Francona calls for more zip from Schilling

Reporters like athletes who talk. It would be hypocritical to say we wanted a gag order on Schilling, because his responses are thoughtful and enlightening, and cause for great fodder.

But what I enjoy most about him is the way he pitches. I respect his talent and believe he should be in the Hall of Fame someday. But if you're Francona or general manager Theo Epstein, you have to draw the line somewhere.

After all, we have never seen a player who puts himself in the media as often as Schilling, through his blog, radio appearances, and comments. There's no correct way to manage what he says or writes. He has no editor or filter. So when his blog appears or when he's on the radio, who knows what might come out?

The Red Sox don't want to slap their players on the hands and say, "Don't say that." They don't want to inhibit free speech. But there's protocol, a decorum that you follow if you're a player.

You don't want to say something derogatory about another team or player, regardless of your feelings. Leave that to the fans and sportswriters.

Schilling had said Bonds cheated on baseball, his wife, and his taxes. Strong words, especially since it has never been proven that Bonds has used steroids, and he has never been convicted of tax evasion.

"I am far from perfect and make more than my share of mistakes, which is something I have no problem with because that's part of being a human being," Schilling wrote on his website. "However, when mistakes adversely affect other people's lives, that's a big deal. It was a callous, reckless, and irresponsible thing to say and for that I apologize to Barry, Barry's family, Barry's friends, and the Giants organization, my teammates and the Red Sox organization, as well as anyone else that may have been offended by the comments I made."