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Lowell next?

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

Now that Curt Schilling is signed, sealed and delivered, the Red Sox will now focus their attention to free-agent third baseman and World Series MVP Mike Lowell.

After GM Theo Epstein officially announced Schilling’s one-year deal worth a base salary of $8 million with another $6 in incentives, he was asked if the Red Sox and Lowell were close on a possible deal.

“We’re working at it and hopefully moving the ball forward each day,” said Epstein.

Lowell did file for free agency today, but did say following the club’s World Series victory that he wanted to return to Boston. His teammates have made their feelings known to management that they want him back.

The significant contributions Lowell made for the Red Sox certainly didn’t go unnoticed with his teammates.

“Mike’s been our staple in our lineup all year,” said Red Sox captain Jason Varitek after the club’s Game Four sweep in Colorado. “He’s come up with big hit after big hit and that’s why he drove in 120 during the regular season.”

Would you like to see him back next season?

“I would love to,” said Varitek. “He plays great defense. He’s a huge part of this team and we would love to see him back in this uniform.”

Even Schilling finished his blog item announcing his signing by saying: "Sign Mike Lowell!"

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 7:31 PM | Permalink | Comments 3

Schilling deal done

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

With the free-agent market for pitchers pretty thin this baseball offseason, the Red Sox decided it was best to sign someone the club knows, respects and feels will be reliable.

Veteran Curt Schilling, who will turn 41 on Nov. 14, and the Sox have agreed on a one-year incentive-driven deal worth a base salary of $8 million with another $6 in bonuses. Epstein said the negotiation process went smoothly and it only took a couple of days following the club’s second World Series title in four seasons, for the two sides to agree on a deal.

“Curt wanted to stay here and we wanted him back as long as we could get some protection in the contract, and we were able to accomplish that pretty quickly,” said Epstein.

It’s very possible that Schilling could have made more guaranteed money with another club – one of the many other teams he recently said he would play for – but he also knows that he has cemented his baseball legacy in Boston with two World Series Championships.

“I think it says a lot about Curt that he was willing to take less to come back here,” said Epstein. “It’s easy for a player to say it’s not about the money, but it’s hard to actually prove it. In Curt’s case, he put his money where his mouth was and really made a statement about what’s important to him right now. He deserves a lot of credit for that, and we benefit from that as an organization and our fans will benefit as well. It’s not too common in this day and age someone who can get guaranteed money was willing to take the risk associated with performance bonuses and other bonuses. He did a rare thing and we’re proud of him.”

Epstein said he is not allowed to get into specifics about the incentives included in Schilling’s contract, but it’s been reported that he has a $2 million weight clause, along with $3 million if he pitches a certain amount of inning and $1 if he receives a Cy Young vote.

“We’re not allowed to go into detail,” said the Sox GM, “but generally there were some incentives added to the contract as a method to bridge the gap between the guaranteed money we were willing to offer and what he was looking for. Curt recognizes the importance of reconditioning his body so he can get into the best possible shape and give his the best chance to stay healthy throughout the year. That’s something we certainly welcome.”

Epstein was quick to add that the veteran of four World Series appearances (three wins) was not in the best shape entering spring training last season, which led to Schilling going on the disabled list during the regular season (June 19 to Aug. 6) with tendinitis in his right shoulder.

“This should provide some incentive for him to work really hard this winter and get in great shape,” said Epstein. “Hopefully he can have a very solid season we can benefit from.”

With Schilling staying in Boston, it could mean some significant changes to the Sox’ rotation in 2008.

When asked during the regular season about the possibility of the Red Sox going to a six-man rotation – something Daisuke Matsuzaka was accustomed to in Japan and due to the organization’s pitching depth – manager Terry Francona pooh-poohed the notion. But, Epstein said on Tuesday there has been some discussion given the team’s pitching personnel to accept that concept.

“It’s premature to commit to any usage pattern” he said. “But certainly we’re in a little bit of a unique situation where you could say a number of our starters could benefit from something like that in one way or another.”

Epstein did say that if the club decides to go in that direction, that’s when a pitcher could go down with an injury in spring training then the Sox would be forced to find another player to fill that role. But, he did say that topic will likely be discussed in internal meetings prior to spring training.

“It’s an interesting concept given the personnel we have,” he said. “But it’s not something we’ve fully explored, yet.”

With such depth that obviously proved crucial for the club in 2007, Epstein said looking ahead to 2008 the club will be able to again structure the pitchers’ schedule to the team’s benefit, such as giving guys time off if needed, while effectively managing all the pitchers during the season will be a luxury.

“Given the age of our pitchers both on the very high end and on the low end, it’s important to have significant depth so you can make moves with that foresight rather than out of desperation. The importance of pitching depth we were always cognizance of, but the more we see just how dependant our season is on having effective, healthy pitchers the more we prioritize.”

If everyone is healthy come spring training, the Sox will have seven starting pitchers to fill the five-man rotation, including Josh Beckett, Matsuzaka, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Schilling, Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavarez.

Immediately following the club’s four-game sweep of the Rockies in the World Series on Oct. 28 in Denver, the Red Sox players said they wanted Schilling and free-agent third baseman Mike Lowell back with the team next season. Now that one of the two deals is complete, the players are quite happy with the situation.

“Curt Schilling is one of the most prepared pitchers in this game,” said Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who won a Gold Glove this past season. “We all know he’s not throwing 95 or 97 MPH like he used to, but the velocity doesn’t change how well he can go out there and perform and get guys out. His hard work and dedication to the game is huge and it’s a big deal to have Curt back on the team because he’s a born winner and you need guys on the field who want to win, and know how to win on a daily basis.”

One down. One to go.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 6:22 PM | Permalink

Ortiz has surgery

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

Red Sox slugger David Ortiz had successful arthroscopy surgery on his ailing right knee at Massachusetts General Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. The procedure was performed by Red Sox medical director Dr. Thomas Gill.

According to a club press release, Ortiz will begin his rehab immediately and this surgery will not interfere with his offseason workout program. He is expected to be ready for spring training, according to the release.

Ortiz recorded a .332 batting average in 2007, while posting 35 homers and 117 RBI in 149 games.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 5:19 PM | Permalink

Youkilis wins Gold Glove

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis has been selected to the 2007 American League Gold Glove team. He becomes just the second first baseman in team history to earn the accolade, joining three-time winner George Scott.

"I would like to congratulate Kevin on this much-deserved honor," said Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. "It says a lot about him and his work ethic. He came up as a third baseman and he was able to make a smooth transition to first. He makes it look easy over there, but he works extremely hard at his craft. What he was able to accomplish this season defensively was extremely impressive. We're proud of him."

A third baseman by trade, Youkilis recorded a 1.000 fielding percentage, while posting 1,080 chances without making an error in 135 games. His consecutive errorless games set an A.L. record.

"It's quite an accomplishment," said Youkilis. "To have a great year and to win a Gold Glove means so much to me. It's definitely a boost in the confidence level, knowing this award is the highest award you can get for fielding. I'm so proud for playing defense for all the pitchers and the other guys across the diamond."

Youkilis was also a force offensively, compiling a .288 average with 16 homers and 83 RBI in 145 games. He's just the second Boston player to earn a Gold Glove in the last 16 seasons (beginning 1992) with catcher Jason Varitek being honored in 2005.

Other A.L. Gold Glove winners include: Detroit catcher Ivan Rodriguez, Detroit second baseman Placido Polanco, Angels shortstop Orlando Cabrera, Seattle third baseman Adrian Beltre, Minnesota outfielder Torri Hunter, Seattle outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, Cleveland outfielder Grady Sizemore and Minnesota pitcher Johan Santana.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 5:04 PM | Permalink

AP: Schilling, Sox reach preliminary agreement

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox reached a preliminary agreement on an $8 million, one-year contract that will allow the star right-hander to return next season to the World Series champions.

The agreement provides for him to make an additional $5 million in bonuses and match his 2007 salary. The deal is subject to him passing a physical, contains $3 million in performance bonuses based on innings pitched and $2 million based on weight clauses, a person familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet made an announcement.

His agreement was first reported by ESPN.com.

"Talks with the Red Sox are moving," Schilling said in a posting on his Web site early Tuesday. "Theo and I have spoken multiple times daily over the past week and given the current situation, I am feeling very confident that we will be able to finalize a one-year contract to allow us a chance to finish our career as members of the Red Sox organization. There are some things to iron out and details that must be finalized for both sides, but barring something unforeseen or outrageously odd happening, I feel very comfortable that I will finish my career here."

Schilling, who turns 41 on Nov. 14, also posted the letter that team president Larry Lucchino and general manager Theo Epstein sent him before opening negotiations with him in November 2003.

"There is no other place in baseball where you can have as great of an impact on a franchise, as great an impact on a region, as great an impact on baseball history, as you can in Boston. It is hard to describe what the Red Sox mean to New England," the letter said. "We are so close to the goal that has eluded us for 86 years."

In 2004, Schilling went 21-6 and helped lead the Red Sox to their first World Series title since 1918. His velocity diminished, Schilling was 9-8 during the regular season this year, then went 3-0 in four starts during the playoffs to improve his postseason record to 11-2.

After the Red Sox declined to give him an extension, Schilling said in February that he would become a free agent after the season. He said then he would return for Boston in 2008 for $13 million, the same salary he earned in 2007.

While he wanted to stay, he also was ready in case he had to change teams.

"We've prepared the kids that we may be moving again," wife Shonda said last weekend.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:21 PM | Permalink