Well, I guess we’ll need to hold off on the duck boat parade down Charles. Schilling reportedly has a shoulder problem, it might even end his career.
My expectations of Schill were pretty modest this year. Last year he pitched 151 innings (24 games) and was decent (9-8, 4.40 ERA). But he was great again in the postseason (3-0 with a 3.00 ERA). At $8 million, he was a pretty good deal as a #3 or #4 throughout the year, and then giving us something in the playoffs.
While the Santana deal was tantalizing, I’m glad we have our youth movement (Lester, Buchholz) intact. Even without Schill, the rotation looks good – Becket, Dice-K, Wakefield, Lester, Buchholz.
Regarding Schill’s contract: I’d hate to pay him $8 million for nothing. On the other hand, I hope no rift develops between the team and Curt. For what he did in 2004 (bloody sock), Schilling will forever be a hero for Red Sox Nation.
