Schilling in 2008

Recently, Curt Schilling has made in known that he wishes to be part of the 2008 Boston Red Sox. it had previously been thought that Schilling would retired after this season, opening a slot for one of the young arms in the rotation. He is looking for a deal similar in price to his current deal. That would mean he would make anywhere from 12-14 million dollars. This is a very high price for a pitcher that will be 40 years old, although looking at the current market for pitchers it isn't as stead as once was thought.

Curt put up solid number last year. In 31 starts, he pitched 204 IP with an ERA of 3.97 and WHIP of 1.22. These are solid numbers for pitching in a hitters division and in some of the most hitter friendly parks. 2005 was a lost year for Schilling, spending much of his time on the DL, including a stint as the closer. Schilling has managed to stay relatively health, so pitching at 40 years old doesn't seem that huge of a long shot.

My problem with this is its potential of derailing our youth. The Red Sox have spent a large time developing quality young arms that should be ready in either 2008 or 2009. I'm not sold that Schilling at 40 will be better than Clay Buchholz at 24 or Michael Bowden at 21 or Daniel Bard at . Nothing is for certain in the realm of minor league pitchers. Many flame out way before sniffing the majors and its not even certain that these guys will be ready. But speaking as your typical excited Red Sox fan, i want to see these kids pitch. This is also disregarding Jon Lester who defiantly deserves a full time spot in 2008, god willing. He has overcame a lot and needs to be given a real chance.

So there you have my argument. An expensive old pitcher would be nice, but i don't like it at the expense of cheap youth. My guess is it gets done before the season starts and Schilling is in Red Sox uniform in 2008, but will i be disappointed if that doesn't happen? No, I wont blink and eye if his demands are just too high. We all love you Schilling for what you did for us, but please be rational.