The many demands of the Red Sox

That was a close one. The Red Sox-A’s series was almost canceled. And all because MLB welshed on a promise to pay coaches and staff $40,000 each to make the trip to Japan.

Apparently, today’s strike was a long time coming. Curt Schilling said MLB reneged on a number of promises it made to the players — promises made to convince the Sox to make the trip.

From Boston.com:

Curt Shilling was one of the players involved in the negotiations last fall.

“We had an agreement. We had an agreement in October,” Schilling said. “I was one of the five or six players on the phone call. Some of the things they promised they’ve already taken away. From the players’ point of view, we all felt the same way. They can’t do this. This can’t happen.”

Schilling said a few things have already been “taken away” by Major League Baseball, according to the pitcher.

“In October when we were on the phone call, they wanted this trip to happen so badly, and now they’ve fallen by the wayside time and time again. The things we were adamant about at the time we reiterated time and time again, and it was never an issue.”

What things?

“Different personal things that were supposed to happen from an accommodations standpoint. Little things that tend to make trips like this easier. It’s been more than one thing. Hopefully, it’s just miscommunication, and it will be fixed,” Schilling said.

So, seriously Curt, what things?

We here at Umpbump put our heads together, and we think we know some of the things the Sox might have requested:

1. Buccholz could care less about the coaches — he wants the team to pay for his hot flavor-of-the-month girlfriend to make the trip (last year it was a Victoria’s Secret model; this year it’s a Penthouse pet).

2. Schilling wants his Weight Watchers meals.

3. Mango salsa for Papi.

4. A travel-size oxygen tent for J.D. Drew.

5. A ‘fro comb for Coco.

6. A six-pack of Slump Buster Energy Drink for Youk (or, alternately, an actual slumpbuster if he doesn’t get off to a good start).

7. Just for Men hair dye for Lowell.

8. Manny: what does Manny NOT want…..let’s see, maybe start with a gas grill, a classic Cadillac, and his personal clubbie from Cleveland.

9. Insoles for Pedroia.

10. Wakefield wants his Binky back.

11. Papelbon requested some pants.

12. A new pair of “five-toed socks” for Dice-K.

What things do you think the Red Sox insisted on?