ORLANDO, Fla. - A few of the general managers licking their chops at the opportunity to have Curt Schilling in the open market were wondering why the Red Sox wouldn't re-sign him.
"It just seemed like a no-brainer, given the lack of pitching out there," said a National League GM. "You can sign him for a year; if it doesn't work out, then it doesn't work out. But he can pitch still, and I know what he means to that team."
Sometime today, barring a last-minute snafu, Schilling is expected to finalize a deal to stay with the Sox. According to a major league source with knowledge of the negotiations, most of the terms have been agreed to; there might be some incentives that are being finalized. Schilling was known to be seeking a salary of $13 million.
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, who is here for the general managers' meetings, had said yesterday that "we're moving the ball forward a little bit" on talks with both Schilling and Mike Lowell but would not get into specifics. Offers apparently were made to both players.
Schilling wrote on his 38pitches.com website, "Talks with the Red Sox are moving. 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 1-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."
The big thing the Red Sox want to see is the veteran righthander's dedication in the workout room this offseason, something that was lacking last season. Many baseball officials believe that if Schilling can get back into top shape, his velocity could increase from the mid to high 80s that he usually reaches now.
The Red Sox value Schilling's tutelage with younger members of the pitching staff and think he can continue to make Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester, and Clay Buchholz better.
In 24 starts this past season, Schilling went 9-8 with a 3.87 ERA. In the playoffs, he went 3-0 in four starts, with a 3.00 ERA.
If Schilling rejoins the ranks, the Sox will have Matsuzaka, Beckett, Lester, Buchholz, Tim Wakefield, and Schilling, as well as Julian Tavarez on the roster. Epstein said the team is not concerned by the sore shoulder Wakefield developed late in the season, as his medical tests came out favorably and a full recovery is expected.
Epstein also has scheduled a few trade-talk meetings, likely for today, and while he was not specific about the teams or players involved, it is clear Coco Crisp will be the focal point of most of Boston's talks this offseason.
