few years have given Red Sox fans something we never had, hope. Thank You !!!!!
Well……..
Time to regroup.
Enjoy the off day.
Onward.
Try not to look at it from a negative standpoint. Think positive, and move on.
Tippety top of the morning to you Curt,
Well, I won’t compare this performance to Rex Grossman’s in the Super Bowl nor to Tom Hanks’ in Da Vinci Code but they all had the same effect on me, overpowering nauseau 15 minutes in. The bottom line is that you were offered that contract to NOT take a giant 2 on the mound in the Bronx, nor to take a giant 2 on Barry Bonds for that matter. While the Rocket’s B.F.F. made quick work of the Sox lineup you were batted around like you were Jim Abott trying to pitch with his right arm. Let’s not make a habit of this or you’ll be screwing more than us Sox fans… your agent as well, this being a contract year. Hope to see you in Quincy.
Danny Bona2
It’s times like these where you are actually likable. It’s admirable that you put your performance on the operating table for all to see.
Curt,
You can’t always be perfect, as much as we’d like that :). We have a great rotation right now and you are all entitled to faulter.
What are you guys going to do about A-Fraud? I watched the play again last night on line and I have to say it was shades of the playoffs in ‘04 when he tried to knock the ball off at 1st base. This guy just plays dirty. I am glad every day we never got him on our team.
Keep the faith, RSN still loves you!
That was an ugly game!! But as others have said RSN will always stand behind you. Enjoy the off day and get ‘em next time
I know its only 1 game but it was a real let down. I was really expecting a big effort from Schilling tonight but this is what we got. I am very disappointed in this performance.
That being said, its time to get back to business and knock Texas pitching around for a while.
Curt, please concentrate on pitching and winning games, not all this on-line nonsense. Stop blogging and pitch like we all know you can.
Keep pitching like this next your Theo could sign you to pitch for the Lowell Spinners
Schill,
This is my first time viewing your blog and I give you credit. You break the games down perfectly. Every athlete should do this and put half of those idiot beat writers out of business. Great Job!
Rough go last night, but at least there is the solace of the big lead. I know nobody thinks about it like that, but it is easier for a fan to wake up after a loss like that and see 9.5 games between the top and the pack. No worries.
A question: You’ve mentioned numerous times that your fastball command has been off over the past 2 starts. Is there any one reason you can pinpoint as to why? It usually seems like the fastball and the split go together: when you command the fastball, the split seems to have a bit more bite and drop. Can there be a relationship? A grip adjustment or something?
Thanks in advance for your consideration of this post and a great blog.
JAS
“Before I talk about the game…” Ya you want talk because you sucked your old and anyone can hit you.
I’m going to be brutally honest.
Right now, you are delusional if you still expect to be the winningest pitcher on the staff at the end of the season.
Right now, Theo looks like a genius for not re-signing you.
Right now, there isn’t a GM in the league who is salivating at the thought of adding you to their 2008 rotation.
Right now, you are pitching like its August-September 2006. If that means we are looking at a further decline as the season progresses, heaven help us.
Right now, you’ve got an enormous amount of work to do.
For your sake and the team’s, I hope you get it straightened out, even as I am now certain that you should not be offered a deal next November. The rotation should be Josh, Dice-K, Lester, Wake and Kason, with Buchholz at AAA as the sixth starter. The only one I’m somewhat doubtful about is Wake, as my new mantra is “No More 40 Year Old Pitchers!”
We all have bad days at the office.
Curt,
It happens. Everyone has a bad day, too bad it was against the Yanks. I see all the Yankee fans, Curt-haters, and CHB jumped right on you for a bad outing. Screw them! We’re up 9 1/2 games and still have the best record in baseball. Good luck next time.
Curt Swift
Can’t the Red Sox forward the video of AROD throwing the ELBOW to the home office. I know Bud wont have da ballz to suspend him but more attention should be drawn to it. Players have been suspended just for a bump or shove- elbows should be automatic!
I know this was only one game (and I don’t care that it was against the Spankees) but yeesh … not a good outing.
But what’s really bothering me is the offense’s inability to overcome good pitching. First Smoltz and now Pettitte. Not good.
Your pitching performance last night is exactly the reason why Theo chose to wait it out and not to sign you to another year during the off season.
Time for a Walkabout? No time for the outback? How about one’s own backyard! Since all ground is holy ground, you could take a walk with your children and listen to that Divine Nudge. Where better to hear the answer to what now?
1 healthbetold
Way to be older and crappier then Mussina was last night.
This is just an obvious attempt for you to try and get people to look at your site.
I don’t know how you can justify asking for another year or two at your current salary with a show like that. You barely hit 90 and unless the Toilet radar gun was off, were between 85 and 89 on your fastball all night. That’s just not going to cut it. If this was just a one off game, I’d understand but you’ve been poor the last few starts. What’s up???
The team has an opportunity to keep its foot on the Yankees collective neck. If you let up even a little, they will come storming back.
You owe us one next week when the Yanks come to town.
NO, please, NO. Please do not try to “figure it out.” Please try to get out of your mind for once, or at least for a while, and just pitch. Hitters in slumps trying to “figure things out” just dig themselves deeper. Please do yourself a favor: don’t over think. Put the notes down for a game or two. And just pitch like you know how to pitch. And good luck in your next start!
Schill, enjoy the off day today. Don’t beat yourself up, just go out there and get em for your next start. Thanks for your honesty and candor.
Curt let me just ask, are you done? Are you finished already, with feeling sorry for yourself over the comments you made about Bonds? That made you feel sorry about the comments you made about Gary Thorne? That made you feel sorry about the etc……..You get my point snap out of it, you have been in a daze on the mound you last three starts, lets get over the exestential b.s. get your fire back, and lets go already.
Schill…Please tell me that there is something physically wrong with you that can be corrected with a stint on the DL or something. Otherwise I can only conclude that age is finally catching up with you. You just looked tired out there last night. Forget about location. Your fastball has nothing on it. 88-90 regularly and topping out at 91-92 and straight as an arrow. Your curve just rolls up to the plate. There is no bite to it. What’s saving you from being completely blown out is your knowledge of pitching strategy. Schill please give us some hope that you will return to the 2004 Schill and not fall off the table.
With the young crew coming in behind you (Snyder, Lester, Bucholz, Gabbard) and nipping at your heels, it’s disheartening to think you’re in the process of pitching your way off the ‘08 Sox. A solid campaign this year might have provided a great chance for you to finish your career in Boston, now that you’ve committed to pitching next season, but you’re looking pretty shaky out there, man.
I hope like hell that you shake off the blahs and pitch like the pitcher who was looking for 25 wins and Cy Young contention not so very long ago. It’ll be a sad day in New England to see you shove off for the NL.
I don’t know what happened to your fastball, unless the radar gun has not been accurate when you’re throwing, as of late. You can’t get away with throwing 65 to to 75 percent fastballs in the high 80’s, with an occasional splitter, or occasional, mediocre curveball and mediocre changeup, unless you control is nearly perfect all the time. Until you start throwing a fastball in the mid 90’s again, I think you are going to continue to struggle. Hope I’m wrong.
Being at the game last night, you looked like crap man. Get it together and make the rest of the season strong. As much as I love being heckled by yankee jerks about how you’re too old and talk way too much, I know you can prove em wrong big guy. Here’s one to the rest the rest of the season (pouring a beer on the grass). Cheers!
Curt,
My bigger concern was your velocity last night. 86 MPH fastballs just won’t cut it, combined with your control problems and the fact that you had little life on any of your pitches worries me.
This is your third such start in a row.
Are you hurt? If you’re not hurt, what’s wrong? Are you just cooked? I hope not.
Get it back man, get it back.
You gotta love a guy who says “craptastic”!
Curt, you’re the reason I am a Sox fan today. Well, that and also my husband who is a Boston native. Hang in there, there isn’t a better pitcher in baseball than you.
Our prayers and best wishes are with you!
I cannot believe you refer to AFraud as ‘Alex’
There is not 1 Sox fan among the millions that would ever call him by that monikor.
Geez it actually sounds like you like the dude.
I can’t wait til the bats all wake up. It’s amazing to have a 9 1/2 game lead without the potential big hitters having to do anything. So far someone has stood up when needed but the team could be unbeatable.
Okajima and Papelbon looked really tired the other night. I think someone at Yankee stadium is drugging the bullpen.
“…you have to feel good about this team.” Right on, Curt! Let’s ignore this one and move on.
I really enjoy reading your day-after wrap-ups, so much so that the first thing I think of when I watch you pitch is “I wonder how he’s going to blog about this tomorrow?” One of the interesting things the Yankees broadcasters* brought up yesterday was how often you’ve saved your teammates in the field by not allowing UNearned runs — you had some sort of amazing streak going there which was broken last night — and I thought that was a really terrific little stat, indicative of the “small things” that don’t get talked about that often but which are part of the fundamentals of the game. Be aware of what’s going on around you, lift up your teammates the way you want them to lift you, etc.
*yes, I’m a New Yorker, and root for the Yankees AND Mets, but that doesn’t mean I can’t also admire good players everywhere. And yes, I normally have no use for the Yankees broadcasting team but every now and then they’ll say something interesting despite themselves…
Hey Curt,
greetz from a diehard-fan from Cologne, Germany!
Don’t be to hard on yourself, nobody is perfect…
You’ll do better next time, wish you and the whole team luck and success!
This could be an incredible year!
Has acheron5 ever watched a baseball game? “Concentrate on the game, not every pitch”???? Do hitters hit home runs off the “game?” Does a hitter strike out on Game 3? Umm err no. Every pitch means something, man. Every single pitch has a purpose. The difference between a home run and a swinging strike can be a few inches or a mile-per-hour. Pitchers take time between each pitch because they are concentrating very hard on that pitch, as well as the catcher. You can’t be so generalized and tell Curt to “concentrate on his game.” His “game” consists of 100 highly-scrutinized, thoughtful pitches. Each one is a game. Don’t be shortsighted like that. Curt is concentrating on his game more than anyone. You should concentrate on the fact that Curt is an ace on any number of teams. His “game” speaks for itself.
Tha Yankees are BACK!!!!
9 1/2 games BACK that is!!!
Shake it off Schill.
You’re still the man!
Don’t worry, Curt-man. We still have Beckett, Dice-K, Wakes, and Julian to pick up the slack. We know you will be back, as per usual. Tenacity is your middle name.
See, isn’t is less pressure when you don’t have to carry the entire staff like you had to do some years?
We love you, Curt — but how about that ARod? Billion dollar ability coupled with a 10-cent attitude. How sad. At least he does a lot of charity work, however.
Not your best outing Curt. It was dissapointing to see the hit parade. But, you didn’t get much offensive support either. All in all a lackluster performance by the team as a whole. Dissapointing for any Sox fan looking to see the Skankees get buried this early in the season. A pipe dream, I know. But such a beautiful one…….sigh. You’ll get em next time. And thanks for the blog, it is refreshing to read the unfiltered thoughts of one of Baseball’s premier players.
Hey Curt
Was wondering if the recent string of UN Schilling like performances is anything similar to what you went through in April / May of last year - All Red Sox fans know and have confidence you will do whatever it takes to turn it around.
Shill- Enjoy your day off! See you in Arlington this weekend! Sunday I’ll be sitting about 18 rows behind your dugout. Like most of Red Sox Nation we are very happy to have you part of our club. Theo please sign this guy!
Schil,
Do you blame Dale Arnold for your terrible outing last night?
these comments kill me. What is this “we” stuff? “We’re” 9 and a half games ahead? Is that Youk posting under a psuedonym? “We” do not play for the Sox, “we” watch them. PLease refrain from using the term “we” when discussing the team, just simply use “The Sox,” or “The Team.” It drives thegroove nuts.
This series was a painful one to watch, not really a whole lot of good baseball the past few days. Good luck on the road trip.
Don’t sweat it, Curt. You’re right on two counts- there are worse things than to be 9 1/2 up on the 2nd place team, and there’s heaps of baseball left.
Keep on, keepin’ on mate!
This is the first time I have read this blog, at the suggestion of Mike Greenberg (Mike & Mike, ESPN Radio). If every athlete were as forthcoming as Curt, particularly after a weak performance, pre- and post game interviews would be substantive (no “my team mates…” bullshit). Mediocre ballplayers don’t last in the major leagues. Every human being has bad days. Curt owns his poor performances. Congrats to him.
At the end of the day the Yankee$ ate one game out of the Sox lead and now face the Angels, who are 7-3 in their last ten games, while the Red Sox face the 3-7 Texas Turkeys.
Keep in mind that at last year’s All-Star break a lot of people wanted to call off the second half of the season and name the Red Sox the AL champs.
Nevertheless, the Red Sox Magic Number is now 107.
Curt,
Let the record reflect, your da man, and nothing going forward in your career will spoil that for Red Sox nation. Your legacy is in perpetuity.
That said, your last three outings have been freakin lousy. Based upon other pitchers success with the Yankee lineup, my guess is that their success against you last night was more the result of below average pitching vs. super hitting. If Clemens is one of the guys you look up to, then take a page out of his book. Spend all of your mental and physical energy improving your pitching, and less time blogging. For the Sox to succeed, we need you to refine the technical aspects of your pitching to a higher level than we are seeing so far this year (and a level that you are more than capable). It’s a long season and, if anyone in MLB is a gamer, it is you.
Onward and upward.
I’m not sure what’s worse - serving up a meatball to Mientkiewicz or Crisp.
Saw the game - third base field seats. Haven’t been so close ever. Bummer about the game, but 9 1/2 is 9 1/2. Hang in - when your pitches were working, they were WORKING quite well. Just have to get back that ol’ consistency…
Curt,
Everyone is entitled to a bad day at work, but you know what, even though Andy was on his game, the bats should of picked up anyway to help you out. Anyways, this is my 1st post and I wanted to ask you a question…my son, who is 7, is playing baseball…he comes from a Dad who is very competitive and a good athlete including baseball, and a grandfather who is also very competitive and is a hall of fame athlete. I think we are expecting a little to much from him at these stages. He is one of the better players out there, but I am not sure what stage he should be at right now. Would you have some tips on what we should be practicing with him right now, and what are some good drills to be working on at that age (keeping the weight back when hitting, throwing over the top rather than side arm, etc). My dad told me when I was 7, we were playing real 6 innings games, umps, all stars everything, but when I look at the kids out there with him, they play 2 innings and kids can’t even throw it over the plate, and these kids are 7-8 years old. Again, I don’t know if I am expecting more from him. I saw that you were going to answer some Q&A, and I thought I would give it a shot that you would answer. Anyways, if I don’t hear from you, good luck the rest of the way!
Curt,
If you gave up four runs over 7, the outcome would have still been the same. Truthbetold, you can’t expect three runs of offense to beat the Yanks at the Stadium.
The series was our 4, 5, and 1 starters against their 1, 2, 3 starters. I was prepared to lose two out of three, and when all is said and done, we’re still 9.5 back heading to Texas against a pretty bad Ranger team, and a sweep this weekend will make Wednesday’s outcome a thing of the past. The Yanks on the other hand are facing a pretty good Angel ballclub, so by the end of this weekend’s series(es?) I think we will have regained our double-digit lead.
And to the guy making the comment about ‘78, Reggie Jackson ain’t walking through that door. The ‘78 Sox were an overachieving team. The 2007 Sox are just that good.
Alright, a few bad outings… I still haven’t quite lost faith. But all of us Celtics fans really needed a good one last night. Yes, Celtics fans.
http://www.brssports.blogspot.com
Maybe when Jon Lester comes back Julian Tavarez shouldn’t be the one to give up his spot in the rotation…
We share the same birthday albeit I’ve got you by two years…and I’m a big fan of yours but I gotta admit that I’m glad that Theo and the trio decided to hold off on giving you a two year deal. I do hope however that the injury bug steers clear of you this season and things improve going forward because I think the clubhouse needs you for as long as you can make a difference. I’m in FL so the only time I’ll see the Sox is the end of July in St. Pete. I hope the rotation allows me to see you throw…Good luck on your next outing…
I have a question - at what point do you knock a hot hitter like Jeter, Matsui or A-Rod flat on their rear ends? Seriously. In the two losses, I saw most of the Yankee hitters hanging out over the plate, diving into pitches.
In 2004, Matsui was doing the same thing in the playoffs. Pedro deposited Matsui onto his backside with a high and tight fastball. Matsui wasn’t the same after that. Problem solved. IMHO, Jeter needs to be decked. Not hit, but decked. I feel the same about A-Rod and/or Damon (although I wouldn’t be too broken up if you hit A-Rod). Hell, A-Rod deserves to be decked for that pansy assed slide into Pedroia on Tuesday.
I’ve watched a lot of baseball in my years and the one thing that is missing from today’s game is that 99% of the pitchers won’t knock a hitter down on a regular basis.
If you read old interviews with the stars of yesteryear (like Willie Mays), they fully expected to be planted on their butts once a game. It might be time to dust someone during the next series in Boston.
Tough going Curt. Get em next time.
Hmmmmm……..
We can all breath easier. A sweep would have been nice, A series win would have been good, 1 out of 3 respectable.
There’s many more games and 9.5 lead in the AL East is nothing to sneeze about.
You can always get them back in your next outing.
Keep throwing strikes!
Curt: That was so ugly I turned to American Idol. Being part of a good team is like being on a see-saw though. Earlier in the year Tek and Dice K were struggling and now it is you and JD. The guys on the other end will lift you up until your time comes back around.
Curt, far be it for me to try to critique something I’ve never done especially at that level. However, as a spectator and fan, you’ve looked pretty rough the least 3 or so starts. You couldn’t get the W in a 13-4 romp over Baltimore. You toughed it out with Detroit only giving up 2 runs in 6 innings, but you were in trouble all night. Now this pasting by the Yankees. What do you think gives?
Your old partner (old in many ways) Randy Johnson had 17 wins last year but a 5.00 ERA. You’re 40 now. As I mentioned on my last post, age comes at you quick (I’m 42, I do know that). I agree with another poster about your contract issues. Initially I thought not signing you was a bad idea, now I’m not so sure. After all, as you have said, it’s a business.
I would expect you to have on again, off again performances….hopefully more on than off. Of course, all this being said, you still have your place in Red Sox nation in cement already….it ain’t goin anywhere. But reality is reality. I’m glad you’re surrounded by such a solid pitching staff, the chances of a bad stretch is minimized by having 5 solid pitchers plus a great bullpen. Do hang in there, you are a fighter. It just might not come as easy as it did when you were younger….but I’m sure you already know that.
Long season….116 games left…..up 9.5…..hey, could be alot worse.
Even though I wish you had won, can I just tell you how happy it makes me to hear you use the word “craptastic”?
When you win next time, you can use my other favorite made up word, “fantabulous” (It’s fantabulous that the Red Sox have a 9 1/2 game lead in the AL East.).
Thanks a lot Curt, I just paid 400 bucks to take my wife to watch you suck it up in front of 50,000 MFY fans. We were on the first base/right field side so we got a good view of all the home runs they hit. Hope you figure out what’s wrong.
Schill You are a very good pitcher, your gonna have a bad day. I know you will be practicing on your time to gain control again. No worries there. Look how many great starts you have had.
You had a similar problem last year for a little bit, you over came it. Keep the faith and the nations got your back. Its players like you and the boys who let us believe and know none of you would slide into second, come up and elbow someone in the midsection or pull a ball out of a pitchers hand or be so confrontational when your in the sight of so many kids and fans.
Schill looking forward to seeing you in the next start, kudos to you and your family for all you do for ALS and other charities.
To the person who wrote “way to be older and worse than Mussina” ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I will not take anything from Mussina, except hes a yankee, Schill has nothing to worry about and dont be like that man! Thanks Schill!
Here they come……..can you feel it? Don’t look under the bed the big bad EMPIRE is hiding there waiting to strike!
Curt….definitely not your best stuff out there last night. But 1 out of 3 was the minimum that you all needed to get out of that series, throw 2 out of three next time you meet in Fenway and all is on track to keep this lead that you have run out to.
After how many starts do you start to think that it is something more than just a “slump” or minor adjustments? Why do you think you have had a little more trouble with your control, specifically the fastball, at times this season? Is it purely mechanical? or part mental as well?
http://www.redsoxtimes.com
Curt, I know you’re preaching location, and I realize that’s almost always the biggest issue, but the velocity doesn’t concern you at all? If you miss with a 94 mph fastball, isn’t it a lot more likely to miss a bat?
Hang in there, keep chucking that pill and it will, as you know, come together.
Curt –
I’m glad to have you as part of the Red Sox and will forever remember the sacrifices you made to help bring a World Series championship to Boston in 2004. BUT (you knew that was coming right?) can you please comment on your use of chewing tobacco, given all the work you do promoting skin cancer awareness and prevention? I know others on the team use it but it was especially disappointing seeing you chewing given your work with Shonda and the Shade Foundation. Could a bet with Lucchino like the one Tito has going be in order? I would love to see you take on that challenge.
Thanks for everything you do,
Craig MacCormack
You’ll be back!
Curt,
I know you have what it takes to kick the crap out of those stinking stankees, I went to the game last night and felt your pain, I could see the frustration in your eyes. I feel as though I am bad luck. this is the second game I have went to against the yankkes and we lost both. I blamed it on wakefield the last time so I thought this time with you at the mound it was a sure win.. I am deeply sorry.. I think you are a great pitcher if not one of the greatest so I can only attest the loss was my bad luck… I love my RED SOX !!!!!!! you just keep going on being you great self and I will stay home and watch the victories!!!!!! My heart is broken…..
Hi Curt,
That is how a game goes. Sometimes you win sometimes you lose. But even if you lost this one, we still believe in your ability the way we believed in you in 2004.
I hope you spank the yankees the next time around.
Enjoy the day off
Shake it off, Schill, it happens. It happened to Wakefield two days ago. Luckily we all know that NO ONE works harder at preparing and ironing out flaws than you, so I for one am not worried. And you gotta like the schedule for the month of June–they all look like winnable series, assuming you guys don’t play down to your competition.
Also, kudos to you for NOT retaliating at A-Rod last night. Sometimes you worry me with your competitive nature and impulsivity, but I was glad to see you take the high road and realize The Slide was not as big a deal as the media tried to make it seem.
Peace, Jeff
You are washed up…quit before people think you suck!
Well that is three starts in a row that where just terrible. You should retire. Hard to imagine you are planning on coming back thank god Theo didn’t give you an extension. You should go play for the royals. I do however hope you prove me wrong.
Man, your game logs are making this season so much fun for me. Even in a loss, it’s good getting your perspective. Thanks.
And you are right, there are worse places to be than 9.5 up in the standings.
Hey, you play the Yankees a whole lot… And usually you do quite well against them. Pay no mind to the people who’re discontent with how you pitched. Most of them are totally incapable of imitating your worst games, let alone your better ones.
Besides, a few years ago we were laboring under the Curse, remember? Now, we win so often that we’re actually pissed off when we lose! Look how far the team has come. That’s an accomplishment to be proud of.
Have a nice Memorial Day weekend, and better fortunes in the next games.
Hey Curt, tough game last night. No worries we still love you. just don’t let it happen again. just kiding, but seriously don’t
good luck next time out.
way to tear into meter this afternoon schill. that guy is such a tool.
it’s alright curt, they’re still buried, you’ll get them next time!!
though i do wish you had the chance to drill a-rod! has there ever been a more self absorbed dirty player, maybe self absorbed OR dirty but he embodies every awful trait found in the diluted “elite” that saturates both the entertainment and sports industries as well as the everyday jack-ass we find constantly all around us.
as a fan all i want is a guy who plays hard for my team, win or lose. and if that player then ends up on another team, such as trot, i will continue to support him. just play hard and sign an autograph now and then, it’s not that hard!
you’re an awesome pitcher curt, thanks for being on our side!
scott
Now we know why the Sox didn’t want to talk contract extension before the end of the season. Try to get it together, please. Maybe you can pray a little harder before the first pitch.
Hi Curt,
Given the manner in which your blog has shaped Boston baseball media and your interaction with it, what is your take on MLB baseball teams’ reluctance to issue media credentials to blog news sites? As policy stands, MLB says yes to folks backed by a newspaper or TV station (good journalists and CHBs alike), but no to people who are chronicling the seasons and teams online. Do you think serious baseball bloggers and blog sites should have access to players, the parks and the press boxes?
Feel free to email me if you’d like links with more information - interested in your point of view as a ballplayer and blogger.
OK, fine. No use dwelling on it. You’re a professional with years of perspective and experience and I’m confident you’ll bounce back from what is, in the scheme of things, a statistically minor setback. We’re really looking forward to seeing you guys in Phoenix in June!
I love it. A couple of hours before you got slammed by the Yankees last night I saw you on SportsCenter (again). Once again your contribution was to say that Alex Rodriguez has no class. I see that your heart-felt apology from a couple weeks ago, and your supposed resolution to not take every opportunity to criticize/bad-mouth/slander someone else has been adhered to about as much as I expected. ZILCH! ZERO! NADA! Empty words. I leave you with your own words “That’s not to say I won’t respond when I feel someone’s calling me out and is wrong, but doing so in every instance will serve no one and only make me say and act like the very people I have issues with.”
Hey Curt,
Acheron5 brings up a good point, I know when I’m out there I sometimes have a tendency to overthink. In fact…I’ve literally told myself to shut up and pitch. I don’t know, maybe thats not the case with you. just a memo! Anyway shake it off, I’m sure you’ll find your groove quick enough!
Hey Curt,
Toughone last night, but all Red Sox nation knows you are the leader on this staff! I can’t remember when I have seen you not having control of any of your pitches before. Let’s chalk this one up as a fluke. I appreciate your honestly and candor.
Best regards!
Curt,
No biggie Curt. When you face a lineup like that and pitcher like AP there will be nights like last night. Enjoy the day off and get back at it vs CLE.
By the way Sox fans…TODAY is the last day to enter yourself in a drawing for 2 free State Street Pavillion tix for the 5.30 game vs CLE. To enter just go to 80108.com/freetix and sign up to the FREE Red Sox channel. You will get news, updates, and opinions sent to your phone by a true Sox fan
80108.com/freetix
You clearly know your body more than I do, so I’m curious, especially considering these last few starts, how does a pitcher of your long and established kind of career deal with inconsistency on the mound? I’d imagine that for each guy on the mound it’s different, but what has helped you the most in terms of getting back on track; i.e. what helps you make those adjustments and stay on track? I used to be a thrower in track and field and I know what it’s like to get your mechanics slip. What’s been your experience with all this?
And as for the loss, I’d much rather trade this one now for two or three wins in October.
Take care of yourself,
Alex
You sure you didn’t need Clemens.??????
Thanks for sucking last night, should’ve whipped out the painted sock.
Was stuck by one comment while watching the game on YES (in Indiana, we take what they give us.) After the second inning, the commentator noted that the last run of the second inning was an unearned run. He then went on to say:
“This ends a string of 69 consecutive starts by Curt Schilling without allowing an unearned run, so this is a pitcher who picks up his team mates. That’s the best string of starts without an unearned run since 1912, when they started to keep track of unearned runs.”
Its a drag that it ended.. but wow. Not too shabby.
You looked AWFUL!!!!
Curt,
Watched the game at the movie theater in High Def last night, which was cool. But it also allowed me to see your face very clearly - don’t be so hard on yourself, man. Seriously. Those games are GOING TO HAPPEN, and it seems only natural that the Yankees be the ones to (happily) show us that we’re all humans.
As for those leaving you comments voicing their own criticisms and being, in my opinion, downright RUDE - ignore them. I know you will because you’re a pro, and because you hear good and bad comments on a daily, if not hourly, basis. It sure is easy for us to sit on our couches or in a bar or even in a seat in a ballpark and criticize you guys. But the fact remains that we know NOTHING of the physical and mental beating you guys take. The fact that this Sox team is looking so good (or that ANY team ever looks this good) is phenomenal. It is a reminder of why we like the game in the first place - because it’s stuff that we can’t do!
So, kudos to you Curt. You are your own worst critic, but I’m sure it doesn’t help when some random commenter with too much time on his hands decides to be a jerk and tell you that you sucked.
Enjoy your time off, and tell everyone in my home state of Texas that I said hello!
Mandy
I think you pitched better than Clemens and he was pitching against Portland. I curious to know what you think about the Arod cheap shot? What did the Umps say to you guys before the game.
its alright Curt…
you’ll step it up when its game 7 in the ALCS
thats all that matters
keep workin hard
Curt, you seem to be a pitcher that thrives on control (versus, say, a Daniel Cabrera who has incredible stuff but can’t put it where it can do much damage). However. your walk rate has almost doubled this year (in 204 innings last year, you only walked 28 batters, which is a pretty incredible number. This year, you’ve already walked 15. And while that’s still not a lot, its a pretty significant change from last year (almost a walk a game). Do you feel that control has been more of an issue for you this season than before? Or is this just a small deviation that will work itself out over the next few months?
Yankees pwnt you yet again schill, and they demonstrated this series that they are clearly a better team offensively and defensively. Rest assured this 9.5 game lead will evaporate sooner than you think.
Curt,
No need to beat up on yourself and at the risk of stating the obvious, it’s a long season. On another matter, and I’m not sure this is the appropriate format, but, I’m involved with a Christain radio station in RI and was wondering if you might be agreeable to an interview.
God bless,
Mark
Curt, I watched you win a world championship with Arizona (remember how you felt when it was game 7 and it looked like the Yankees were going to win another one, but then it all turned around in the end!) and then you came to Boston and ended the curse. I have little doubt that your coming back to Boston was a key part of that happening, and you are still as important a part of the team as ever. Even when you were injured and it looked like any hope we had of winning was gone, you had the strength to get back in there and pitch and help us down the bombers when it mattered. Even I never see another Red Sox Championship, I’ll always remember the 2004 postseason as being one of the best that has ever been.
I know that you’ll figure it out, just like you did after that first start in Kansas City, and you’ll come roaring back. The Red Sox are looking great this year and I’m definitely looking forward to watching every game to the end of the year. I’m especially impressed at how Tavarez has really stepped up and pitched really well of late. I’m sure Wakefield will figure out his issues, and when Beckett gets back we’ll have that 1-2-3 punch that we need to hammer on tough teams.
Hey Curt: always good to hear your honesty & courage even though the last few starts have been pretty brutal. On a positive note, quite a few guys (need we name JD, Manny, Coco, Tek, Lugo and DiceK, Wake at times) have scuffled significantly, yet we’re 31-15 despite these slumps!
The fact that this team has again found ways to win & key contributions from someone most nights brings back memories of ‘04… Of course, we need to continue this & get even better by July-August when the Yanks(?) or someone else make their charge.
Wonder if you have any concerns about the drop in velocity - is this something that should improve as the season goes or will more effective mixing of pitches be the solution??
Regardless, your contributions to the Red Sox are immense & it is often the crafty veteran that can a great team like this.
Karlos
Y’know Curt, it’s impossible not to look at your performances without considering what happened in the offseason. During Spring Training, you demanded an extension and complained when you didn’t get it, but we’re almost two months into the season and you still haven’t shown that you ever deserved that extension. You’ve stunk against the Yankees TWICE now…don’t you think someone that’s making demands should be able to dial it up a notch against our biggest rivals, or at least be halfway decent? They certainly shouldn’t be giving up upper-deck bombs to Doug Mientkiewicz.
As a Yankee fan I have never really liked watching you on the mound, even though we beat you around sometimes. But I truly have respect for you for the things you have done regarding ALS. My grandfather died of the disease before I was even born, so I never had a chance to meet him. But with you raising money, hopefully that stops happening to other people.
Keep up your great charity work
Curt…
I know that your next start will be incredible. Red Sox Nation is behind you!
Enjoy your well deserved time off!
Question: How much does each K cost you?
(in terms of donations to ALS, strikeouts for troops etc)
acheron5:
“Focus on your game don’t think about each pitch just execute and hopefully you won’t keep getting knocked around. If I were you I’d try extra hard to get your game together especially since you want to play next season.”
Wow, I’m sure Curt appreciates that brilliant, insightful analysis and sound advice. Why haven’t the red sox hired you yet to be their full time pitching coach? Have you ever even held a baseball?
Shake it off, Curt. You’ll have more chances to stick it to the Yankees, and Jon “the punk” Meterparel! (as if the latter was even worth the time)
Hope to see you and/or Shonda at the 100 innings game!
Curt…I’m a Mets fan. And Yankee hater. And yes, closeted Red Sox fan. I was at the game last night and was just honored to watch you step foot on that mound. What you did on that mound 3 years ago…how you faced the curse head on and asked for the responsibility of breaking it when you signed….wow.
Most ball players don’t deserve free passes for their career. You earned it and will always be a legend.
Beating yourself up over one bad start last night? Those overpaid chumps were due to break out soon. Take ‘er easy Curt.
phishphreak - ‘78 was now 29 years ago. 29 years!! Some of these readers probably were too young …. or maybe not even BORN yet.
To put that in perspective, 29 years prior to 1978 - Jackie Robinson was just entering his 2nd year as a member of the Dodgers… In other words - you might want to turn the page. It’s old news.
Would you say the Yankee position of being up 3 games to none in a best of 7 series … on the heels of a huge 19-8 victory in Game 3 … and even being up a run in the 9th inning of Game 4 of that same series (with the best closer in modern history on the mound) is also one of those same “worse places to be”…?? Only 3 miserable outs away from an ALCS sweep????
That was just 3 short years ago.
I did see the Yanks hit some good pitches as well, so some of the stuff wasnt your fault. I’m sure that you will regroup and the team will once again win another series against the Rangers.
Curt,
Sorry for standing in front of your window at 38Pitches and starring while you were in meeting. I work upstairs at Monster.com. If you want, let me know and I can give you a tour of the upstairs!!
I have a couple of questions about this one. It seemed to me that the Yankees, being an incredible lineup, did more than most teams would. Did you feel that way? In particular, I thought they hit more of your mistakes than usual. You’ve mentioned before how you can make a pitch that’s not at all what you wanted, but it turns out OK. Did that happen last night? Obviously I’m not in your head and I don’t know what the signs are, etc. It seemed to me, though, that that pack of great hitters just didn’t let any of the mistakes get by them. What’s your take on that?
Is there anything you can tell us about what goes on in the clubhouse after something like A-Slappy-Rod’s slide on Tuesday? I’d be interested to know about the dynamic of whether you ask Pedroia if he wants you to do something about it, or if he would have to ask you to if he wanted it, etc. I doubt the Sox were as upset about the slide as the fans were, am I right? I’m also not sure what sort of clubhouse/locker room conversations would be off limits for you to repeat, so maybe the first question I should have asked on this topic is, if there was a conversation in the clubhouse about the slide and possible retribution, would you ever say anything about it publicly?
I thought a couple times the Yankees seemed to get lucky a few times. There were a few hits that just barely missed the fielder’s glove, like the one that Pedroia knocked off course. And of course there was also the mistaken call for Cano’s tag on Coco. When I was thinking about the tag in particular, it got me wondering - does stuff like that affect you psychologically during the game? It’s a common idea that it’s pretty much impossible to predict how changing that call would have changed the game. When Manny came up in the next inning, he hit a fly out. Is there any insight you can give us on how Pettitte might have pitched differently to Manny with 2 outs and a man on 2nd as opposed to leading off an inning?
One more thing. You mentioned hanging a curveball. I understand what that means in terms of the course of the ball, but is there anything you can tell us about what it means (if anything) in terms of your mechanics in the pitch? Can you tell when you release such a pitch that it’s going to hang? Is it related to how hard you throw the pitch? Is it something you did wrong with your wrist that didn’t give the ball enough spin? Is it just some random inconsistency in your mechanics that causes that?
Thanks!
Curt,
you pitched, but the result was not that we wanted, things happen, cuz we are human. You will do good next time, don’t over analyze that game, trust your stuff, and go get’em next time around..God Bless you!!
GO++SOX!……the Evil Empire will fall to its knees.
It was a tough nite. Thank you for trying. You appeared frustrated with itf?
Incidently do you think ‘acheron5′ - is a writer.
It was nice to see the Yankee bats wake up last night. You helped alot Red-light.
Please make sure you pitch in the series 6/1-6/3. The Yankees need a guaranteed win. Curt you got to admit your getting close to the end. Your very inconsstent and you are bringing the team down.
Schilling do you have any answer as to why the Yankees can’t beat Julian Tavarez? Isn’t he your team’s 5th and technically worst starter?
Hey Big Schill,
It looked like you caught a spike in the Baltimore game at Fenway and your command has not been the same since. Are you feeling OK physically?
-Rob
Curt,
just a question was Pinero’s pitch to Jeter in the first game of the series intentional? I’m quite surprise that ESPN or the media did not comment on that HBP. I’ve been a long Boston fan and it seems like year in and year out Boston is always hitting Jeter or a stud on the Yankees early in the series. A few years back Jeter was hit on the hands at least once in every series and coincendently he goes 0-4 the next day. The Yankees just seems to play this off every year and i wonder if that is why Boston continues to do this.
I enjoy reading your game debriefings, and it can actually be more interesting when you’re commenting on a subpar performance. It’s tempting to see a professional athlete who is “on” as a machine. When you’re not so “on”, it’s is a reminder that you - and your colleagues - are not pitching machines, but very disciplined, committed, talented people. I remember thinking, when the Bosox got to Mariano Rivera in the playoffs a few years back, how amazing he was for being so good and consistent that he’d seemed robotic in the past. When you write about your outings, it humanizes it even more, and reminds me to be amazed at the skills you have. It’s also cool that you are so frank, when most of us would be tempted to write “crummy game, talk to you after the next good one” and leave it at that.
Hey Curt, I’m sure you’ll be able to shake this one off….no worries. The team seems to have a great attitude this year, taking it one game, one inning, one pitch, one at-bat at a time.
How does it affect your mentality (if at all) when you’re pitching down 3 runs as was the case last night? I hear baseball players talk all the time about staying focused in the moment, and not worrying about all the other stuff, but does it change the way you approach the hitters?
Also, do you have any thoughts (I’m thinking you might, but will you share it?) on the ESPN commentary when you play the Yankees? It’s no secret that ESPN (and Chris “back back back” Berman) loves the Yankees…but it almost makes my ears bleed to hear the heaps of praise and admiration they dole out during the game to cu