Schill Picking and Choosing

Despite not throwing a pitch yet this spring, Curt Schilling has been right where he wants to be be down in Ft Myers thus far – in the spotlight. His shoulder and the conflict over how it should be treated have been at the top of the headlines in the early going of the Red Sox 2008 spring training storylines. Yesterday, Schilling made news by choosing whom he would talk to. Gordon Edes made note of this in an entry in yesterday’s Extra Bases blog:

Curt Schilling, who said he held off on addressing his situation because he didn’t want to be a distraction but became even more of a story this past week because of his silence, met with a few handpicked reporters in the parking lot this morning after he furtively whispered instructions that they meet him there. The Globe was not among those invited to his private party, but Don Orsillo was, with a NESN camera, and in an interview that will be aired on NESN’s Sportsdesk tonight at 10 and is embedded at the top of this blog entry, Schilling left little doubt that he feels the Red Sox have him embarked on the wrong course of medical treatment.

Rob Bradford was among those in attendance at the invite-only Schilling press conference, and relates what Schilling had on his mind yesterday. (In Bradford’s blog, he reveals that he and Steve Buckley of The Herald, Sean McAdam of the Providence Journal Bulletin, Jeff Goldberg of the Hartford Courant, Dan Roche of CBS-TV 4, and Don Orsillo of NESN were the chosen ones.)

Gordon Edes, who, as noted above, was not invited to the private Schilling press conference, writes a story anyway, presumably on the strength of the Don Orsillo video, as well as quotes from Red Sox owner John Henry. The Globe snub is clearly due to a conflict between Schilling and Dan Shaughnessy, and the curiosity factor is magnified by the New York Times Co/Boston Globe 17% ownership stake in the Red Sox. Speaking of Dan Shaughnessy, he covered the John Henry interview with the media, and manages the predictable shots at Schilling along the way. Maureen Mullen has Schilling going along with the club’s wishes as far as surgery is concerned.

Lenny Megliola says that Terry Francona is clearly a perfect fit for the Red Sox. Joe Haggerty has Dustin Pedroia determined not to slow down after his strong rookie season. Buckley has Jon Lester hoping that the focus can be on his pitching this season, and not his status as a cancer survivor. Bradford has a quick look at the man at the very front of the baseball encyclopedia, relief pitcher David Aardsma, who came over to the Red Sox in a trade with the White Sox this winter. Nick Cafardo reports on Andy Pettitte addressing the media about the HGH situation and his relationship with Roger Clemens.

McAdam’s notebook reports that Terry Francona and the Red Sox started work on a contract extension last night. Edes’ notebook has David Pauly impressed with a former Mob boss speaker at a recent Rookie Career Development Program seminar. Bradford’s notebook has more on Henry’s interview session with the media. Goldberg’s notebook has more on Lester putting the past behind him.

Celtics

The Celtics begin the second half of the NBA season tonight in Denver with a game against the Nuggets. Kevin Garnett is expected to return for the Celtics, as are Kendrick Perkins and Scot Pollard. Marc J. Spears has a look at Garnett’s impending return to action for the Celtics. Steve Bulpett has more on Garnett getting through the full workout yesterday in preparation for tonight.

Mark Murphy has a feature on Coach Doc Rivers, who hasn’t changed his techniques with the success that the club has had this year. He talks to former Rivers teammate David Robinson about Doc as a player, and how that has translated to coaching. Bill Doyle says that this brutal West coast swing could be a good barometer for the Celtics. Jeff Howe trots out three keys to championship success for the Celtics this season. Tim Weisberg has a midseason report card for the Celtics. Murphy also writes about how Garnett has raised the bar for the Celtics this season in so many different ways.

Patriots

Mike Reiss has an extended conversation with Bill Belichick about the 2007 season, and what the offseason looks like for the team. Mike Felger was critical of Reiss for not asking the so-called “tough questions” of the coach in the piece that came out late Sunday night with the statements about spygate from Belichick and Pioli, but 1) Reiss did press Belichick in that piece, and 2) hasn’t Felger figured out that the “tough” questions and being antagonistic in your questioning only puts you on the outside of the Foxboro circle…which is where Felger currently (and contentedly) sits? Reiss doesn’t “suck up” to the team, he reports the facts, plays it straight down the middle as a professional should, Belichick and Patriots obviously see that and value that, and reward Reiss for that with access like he’s had the last two days here. Something that no one else has had. So who is the real winner in that situation? The one who asks the “tough” questions and doesn’t get any answers, or the one who act professional and get the answers they seek, plus a whole lot more?

John Tomase has the NFL and Matt Walsh’s lawyers at odds over a deal for the former Patriot employee’s testimony. Karen Guregian reports on the Patriots meeting with former Dolphins Zach Thomas and Marty Booker yesterday.

Bruins/Revs

Steve Conroy has Bruins coach Claude Julien doing his best to balance trying to win each game with developing his younger players. Fluto Shinzawa has Andrew Alberts making some progress in his efforts to return to the ice for the Bruins.

Frank Dell’Apa has the Revolution sporting a new look this season.