Done. « 38 Pitches

Done.

Nov 6th, 2007 by Curt Schilling

The Sox will issue an official announcement at some point today, but Theo said it was ok to post here so I am. We agreed to a 1 year contract late last night. Today was the MRI, which I passed.

Still trying to soak it all in.

The deal looks like this.

$8 million in guaranteed base salary

$2 million in bonuses for 6 seperate weigh ins.

I inserted the weigh in clause in the 2nd round of offers, counter offers. Given the mistakes I made last winter and into Spring Training I needed to show them I recognized that, and understood the importance of it. Being overweight and out of shape are two different things. I also was completely broad sided by the fact that your body doesn’t act/react the same way as you get older. Even after being told that for the first 39 years of my life. Now I can’t get on Dougie anymore, which sucks, and I am sure the clause will add 15-100 more jokes to Tito’s Schilling joke book.

$3 million in IP incentives based on IP totals.

$1 million for receiving a Cy Young vote, any vote.

Some miscellaneous things were agreed upon as addendums as well.

Any discussions about this will focus on many points, that will miss the point. Did I ‘leave’ money on the table, yes. Could I have gotten another year? I think so. In talking with my advisor Ed Hayes, assessing the market place and current free agent crop as well as existing contracts. Looking at the teams that called, my best guess would be around 14-15 million for a 1 year deal with the potential to get 25-30 for a two year deal. Shonda and I were very clear on this from the outset, we wanted no more than a year. We wanted to stay here. So while there will be points of debate, they’ll all miss the point. We got EXACTLY what we wanted, and then some. This is where we want our career to come to a close. This city, this team. This is where we want to retire, raise our kids, and walk away. We got it, all of it, and more. Did I get too little? Hell I would argue that one of the top 3 pitchers of all time just signed a 10 million dollar deal. Scott Boras could argue that one of his clients is certainly worth more than Maddux, I can’t. Actually he would be arguing that one of his clients is worth more than another of his clients right?

Bottom line is Mr Henry, Mr Werner, Mr Lucchino, Theo, Tito and John wanted me to come back, and I wanted to be back. So it’s all good. Saying it’s not ‘about the money” is a lie too. Both sides have a price, at some number I was not a viable option for the Red Sox, and at another number the Sox might have become a non-contender to us, but we both wanted this to happen and it did. Contrary to what some ‘insiders’ think they know, they don’t. Theo and I have an enormously respectful and friendly relationship and the same can be said for all three owners. As far as Tito goes, well I have too much dirt on him to ever worry about him selling out on me…..

I’d also like to say thank you to Ed Wade, Drayton McLane, Josh Byrnes, Bill Giles and the other GMs and owners I spoke with. The fans of St Louis were incredibly graceful and respectful in wanting me to come there. I didn’t get to truly experience the recruiting process of becoming a full fledged free agent, but I think that was for the better. It was also nice to talk with Ed again and know that we both harbor zero ill will about anything said or done over the last decade. The phans in Philly at the ALS tournament yesterday were also very respectful and considerate and it was nice to see that passion on display again. While I think many of those options would have provided a fun and exciting final season, in our heart of hearts Shonda and I knew that to go anywhere else would be leaving home, and I couldn’t bring myself to make that happen.

Theo and I spoke early in the week about wanting to complete this before the exclusive period ended, and the GM meetings began, because we both thought there could be a scenario popping up that might make this less desirable. He has to run this team, and I needed to do what was best and right for my family. Allowing external influences to change our opinions of each other might have been an unavoidable strain neither side wanted.

I’ve already heard from Josh and Wake, and am excited to know that my last year in the game will be with a team that has another legitimate chance to win the World Series. Also, the thought of being able to be teammates with this incredible group, for a final run is pretty damn cool.

For any media that’s looking for comments, I will be attending this event in Springfield this evening

The Survivors Calendar Launch Party

Wilbraham Country Club

859 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095

Now the only thing that’s left is this…

SIGN MIKE LOWELL!!!!!

Posted in Baseball, Games, General, Life, Sports, Websites

620 Responses to “Done.”

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on 14 Jan 2008 at 1:07 pm620 beanbag38

I know its a little late but I am happy that you are coming back for your final Year. I remeber when they signed you back in 2004. My causins were sown from Maine and they were like why is this a big deal. I was worried after we won the world series that you wouldnt be here next year. Cant wait till 2008
on 26 Nov 2007 at 7:48 am619 thegrumpyone

Thank you for being the professional that you are and not dragging the negotiations into the press. Glad you are back. You are a true basball proffesional on and off the field. It is players like you who brought me back to baseball.
on 22 Nov 2007 at 11:53 am618 jacksouthern

Mr. Schilling,
Thank you for deciding to return to the Red Sox for another season. It has been a tremendous joy to watch you pitch for the past few years and I will always value your candor, determination, and leadership in the attaining of the two World Series Championships that you helped bring to Boston.
I think it’s funny, how people will complain about your openness and your devotion to communicating with your fans, while at the same time bemoaning the unavailability of other sports/media stars. Please keep up the good work here at 38pitches.com, and also your tremendous work on the field for the Greatest Franchise in Baseball, The World Champion Boston Red Sox!
Good luck and God Bless!
on 16 Nov 2007 at 5:39 am617 baldwinsgirl

Great job, glad to hear it…more than you know!
Have a great Holiday season, and see you in the spring!
on 15 Nov 2007 at 6:21 pm616 snoopypet47

Check out kiss108.com. click on most kissable baby and see “mini-schill”
Which baby looks like Curt while his throwing a pitch? #98 give him a 10!
on 13 Nov 2007 at 10:33 pm615 babyswheels

Curt:

I am a life long Yankee fan but I want to congratulate you and the Red Sox on winning the Series…also congratulations on an outstanding career…I am glad you will be back with the Red Sox in ‘08 an d that you got the deal that you wanted…Lowell is a great one for sure and the Red Sox should do everything they can to sign him…

Jay
on 12 Nov 2007 at 10:48 pm614 jkay40

Congrats on the new deal. Good to have you back for “08…I was a wrestler in college and have experience dropping a lot of weight quick–like 16-20 pounds in 24 hours. Drop me a line if you need some help making the weight.
on 12 Nov 2007 at 4:27 pm613 michelle514

Glad to have you back, Curt!
on 11 Nov 2007 at 9:43 am612 jim1973

Good things truly do happen to good people. Spending all day on a computer for work, I dont get to check back more than a couple of times a week as I leave my home time for family. I havent checked the site since I left my comment on the “2003 letter” thread. I had heard what was going/went on but didnt get a chance to check the blog. I am extremely happy you have got all you wanted Curt. You deserve it. Youll retire with the team you want, in the city you want, with the fans with whom you share a strong mutual bond with. I could not be more happy for you or us Sox fans. Now lets talk about that autographed ball for my son. =)

Best wishes,
Jim
on 10 Nov 2007 at 8:29 pm611 89adlagosox

Curt,
We are ecstatic that you and the Red Sox agreed to an ‘08 season. You are a genuine hero for Red Sox Nation and for Boston. You risked everything for the ‘04 championship and we love you for that.
We bought your autographed jersey after the ‘04 win and display it proudly. Would you consider re-signing it for the ‘07 win? We would gladly make a contribution to ALS or any other charity you prefer.
Whatever your decision on the jersey, we will watch and cheer each outing for ‘08. We make it to Fenway for several games a season and hope that we can get to one of your starts.
Brian and Karen in Connecticut
on 10 Nov 2007 at 6:45 pm610 antarctic38fan

Curt,

You have blessed the Sox with your pitching and now the favor has been returned to you and your family. CONGRATS!!!

Your pitching, leadership and mentoring of the younger pitchers will all show that you are MORE than deserving of this contract.

Thank you again…now SIGN MIKE LOWELL!!!

PT
on 10 Nov 2007 at 6:22 pm609 ethandc

I was standing outside 500 Boylston Street when your duckboat stopped for several minutes (I think this is when Papelbon was dancing for the Copley Square crowd). You probably didn’t hear me, but I screamed “thank you” several times. Anyhow, after the rally, I told friends that either you looked genuinely touched or you were an amazing actor. After hearing the news, I’m going with the former.

I had been telling myself that you wouldn’t resign, that these things only happen in fairy tales. Well, I guess that sometimes fairy tales come true! And having this happen only 2 days after CHB’s column was icing on the cake.

I guess the fairy tale will come true completely if Mike Lowell resigns. But in the meantime, thank you and welcome back!
on 10 Nov 2007 at 6:11 pm608 John C

Awesome that you’re coming back in a Red Sox uniform and that you’re probably going to end your career there… Congrats, Curt!
on 10 Nov 2007 at 5:49 pm607 philliesschillfan38

Glad you are back. Only second in my heart to the Phillies.
on 10 Nov 2007 at 5:47 pm606 top1tony

Welcome back Curt, now all thats left is one more ring and hopefully someday a rightful place for you in the HOF. PSS SIGN MIKE LOWELL
on 10 Nov 2007 at 5:41 pm605 vegassoxfan

First off, congrats on your second WS championship with the Sox. You and the guys played your hearts out and it was deserved. It was good to see Mr. Lowell get MVP.

I was elated to hear that the team and yourself came to an agreement. I was even more pleased to see the ‘clauses’ that you put in place. I am excited to see you back for one more year with the team. I wish you and the team all the best for this up-coming season.

Congrats to Youk for his Golden Glove award, and to Big Papi for his Silver Slugger award.

I echo your sentiment, get Lowell signed.

Have a safe and happy Holiday season and stay away from the dessert trays….

Best wishes to the family.

The Vegas Sox Fan
~M~
on 10 Nov 2007 at 5:21 pm604 kurt998

Curt,

Congrats on the new contract. I have a serious question. What is your off-season workout schedule? Running, lifting, stretching, throwing, ect. How much time do you take off to the rest after the long 2007 season? Do the Red Sox have recommendations for all players? Or do players just do their own thing until spring training? Well, what is the game plan leading up to 2008?

Good Luck,

Kurt
Westlake Village, CA
on 10 Nov 2007 at 2:15 pm603 fenwayshrek

Oi, Put your hands up, and step away from the donut you fat bas… Only joking. Seriously, well done you. Awesome news. Happiness is MVP on 3rd and 38 on the mound. Hope you and the rest of the clan have a good break. Roll on spring. Stay healthy now….

p.s. Resign Lowell

p.p.s. that’s Mike Lowell, WS MVP btw
on 10 Nov 2007 at 1:28 pm602 britsoxfan

Hi Curt

Its pretty impressive to see someone taking the approach of balancing family needs, money and respecting the needs of the Red Sox and the game. Not something that is visible often in the relm of professional sports. Bravo!

My politics, my views on religion and so many things are on the opposite of the spectrum to yours. Sometimes it is grates to hear a sporting giant at my beloved sox esposung these views. However I have so much respect for someone who lives their life through their principles and HAS an opinion. Too many people are so wrapped up in the busyness of their daily lives to have the time to think about broader issues. I think you bring so much to the game with so much integrity.

I want to thank you for the great contributions you have made to the sox so far with your incredible discipline at the plate and preparing for a game, your color, your acheivements. Going forward, I think your expereince will help a young pitching staff imessurably.

Welcome back for another exciting year. Keep working on Mikey!

Pete

PS Might not be such a fan when you run for office for the Republicans. However at lest you will do it with integrity and a belief system
on 10 Nov 2007 at 12:45 pm601 makesmywifewatch

Nice!

Hope to catch you a few times next year before your fishing career begins

You guys are going to rip it up next year! I can’t wait!

Frank