Friday, December 05, 2003 - 11:36:34 AM EST
Ex-Sox see bright days ahead
By BARRY SCANLON, Sun Staff
LOWELL Bob Stanley doesn't buy into the Curse of the Bambino, even though the Boston Red Sox haven't won a World Series title since you know when.
"It just happens to be that way. I don't understand why. But I don't believe in that," he said.
What about 1986, when Stanley a Red Sox pitcher from 1977-89 was on the mound in Shea Stadium in Game 6 and the Red Sox were one out from winning the championship over the Mets?
"We lost the World Series like we won the American League championship. We were lucky to win that and (the Mets) were lucky to beat us," he said.
John Tudor, who pitched for the Red Sox from 1979-83, doesn't believe in The Curse, either.
"I don't believe in curses. It has a lot to do with mystique and tradition," the Peabody native and Middleton resident said.
And Stanley and Tudor in town to attend the second annual Lowell Spinners Alumni Dinner are also on the same page when it comes to Boston's recent signing of pitcher Curt Schilling.
Schilling, they say, is the kind of talent that can lift a so-called curse quicker than the ex-Arizona ace delivers a fastball.
"It's probably one of the best moves they've made in a long time, since they got Pedro (Martinez). He's a top pitcher and he still can throw the ball. It's a real big plus for those guys," Stanley said.
Added Tudor: "He brings a lot to the table. He gives you the innings that they've really lacked the last couple of years. They don't get innings out of the guys like they used to. He gives you more of a gamer attitude and he certainly should help them."
Schilling also enjoyed plenty of success in Philadelphia which, like Boston, can be a tough place to play.
"I think Schilling thrives on pressure," said Stanley. "He's probably a perfect guy to fit into Boston. He's one of the best in the game. I think he can handle it. He's already got World Series experience. It's a perfect fit.
"Here, Yankees, Philadelphia, the fans are very knowledgeable and they want to win, and they know the game. They'll let you know when you're not doing well," Stanley added, laughing.
"Pitching in Boston can be tough," Tudor said. "I mean, this is a tough environment, without question. This is very much a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately atmosphere. I can't tell you what he's going to think about when he's out there. I've got to think that if he gets off to a good start, it's not going to really make much difference where he's playing. If he gets off to a good start, who knows?
"Fenway can be a difficult place to play at times. That left-field porch is kind of short," added Tudor.
The emcee of the Spinners' dinner, NESN announcer Don Orsillo, said the signing of Schilling takes some of the chill off of Boston's Game 7 season-ending loss at Yankee Stadium.
"It was crushing at the end and very tough to take. But it quickly turned into a busy offseason. I didn't anticipate anything like this. That's an amazing pickup and it dramatically changes the rotation. You can argue that it's the best rotation in baseball. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch," Orsillo said.
With the mercury plunging, snow on the ground, and a winter storm approaching, everyone seemed to enjoy talking baseball and stoking up the Hot Stove.
Schilling has been delivered. A new manager is in place. Oakland reliever Keith Foulke is being courted. And rumors of Texas superstar Alex Rodriguez landing in Boston are picking up steam.
"It seems like a lot of people are expecting him to come," Orsillo said. "But it seems like a lot would have to take place to do that. Obviously, you would have to unload Manny (Ramirez) and then, consequently, unload Nomar (Garciaparra). It's a pretty big move. But anytime you can get the best player in the game you have to consider it and it sounds like it's under consideration."
Rodriguez signed a $252 million deal with Texas. Ramirez signed a $160 million deal with Boston.
"God bless 'em," said Stanley. "Whatever they can get, it's all right with me. I told my mom she had me 10 years too early. But then my wife said, 'You wouldn't have met me.' I'll take my wife."