"Curt's going to be 41 and at that age we get a little more conservative," Epstein said. "That doesn't mean we don't want him back. We have all the confidence in the world that Curt wants to pitch in 2008, and if he pitches effectively as I expect he will, we'll find a way to keep him in a Red Sox uniform. It doesn't make sense from a business standpoint right now to guarantee that kind of money a year in advance to a 41-year-old. Again, that doesn't change how we feel about Curt, his place in the organization. No. 1, he's our Opening Day starter and we couldn't be happier about that."
Epstein cited Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina as one precedent. The Yankees elected not to exercise a $17 million option last spring on Mussina, who had an identical record (15-7) as Schilling last season. They waited until November, a month before Mussina's 38th birthday, to sign him to a two-year, $23 million deal, which will take him through 2008.
"There's a bit of a sliding scale based on age," Epstein said. "The deeper you go into your career, I think the more hesitant the club might be to guarantee salaries years in advance."
When asked if Schilling's physical condition -- he appears heavier than last year --was a factor in the club's decision, Epstein said: "It's always a factor for every player. The older you get, the better condition you have to stay in. He'll be where he needs to be by Opening Day."
By the time Epstein met with the media at midday, Schilling already had declared his intent to file for free agency as a response to the Sox' stance, then reiterated his position after Epstein spoke.
"Disappointing? Yeah, but it's something I understood coming in was a possibility," said Schilling, who a month ago publicly reversed his decision to retire and told the Sox he'd be willing to pitch next season for the same $13 million the team is paying him this season.
"That's the way it happens sometimes. That's a decision they made. Whether you like it or not, it's the way things are."
