With the Red Sox releasing a statement a few hours ago, you knew that we would probably hear from Curt Schilling about what’s going on with his shoulder. I just caught this in my feeds around 10:28 from Curt at 38Pitches.com.

Speculation is rampant right now. I see the Sox just released a statement.

At the time we negotiated the 2008 contract I passed all physical exams and testing, as well as the MRI the club required me to take. I knew in my heart of hearts that the extra time I was giving my arm to rest this winter would in fact be the cure for what I went through the entire 2007 season. I had a strong desire to not have to go through multiple cortisone injections in my shoulder for another year. There was absolutely no reason for anyone involved to believe I would be anything other than completely healthy and ready for the 2008 baseball season.

Things have changed since then and I contacted the team early last month with concerns and we’ve been working diligently to resolve them.

There have been disagreements these past few weeks in an effort to provide me with a solution that would allow me to pitch as much as possible during the 2008 season. At no time did I ever consider taking a course of action against the clubs wishes. In the end, regardless of who agreed with whom, I have chosen the clubs course of action and will vigorously pursue any and every option I can to be able to help this team to another World Series title in 2008.

Please understand that a lot of what has been reported is not true. When the club feels it’s appropriate to further discuss the details of this issue publicly I will elaborate but I need to make it clear that Dr Morgan did NOT diagnose me with a tear of the rotator cuff at any time during this process, nor did he recommend rotator cuff surgery.

Dr Craig Morgan is inarguably one of the most highly respected shoulder experts in the world. I’m here because 13 years ago he was the only person on the planet to actually get what was wrong with me and correctly diagnose, and then treat me. He’s been on the cutting edge of treating throwing shoulders for over a decade. Much of the stuff that’s now seen as cutting edge treatment and therapy he was doing 10 years ago. I trusted him with my career then, and always will.

After being diagnosed by the Red Sox medical staff I sought a second opinion, as anyone would, and when it became clear there was disagreement (which is not uncommon by the way), I agreed to see an independent Doctor from a list the Red Sox provided me, for the third opinion.

At this time I have agreed to abide with the clubs wishes in hopes that will provide the results they believe it will.

Obviously he doesn’t state how long he will be out. I am sure though that more of that will probably come in out the coming week or so. Remember back to last season when Schilling had this same issue, he was out for about seven weeks.

Let’s hope that the same holds true this time.

Update 12:00 AM (2-8): I just caught this over at the Boston Herald. They have some comments from Dr. Morgan who spoke because Schilling waived his rights about the privacy of his medical condition.

It is Morgan’s opinion that Schilling’s main problem stems from the bicipital groove, the portion of the bicep tendon which runs outside of the shoulder. After looking at an MRI arthrogram performed on Schilling Jan. 24, Morgan said the biceps looks like “three strands of spaghetti,” and is an irreversible problem if just using the Red Sox’ recommended remedy of a cortisone shot and rehabilitation.

“In my opinion a conservative approach will be unsuccessful, and that a surgical option is medically the correct thing to do and has the only potential shot of him being able to salvage his coming season,” said Morgan, who estimates Schilling could be completely rehabilitated by the All-Star break with the procedure.

So what we have is the Red Sox doctor wanting to do one thing and the doctor who performed his surgery wants to go another route. Schilling also got an independent evaluation from the Mets medical director David Altchek.

After examining Schilling’s MRI Wednesday, Altchek agreed with Morgan’s diagnosis, but also concluded that Schilling’s rotator cuff was a significant problem and that he would not be ready to pitch during the 2008 season if Morgan’s proposed surgery was performed.

In actuality, three different opinions. In regards to the CBA, the Red Sox control whether or not Schilling can have surgery.

Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, the Red Sox have final say over whether the pitcher will or will not have surgery. Based on that, it seems highly unlikely that Schilling would have surgery without club authorization for fear of violating the terms of his contract.