Curt Schilling - How the Sox really got him

After his 2001 WSC, D'Backs owner Jerry Colangelo was losing money quickly. He was looking to cut payroll. Schilling and Colangelo had become very good friends. Schilling had a no trade clause. Colangelo asked Curt if he'd be willing to move, along with his salary. Schilling stated unequivocally that he would wiave his no trade for only two teams; the Yankees and the Phillies. When asked originally if he would even consider Boston, Curt's initial response was, "No friggin' way. They're perennial losers." Talks began between Colangelo and the Yankees despite the fact that there was previous bad blood between Colangelo and Steinbrenner due to Steinbrenner luring David Wells to NY in 97 after Wells had reached an agreement in principle with Colangelo. During negotiations, that can of worms was re-opened, with Colangelo coming away livid. Colangelo then decided that the harshest revenge he could get on George would be to trade Curt to Boston. Just before Thanksgiving Colangelo pleaded with Curt (as a friend) to allow Boston to come into the mix--at least hear them out. Curt acquiesced--enter Henry, LL, Theo and company (LL still running the show, mind you). After the initial meeting, Curt still insisted on NY. Talks got worse between Colangelo and Steinbrenner. Colangelo got more pissed. He called his freind Curt and said, "I'll pay you $$$$$$$ (an undisclosed amount) to go to Boston." Curt said, "For that price I'll do it." Two days later Curt was in Boston stating for the first time his, "I hate the Yankees," mantra, along with a promise from Boston that they would hire his good friend Tito Francona (Philly connection) to fill their vacant managerial position (LL, with his apprentice Theo at his side, still running the show, and making the announcement publicly, mind you). The rest, as they say, is history.