http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3096549
Schilling reportedly close to agreement with champs on deal
Curt Schilling had listed 13 teams that the free agent would play for next season. Looks like he's close to getting his first choice.
The Boston Herald reported on Monday night that the right-hander and the
Red Sox are close to reaching agreement on a one-year, incentive-laden deal. Citing a person familiar with the talks, The Associated Press reported that a deal could be reached within a few days.
Schilling told the newspaper that things "gathered momentum and if they continued to progress like they did [on Sunday] something could potentially get done."
Sources told the Herald that the final hurdle in the deal may be the 40-year-old Schilling passing a physical.
Schilling, who is not represented by an agent, went 9-8 with a 3.87 ERA last season. He won three games in the postseason, including Game 2 of the World Series on the way to Boston's sweep of the
Colorado Rockies.
Schlling is a six-time All-Star who has been with the Red Sox for four of his 20 seasons.
Earlier this week, a post on Schilling's Web site, 38pitches.com, read, "For anyone interested please just assume things are happening with Boston without me mentioning it. Theo [Epstein] and I have spoken more than once but there will be no details or updates of these discussions."
The Herald reported that the Astros, Diamondbacks and Phillies all contacted Schilling on the first day of free agency, but he posted on his Web site: "I made it clear to all three teams that my intent was to do whatever I could to resolve this and remain in Boston for the final year of my career. "
In 2004, Schilling went 21-6 and helped lead the Red Sox to their first World Series title since 1918, but his velocity has diminished,
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.
