theremyreport:: This is Jerry --- Curt, I would to thank you for accepting the invitation to join us. I certainly appreciate it. Even though we are talking baseball tonight, the wind chill factor is about 15. We are looking forward to the football game on Sunday and also Spring training.
cschilling38:: hey all
cschilling38:: and thanks Jerry
cschilling38:: thanks
cschilling38:: one thing, easiest way to do this
cschilling38:: is to let one person ask a question, let me answer
cschilling38:: and then when I type next, let someone else ask
cschilling38:: lets go
blackjava1964:: first up ...
auntiepatti:: What are your feelings about qtec?
cschilling38:: ok thanks, night everyone
skyeblueyes:: curt this is NOT a shy group
cschilling38:: Questec?
cschilling38:: hmm
cschilling38:: not pulling punches are we>
cschilling38:: ok
blackjava1964:: free forum curt
cschilling38:: If Questec called balls and strikes, I would love it, the batting champ would hit about 290, HR and RBI would plummet
cschilling38:: because as its outlined, the questec strike zone is the old rule book zone
cschilling38:: BUT
cschilling38:: the umpires are not taught to call the questec zone
cschilling38:: and they spend years in the minors learning "the zone" as its appliued in the major leagues
cschilling38:: they are two very very different zones
cschilling38:: and the one thing I think you will hear from every player in the major leagues when it comes to umpires and what we want
cschilling38:: is consistency
cschilling38:: umpires in questec parks are so concerned with their scores, and rightly so since the questec scores are a major factor in who gets to the post season and who doesnt
cschilling38:: that they become HORRIBLY inconsistent
cschilling38:: and thats the one thing I cannot prepare for
cschilling38:: I cant prepare for an inconsistent ump that I know is normally not
cschilling38:: there are real bad ones, I know who they are
cschilling38:: and I take what comes my way when they ump
cschilling38:: but when the good ones, the consistent ones, ump in questec parks and tell me, REPEATEDLY, that the pitches they normally call on the corners, that are strikes, they are hesitatnt to calll them in questec parks for fear of being scored wrong
cschilling38:: so in short
I hate it
cschilling38:: NEXT
zimmerolls:: Curt how do you think B.K. will do with you back as his teamate. Tough year for him getting acclamated.the . Having been a former teamate do you think you could calm him down a bit. I am in AZ a DBack Fan but a lifelong Sox Fan. P.S. Bring warm clothes!!
cschilling38:: Bk
cschilling38:: BK has the ability to win ALOT of games, he could be far and AWAY the best #5 in baseball history
cschilling38:: but it'll boil down to what BK wants, and how he goes about getting it
cschilling38:: he's still young
cschilling38:: but he's been in the major leagues 5 years now
cschilling38:: and its time to start understanding that it's about US, and there is no individual thing that is more important than the Boston Red Sox
cschilling38:: sure
cschilling38:: NEXT
kmwgrace:: Hey Curt! I'm Kate in Western Mass, VERY happy to have you here! Do you think the '04 Sox have what it takes to go a
kmwgrace:: oops all the way?
cschilling38:: I honestly believe, no I know, I would not have signed with Boston if I didn't believe in my heart of hearts that this organizationo would field a team that could win a world series every year over the last 4 years of my career, it will be the most talented offense, and deepest rotation I have ever been around, and also probably the toughest division I have ever played in, I'd say, If I was predicting, taht we will make the post season, barring major injuries, over the next four years, what happens after that is up to us
cschilling38:: NEXT
redsoxgrl68:: As far as batter's stats are concerned what stats do you consider most important and will it change now that you are in the AL?
cschilling38:: THe most important offensive stats to me
cschilling38:: are 1st pitch swings, K/BB to AB
cschilling38:: those stats help me determine pitch selection in alot of different counts
cschilling38:: NEXT
xeonman:: Hi Curt, do you think the Yankees' starting rotation can match up to the Sox?
cschilling38:: I do, they have some legit depth, their bullpen is pretty awesome, but on both ends I think the deciding factor will be health, whichever stays healthy the longest will end up representing the AL in the WS
cschilling38:: NEXT
LadyZip:: Hi Curt, just want to welcome you and your family to Boston, I know you are going to love it here and I wish nothing but the best for you in 2004
cschilling38:: see if you are all thanking me after I give up 8 runs ion a game
blackjava1964:: you WON'T curt!
blackjava1964:: besides ... we are all going to do Curt's pitch ... you have to WIN!
cschilling38:: yep, and thanks to all of you that have signed up
cschilling38:: also please, if you can, check out www.shadefoundation.org
skyeblueyes:: What is Curt's pitch, please?
cschilling38:: A program designed to raise money for people with ALS
blackjava1964:: The remdawg has a question
theremyreport:: Curt, since I have worked in the AL, I havent had a chance to see much of Vasquez. Now that he is a Yankee, can you tell us more about him?
cschilling38:: Not really, this all comes down to comfort level, lots of people are not comfy in this situation
cschilling38:: Javier is a stud
cschilling38:: power pitcher iwth a great great changeup
cschilling38:: nice build
cschilling38:: got the frame to take alot of innings
cschilling38:: still learning some things, but I think in a few years he's a legit number one if he makes the adjustment to the AL
cschilling38:: be interested to see
cschilling38:: how he handles the change from 5k fans in Montreal to a sold out friday night Yankee stadium, or Fenway for that matter
cschilling38:: we didnt have any of these rivalries in the AL
cschilling38:: err NL
cschilling38:: NEXT
theremyreport:: Thanks...that saves me some homework during Spring Training!
blackjava1964:: gotta have the questions ready folks ... thanks
blackjava1964:: (I am the resident meanie Curt)
cschilling38:: every board has one
youngd2:: Hi Curt, um, not to be negative, but are there any hitters in the AL that you think wouild give you some trouble facing?
cschilling38:: There are alot of hitters I would rather not face
cschilling38:: but the better ones present a pretty awesome challenge
cschilling38:: and thats what I am after, to do what Pedro has done in this league, to me, is mind boggling
cschilling38:: every team has a few legit studs, there are few real #8 or 9 hitters over here, every player here seems to get a position based on his offensive ability, not true in the NL
cschilling38:: but No, there is no certain hitter I am scared to face, a few I'd rather not,
cschilling38:: NEXT
jimsemons:: Hi Curt--thanks for coming to Boston--how will you adjust to pitching at Fenway with the Monster looming in left--I have followed you from Phillie days and these folks up here are in for a treat---I want to see you bat and go yard for us--we had a very thankful Thanksgiving in New England thanks for joining the Sox! Plus will the AL vs NL strike zone difference have a big effect on your pitching. Thanks for answering--see you vs Phils in June.
cschilling38:: The monster will present a definite change to me in my approach
cschilling38:: I have for years been trying to talk myself into pitching in more, but have had so much success on the outer half that
cschilling38:: its been a tough change to make, not anymore, the monster will force me to go to the inner half more on LHH, and I am owrking on a cutter for just that reason
cschilling38:: as to the K zone difference
cschilling38:: there really isnt one anymore
cschilling38:: since the umps have been mixed and matched I ahve seen alot of the AL guys
cschilling38:: the only difference in K zone now that exists is in questec vs non questec parks
cschilling38:: NEXT
chamolson:: to go back to BK do you think that the AL umping is a factor in his frustration, it does seem that he got more calls in the NL
cschilling38:: Not at all
cschilling38:: not in the least
cschilling38:: Bk is still a young emotional heart on his sleeve guy when it comes to things like that, and you cannot be consistent here giving yourself up that way
cschilling38:: he's got intense competitiveness, what I think he needs to get more of is the bulldog mentality, when things slide against him, instead of getting buried, he needs to start pushing back when he's out there, look inside to fix it, instead of looking elsewhere
cschilling38:: next
SoxFan57:: Hi Curt Phil here in Ky. The other day on ESPN RAdio the Rocket predicted 34+ wins between him and Pettite, Any prediction for you and Pedro?
cschilling38:: 40+
cschilling38:: NEXT
robbo1959:: Curt, the first reports after your trade was announced claimed that you wouldn't feel comfortable pitching in Fenway, because you are a flyball pitcher, if this is true. How will you approach pitching in Fenway? Short left field, no foul terrirtory ect, hitters park...
cschilling38:: well the lack of foul territory is not a good thing, but there is a TON of room in right and right center, and to succeed there I will have to pitch to that part of the park more than I have in the past
cschilling38:: next
samhorn23:: Curt, do you have a certain routine that you use to bring you back to focus when things don't go smooth, such as the QuestTec frustration?
cschilling38:: hey
cschilling38:: its the same as any distressing thing during a game, stay focused on the pitch you are getting ready to make, not a thing in the world you can do about the pitch thats already happened
cschilling38:: easier said than done, but certainly doable
cschilling38:: NEXT
Claudy23:: Curt, just want to say hello and we're thrilled to have you in Boston! Who do you think is the best pitcher in the A.L.?
cschilling38:: Pedro, Mulder, Zito, Halladay, but on track record the guys got a few more cy's than everyone else in that group, so my #1 is our #1, pedro
cschilling38:: NEXT
adamwales:: How much does the catcher affect your performances on the mound? Your thoughts on Varitek and your future with relationship with him?
cschilling38:: catchers, good ones, have a HUGE impact on how well I do, how conistent I am, I am a FB pitcher, the last thing I want to do out there is be shaking off my catcher often, I count on him to be as into the game calling, as I am into pitching it, its a true team effort in that regards when I pitch, I count on him for my pregame meetings with the defensive coach when I set up my def positioning for the night, I count on him to work the umpire to the best of his ability, I count on him to see things I cant from the mound and make me adjust as needed
cschilling38:: I have heard alot of great stuff about Tek, and talked to him already on the phone, I am really looking forward to working with him
cschilling38:: NEXT
tsunamimaniac:: Hello, Curt! Welcome! Thanks for taking time with us tonight. I'm Bill in frigid (-45 wind chills tonight!) Eastern Maine. Which team in the NL do you think will be the toughest this year? Also, from my wife: Do you have a no-hitter in you this year, and if so, can you please get it against the Yankees!
cschilling38:: Toughest NL lineup last year was IMO the Braves, they had a pretty nice setup, I don't know about the no no, my wife keeps telling me that I better not throw one when she's not there
cschilling38:: NEXT
boogity82:: have you met any of your new teammates if so what do you think of them
cschilling38:: I am currently working out with Nomah everyday, at API in Phoenix, I have talked on the phone with Millar, Pedro, Jason
cschilling38:: can't wait to get to spring training to get this thing rolling, seems like its going to be an awesome bunch to play with
cschilling38:: NEXT
blackjava1964:: did I leave anyone out?
mattsoxwinWSin2004:: hey curt, welcome to Beantown. whats the biggest change you are going to have to make from facing NL batters to now facing AL batters?
cschilling38:: I think not having a pitcher to face, and no true bottom of the order hitters is what makes this league so different
cschilling38:: that and being able to sit on the bench and stay focused on pitching, which I like
cschilling38:: NExt
blackjava1964:: I think that is all curt ... thanks so much for joining us. I hope that you come back and post or stop by unnanounced in the chat room ...
blackjava1964:: Jerry?
blackjava1964:: I am sure you want to say something
cschilling38:: Thanks, great questions, much appreciated
cschilling38:: thanks for the invite Jerry
theremyreport:: Curt, thanks again for taking the time. We certainly appreciate it. We are all looking to Spring Training and another great season at Fenway. Thanks again!!!
cschilling38:: Thanks again, see you all soon!
cschilling38:: hey all
cschilling38:: and thanks Jerry
cschilling38:: thanks
cschilling38:: one thing, easiest way to do this
cschilling38:: is to let one person ask a question, let me answer
cschilling38:: and then when I type next, let someone else ask
cschilling38:: lets go
blackjava1964:: first up ...
auntiepatti:: What are your feelings about qtec?
cschilling38:: ok thanks, night everyone
skyeblueyes:: curt this is NOT a shy group
cschilling38:: Questec?
cschilling38:: hmm
cschilling38:: not pulling punches are we>
cschilling38:: ok
blackjava1964:: free forum curt
cschilling38:: If Questec called balls and strikes, I would love it, the batting champ would hit about 290, HR and RBI would plummet
cschilling38:: because as its outlined, the questec strike zone is the old rule book zone
cschilling38:: BUT
cschilling38:: the umpires are not taught to call the questec zone
cschilling38:: and they spend years in the minors learning "the zone" as its appliued in the major leagues
cschilling38:: they are two very very different zones
cschilling38:: and the one thing I think you will hear from every player in the major leagues when it comes to umpires and what we want
cschilling38:: is consistency
cschilling38:: umpires in questec parks are so concerned with their scores, and rightly so since the questec scores are a major factor in who gets to the post season and who doesnt
cschilling38:: that they become HORRIBLY inconsistent
cschilling38:: and thats the one thing I cannot prepare for
cschilling38:: I cant prepare for an inconsistent ump that I know is normally not
cschilling38:: there are real bad ones, I know who they are
cschilling38:: and I take what comes my way when they ump
cschilling38:: but when the good ones, the consistent ones, ump in questec parks and tell me, REPEATEDLY, that the pitches they normally call on the corners, that are strikes, they are hesitatnt to calll them in questec parks for fear of being scored wrong
cschilling38:: so in short
I hate itcschilling38:: NEXT
zimmerolls:: Curt how do you think B.K. will do with you back as his teamate. Tough year for him getting acclamated.the . Having been a former teamate do you think you could calm him down a bit. I am in AZ a DBack Fan but a lifelong Sox Fan. P.S. Bring warm clothes!!
cschilling38:: Bk
cschilling38:: BK has the ability to win ALOT of games, he could be far and AWAY the best #5 in baseball history
cschilling38:: but it'll boil down to what BK wants, and how he goes about getting it
cschilling38:: he's still young
cschilling38:: but he's been in the major leagues 5 years now
cschilling38:: and its time to start understanding that it's about US, and there is no individual thing that is more important than the Boston Red Sox
cschilling38:: sure
cschilling38:: NEXT
kmwgrace:: Hey Curt! I'm Kate in Western Mass, VERY happy to have you here! Do you think the '04 Sox have what it takes to go a
kmwgrace:: oops all the way?
cschilling38:: I honestly believe, no I know, I would not have signed with Boston if I didn't believe in my heart of hearts that this organizationo would field a team that could win a world series every year over the last 4 years of my career, it will be the most talented offense, and deepest rotation I have ever been around, and also probably the toughest division I have ever played in, I'd say, If I was predicting, taht we will make the post season, barring major injuries, over the next four years, what happens after that is up to us
cschilling38:: NEXT
redsoxgrl68:: As far as batter's stats are concerned what stats do you consider most important and will it change now that you are in the AL?
cschilling38:: THe most important offensive stats to me
cschilling38:: are 1st pitch swings, K/BB to AB
cschilling38:: those stats help me determine pitch selection in alot of different counts
cschilling38:: NEXT
xeonman:: Hi Curt, do you think the Yankees' starting rotation can match up to the Sox?
cschilling38:: I do, they have some legit depth, their bullpen is pretty awesome, but on both ends I think the deciding factor will be health, whichever stays healthy the longest will end up representing the AL in the WS
cschilling38:: NEXT
LadyZip:: Hi Curt, just want to welcome you and your family to Boston, I know you are going to love it here and I wish nothing but the best for you in 2004
cschilling38:: see if you are all thanking me after I give up 8 runs ion a game
blackjava1964:: you WON'T curt!
blackjava1964:: besides ... we are all going to do Curt's pitch ... you have to WIN!
cschilling38:: yep, and thanks to all of you that have signed up
cschilling38:: also please, if you can, check out www.shadefoundation.org
skyeblueyes:: What is Curt's pitch, please?
cschilling38:: A program designed to raise money for people with ALS
blackjava1964:: The remdawg has a question
theremyreport:: Curt, since I have worked in the AL, I havent had a chance to see much of Vasquez. Now that he is a Yankee, can you tell us more about him?
cschilling38:: Not really, this all comes down to comfort level, lots of people are not comfy in this situation
cschilling38:: Javier is a stud
cschilling38:: power pitcher iwth a great great changeup
cschilling38:: nice build
cschilling38:: got the frame to take alot of innings
cschilling38:: still learning some things, but I think in a few years he's a legit number one if he makes the adjustment to the AL
cschilling38:: be interested to see
cschilling38:: how he handles the change from 5k fans in Montreal to a sold out friday night Yankee stadium, or Fenway for that matter
cschilling38:: we didnt have any of these rivalries in the AL
cschilling38:: err NL
cschilling38:: NEXT
theremyreport:: Thanks...that saves me some homework during Spring Training!
blackjava1964:: gotta have the questions ready folks ... thanks
blackjava1964:: (I am the resident meanie Curt)
cschilling38:: every board has one
youngd2:: Hi Curt, um, not to be negative, but are there any hitters in the AL that you think wouild give you some trouble facing?
cschilling38:: There are alot of hitters I would rather not face
cschilling38:: but the better ones present a pretty awesome challenge
cschilling38:: and thats what I am after, to do what Pedro has done in this league, to me, is mind boggling
cschilling38:: every team has a few legit studs, there are few real #8 or 9 hitters over here, every player here seems to get a position based on his offensive ability, not true in the NL
cschilling38:: but No, there is no certain hitter I am scared to face, a few I'd rather not,
cschilling38:: NEXT
jimsemons:: Hi Curt--thanks for coming to Boston--how will you adjust to pitching at Fenway with the Monster looming in left--I have followed you from Phillie days and these folks up here are in for a treat---I want to see you bat and go yard for us--we had a very thankful Thanksgiving in New England thanks for joining the Sox! Plus will the AL vs NL strike zone difference have a big effect on your pitching. Thanks for answering--see you vs Phils in June.
cschilling38:: The monster will present a definite change to me in my approach
cschilling38:: I have for years been trying to talk myself into pitching in more, but have had so much success on the outer half that
cschilling38:: its been a tough change to make, not anymore, the monster will force me to go to the inner half more on LHH, and I am owrking on a cutter for just that reason
cschilling38:: as to the K zone difference
cschilling38:: there really isnt one anymore
cschilling38:: since the umps have been mixed and matched I ahve seen alot of the AL guys
cschilling38:: the only difference in K zone now that exists is in questec vs non questec parks
cschilling38:: NEXT
chamolson:: to go back to BK do you think that the AL umping is a factor in his frustration, it does seem that he got more calls in the NL
cschilling38:: Not at all
cschilling38:: not in the least
cschilling38:: Bk is still a young emotional heart on his sleeve guy when it comes to things like that, and you cannot be consistent here giving yourself up that way
cschilling38:: he's got intense competitiveness, what I think he needs to get more of is the bulldog mentality, when things slide against him, instead of getting buried, he needs to start pushing back when he's out there, look inside to fix it, instead of looking elsewhere
cschilling38:: next
SoxFan57:: Hi Curt Phil here in Ky. The other day on ESPN RAdio the Rocket predicted 34+ wins between him and Pettite, Any prediction for you and Pedro?
cschilling38:: 40+
cschilling38:: NEXT
robbo1959:: Curt, the first reports after your trade was announced claimed that you wouldn't feel comfortable pitching in Fenway, because you are a flyball pitcher, if this is true. How will you approach pitching in Fenway? Short left field, no foul terrirtory ect, hitters park...
cschilling38:: well the lack of foul territory is not a good thing, but there is a TON of room in right and right center, and to succeed there I will have to pitch to that part of the park more than I have in the past
cschilling38:: next
samhorn23:: Curt, do you have a certain routine that you use to bring you back to focus when things don't go smooth, such as the QuestTec frustration?
cschilling38:: hey
cschilling38:: its the same as any distressing thing during a game, stay focused on the pitch you are getting ready to make, not a thing in the world you can do about the pitch thats already happened
cschilling38:: easier said than done, but certainly doable
cschilling38:: NEXT
Claudy23:: Curt, just want to say hello and we're thrilled to have you in Boston! Who do you think is the best pitcher in the A.L.?
cschilling38:: Pedro, Mulder, Zito, Halladay, but on track record the guys got a few more cy's than everyone else in that group, so my #1 is our #1, pedro
cschilling38:: NEXT
adamwales:: How much does the catcher affect your performances on the mound? Your thoughts on Varitek and your future with relationship with him?
cschilling38:: catchers, good ones, have a HUGE impact on how well I do, how conistent I am, I am a FB pitcher, the last thing I want to do out there is be shaking off my catcher often, I count on him to be as into the game calling, as I am into pitching it, its a true team effort in that regards when I pitch, I count on him for my pregame meetings with the defensive coach when I set up my def positioning for the night, I count on him to work the umpire to the best of his ability, I count on him to see things I cant from the mound and make me adjust as needed
cschilling38:: I have heard alot of great stuff about Tek, and talked to him already on the phone, I am really looking forward to working with him
cschilling38:: NEXT
tsunamimaniac:: Hello, Curt! Welcome! Thanks for taking time with us tonight. I'm Bill in frigid (-45 wind chills tonight!) Eastern Maine. Which team in the NL do you think will be the toughest this year? Also, from my wife: Do you have a no-hitter in you this year, and if so, can you please get it against the Yankees!
cschilling38:: Toughest NL lineup last year was IMO the Braves, they had a pretty nice setup, I don't know about the no no, my wife keeps telling me that I better not throw one when she's not there
cschilling38:: NEXT
boogity82:: have you met any of your new teammates if so what do you think of them
cschilling38:: I am currently working out with Nomah everyday, at API in Phoenix, I have talked on the phone with Millar, Pedro, Jason
cschilling38:: can't wait to get to spring training to get this thing rolling, seems like its going to be an awesome bunch to play with
cschilling38:: NEXT
blackjava1964:: did I leave anyone out?
mattsoxwinWSin2004:: hey curt, welcome to Beantown. whats the biggest change you are going to have to make from facing NL batters to now facing AL batters?
cschilling38:: I think not having a pitcher to face, and no true bottom of the order hitters is what makes this league so different
cschilling38:: that and being able to sit on the bench and stay focused on pitching, which I like
cschilling38:: NExt
blackjava1964:: I think that is all curt ... thanks so much for joining us. I hope that you come back and post or stop by unnanounced in the chat room ...
blackjava1964:: Jerry?
blackjava1964:: I am sure you want to say something
cschilling38:: Thanks, great questions, much appreciated
cschilling38:: thanks for the invite Jerry
theremyreport:: Curt, thanks again for taking the time. We certainly appreciate it. We are all looking to Spring Training and another great season at Fenway. Thanks again!!!
cschilling38:: Thanks again, see you all soon!
It's designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything is new again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains comes, it stops, and leaves you to face the fall alone.
-A Bartlett Giamatti
-A Bartlett Giamatti
