Thank you Curt

For 2004 alone we should be grateful, but there are so many more things worth mentioning...some other time.

Thank you again #38.

Here's to 38...

He's opinionated, outspoken and doesn't mind the limelight.

I don't entirely agree with his political views, but then again, he's an athlete, and not a politician, and like everyone else completely entitled to his views.

However, in regards to the communication with fans, I don't think Curt Schilling, or Gehrig38 as he is known on the Sons of Sam Horn website, has an equal among his peers. He is a self confessed internet and computer games junkie, and his now legendary 2am visit to and several hour long discussion on SoSH on Thanksgiving in 2003 apparently played a big part in his decision to come to Boston.

Ever since his days in Philly has Schilling interacted with fans in a more direct way than any other athlete I can think of, and now he has launched his own blog site - www.38pitches.com, where he writes frankly and very openly about his life and interests.

He gives insights rarely seen outside a Peter Gammons column into the life in the clubhouse and on a major league team, and has made me learn actual facts about baseball rather than opinions printed in the regular press - also, his complete disdain for a majority of the mainstream sportswriters, especially the rabid Boston ones is another thing you've gotta like him for.

In his most recent Q & A on his blog, he talks about the upcoming season and what he expects from the Red Sox and other teams in 2007.

He talks about Daisuke:

Q-What’s Daisuke been like to watch in person?

A-Something new and fun every day. The best apart, aside from the fact that he’s probably the most polished 26 year old I’ve ever been around, is his demeanor, how much fun he has and how much he laughs every day. He’s got the far east work ethic, which is intense on a whole different level, and he seems to genuinely enjoy everything about what’s happening. I know I’m already better and learning from having him around.

It is very cool to read a 20 year old veteran being open enough to learn from a Major League rookie, albeit a rookie who's 108-60 with a 2.95 ERA in the Japanese league at 26 years of age.

On another note, I guess the debate whether a 15-20 game winner is more valuable than a lights out closer was settled this weekend when the Red Sox moved back Jonathan Papelbon to the closer role he grabbed with both hands in 2006.

Although there are some lingering questions, at least outside the Red Sox clubhouse about the shoulder tightness that shut Paps down in the latter part of last season, this means that the Red Sox go from a position of glaring weakness to having a top 10 closer and a much, much stronger bullpen than last year.