Schilling Heading to Fenway

ESPN has reported that Curt Schilling will reportedly waive his no-trade clause and leave Arizona to become a member of the Boston Red Sox. As part of the deal, Schilling and the Red Sox have agreed to a two-year contract extension that will keep the right-hander under contract through the 2006.

The news comes at somewhat of a shock after the league gave Schilling a 24-hour extension, moving the deadline to negotiate a contract extension back to 5:00 p.m. (et) Saturday.

The Red Sox and Diamondbacks worked out a deal Monday that would send pitchers Casey Fossum, Brandon Lyon and Jorge de la Rosa, and minor league outfielder Michael Goss to Arizona for Schilling. The deal was all worked out. All that was needed was Schilling to waive his no-trade clause, which he did when the two sides agreed on the terms of a contract extension.

Schilling will earn $12 million in 2004, and his extension will pay him $12.5 million in 2005 and $13 million in 2006...which is less than the reported $30 million Schilling was seeking over two years.

Schilling went 8-9 with a 2.95 ERA over 24 starts in an injury riddled 2003 season. He missed six weeks with a broken hand and two weeks because of an appendectomy. He has pitched for Arizona since being traded from Philadelphia in the middle of the 2000 season.

Schilling returns home to the American League for Schilling, who was originally drafted by the Red in 1986 and started his playing career for the Baltimore Orioles from 1988-90. Schilling has a 163-117 record with a 3.33 ERA in 450 career games.

The Red Sox will send lefty Casey Fossum and righty Brandon Lyon to the Diamondbacks, along with minor-league pitcher Jorge De La Rosa and a minor leaguer to be named, reportedly outfielder Michael Goss. De La Rosa, who went 7-5 with a 3.00 ERA between AA Portland and AAA Pawtucket this past season, is one of the Red Sox top pitching prospects.

The acquisition of Schilling sends a strong message to the Bronx: the Red Sox are gunning for them, and more importantly, the World Series Championship!