While a lot of Sox writers, commentators and bloggers were busy earlier this week freaking out about the non-existent Josh Beckett issue, apparently there was an actual, real, live rotation issue that they would have been better served freaking out about.
The Boston Herald is reporting Curt Schilling could be lost for the 2008 season to a "significant" shoulder injury.
Not only does that result in an automatic hole in the rotation (so much for those pipe dreams of a six-man!), it also apparently is causing major friction between Schilling and the Sox front office, most likely centered around (a) when and how did he injure the shoulder? presuming he was OK during any pre-contractual physical back in November; and (b) can the Sox void his 2008 contract?While the precise nature of Schilling's injury is not known, it is believed that the right-hander is suffering from an injury to the rotator cuff and/or labrum that might require surgery.If Schilling has surgery on his shoulder, it is almost certain that he would be unable to pitch this season.
While neither Schilling nor Sox officials could be reached for comment, baseball sources have indicated that the club has at least inquired about the possibility of voiding the one-year, $8 million contract Schilling signed last November. It is not known to what lengths the Sox have gone on the matter, but their threat has been serious enough to create a conflict between Schilling and the Red Sox.
Julian Tavarez could step in to fill the fifth starter's role, leaving Clay Buchholz with the (assumed) planned extra time in Pawtucket -- but the insane Sox schedule in April makes the thought of seeing Julian every five days scary, to say the least. Maybe the Sox will jump in the FA market or make a trade for another viable SP.
EDIT:
EDIT 2:When reached via e-mail by the Globe's Amalie Benjamin today, Schilling declined to comment on this story about his ailing shoulder, writing "I cannot comment right now on any of this, sorry!"
Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling will not have shoulder surgery for what appears to be a partial tear of his rotator cuff, despite the recommendation of the doctor who operated on the shoulder in 1995, and will follow the more conservative course recommended by Sox medical director Thomas Gill, after the club and player agreed to submit to today's recommendation by an outside medical expert.Even without surgery, the 41-year-old Schilling is not expected to be ready to pitch until the All-Star break, according to several sources familiar with his condition.
According to one source, the Sox raised the possibility that Schilling would forfeit his contract if he proceeded to have surgery without their permission, and there were indications that the dispute has led to strained feelings between the parties.
There is a provision contained in an attachment to the new collective bargaining agreement that sets out a process in which the club and player ask for a third medical expert to intervene. In this case, the parties turned to Dr. David Altchek, the medical director of the New York Mets, who sided with the club, according to sources.
on February 7, 2008 3:17 PM
Yeah, this is the kind of issue fans are allowed to freak out about.
No panicking in this camp just yet, but if Schilling and/or the Sox knew about this during the whole Santana fiasco, it's going to require one hell of an explanation as to why they didn't push harder for Johan.
Truck Day isn't even here yet and already there's a real cause for concern about the 2008 team. That can't be a good sign.