Curt Schilling
by tville on Feb 4, 2009 5:00 PM CST
60 comments
Flying well under the radar, Schilling has rented a home in Ft. Myers for the next two months. He had shoulder surgery last June and is working his way back into form. By his own assessment, he will not be ready to pitch at the MLB level until mid-season.
While it's anyone's guess what Schilling still has in the tank, his heart and desire are unquestionable. He'll be 42 years old heading into the 2009 season, and if he feels good enough about his stuff to return to the Bigs, Schilling will be available for the stretch drive.
Although he has thrown down roots in Boston and it's likely the Red Sox will be in the playoff hunt as well, is this the type of move Hendry makes to push the Cubs over the top? Injuries and the effectiveness of the 5th starter would play a role in such a decision, but Schilling might be the kind of guy who could will the Cubs to the Series.
Thoughts?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Because????
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Feb 4, 2009 5:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He
Is prolly as good as shawn estes right now plus hes old and he has hardly pitched and he just had surgery and it would be pointless for us to sign him if we are only going to get half of a season out of him..
by Cubbieblue06 on Feb 4, 2009 8:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He's not likely to make a decision...........
……….about playing for several more months, probably signing with a team around the AS break.
No risk at that point because I doubt Schilling returns if he can’t contribute.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Feb 4, 2009 9:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
typical reaction
Schilling is not Estes. The question is upon seeing his stuff and if he is available and willing you make a decision. Each person is different.
Now Schilling is a special kind of playoff pitcher, it is an innate ability—-whether there is something in the tank is the question.
It is in the category of “wait for what the cat might drag in” and why having $5M in reserves is very important.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Feb 5, 2009 9:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
After all..............
………..if he is throwing well and wants to come to Chicago, there’s no reason to not let him in for the final months of the season.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Feb 5, 2009 10:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
reason 1
If we didn’t win then we would have to listen to schilling on radio shows, on his blog and everywhere else about how player x is lazy, coach y is an idiot and how the fans like hot dogs.
Now depending on where your thoughts lie i guess this would be a good or bad thing … i personally am pretty happy that there is not a “quote machine” like Schilling on the team. Keep it in the clubhouse.
by KyCubsFan on Feb 5, 2009 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
rebuttal 1
If we didn’t win then we would have to listen to schilling on radio shows, on his blog and everywhere else about how player x is lazy, coach y is an idiot and how the fans like hot dogs.
and this is different from BCB how? ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 5, 2009 4:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Y'know, I could actually see him fitting in around here.
We are a fever ... we are a fever ... we ain't born typical.
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 5, 2009 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well then...
… go to his blog and invite him.
FWIW, reading over his posts, he sure isn’t talking like a guy who’s an active player or who wants to pitch again.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 5, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Roberto Novoa?
Erm, well if we are going to call Milton Bradley nicknames, mine is Fischer Price: yes, you heard it here first..
by Chanman25 on Feb 4, 2009 5:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why Did You Choose Him...
… over:
Phil Cavarretta (player and M)(1941-53),
Burt Hooton(1971-75),
Mike Garman(1976),
Dave Giusti(1977),
Ken Reitz(1981),
Dick Ruthven(1983-86),
Drew Hall(1986-88),
Steve Wilson(1989-91),
Jeff Hartsock(1992),
Bill Brennan(1993),
Amaury Telemaco(1996-98),
Chris Haney(1998),
Tony Fossas(1998),
Kyle Farnsworth(1999-04),
Roberto Novoa(2005-06),
Chad Fox (2008)
Jake Peavy (2009 – ??)
by initram on Feb 4, 2009 5:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Because he was one of Dusty's horses,
so he is the obvious choice!
Erm, well if we are going to call Milton Bradley nicknames, mine is Fischer Price: yes, you heard it here first..
by Chanman25 on Feb 4, 2009 5:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Who is this Peavy of which you speak?
Never heard of him.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 4, 2009 5:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You'd rather have #44?
You mean the White Sox Fan, President Obama?
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
by zevkalman on Feb 5, 2009 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Have you seen Mr. President's knuckleball??
That kid could make Tim Wakefield look like crap!
Oh wait…that was his fastball?
by northernsails on Feb 5, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, That'd be a good idea if he was healthy
Erm, well if we are going to call Milton Bradley nicknames, mine is Fischer Price: yes, you heard it here first..
by Chanman25 on Feb 4, 2009 5:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
This could work out great...
He can come in July or so and take over when Harden gets hurt
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
by bren on Feb 4, 2009 5:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
A 42-year-old coming off shoulder surgery?
Um, no.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 4, 2009 5:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention Curt has a "look at me" complex
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Feb 4, 2009 5:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that
I would be okay with signing one of the most dominant big game pitchers of all time.
Los Cachorros!
by Laven on Feb 4, 2009 5:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, five years ago he was.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 4, 2009 5:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and...
a mouth that don’t know when to shut!
I dont care who the new owner is as long as he/she/them come equipped with a Jake Peavy and a Joe Beimel!!!
by cubsluver22 on Feb 4, 2009 8:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The early returns............
………are very favorable. Schilling’s doctor has been amazed by his progress.
And remember, this would be a deal to cover the last half of the season, not a 4-year contract. No one would sign him, even for the short haul, unless he was healthy. In fact, I doubt Schilling himself would even seek a contract unless he felt he could go full tilt and contribute to a team.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Feb 4, 2009 5:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If I had a nickel...
…for every time a doctor, GM, agent, or source was “amazed” by a player’s recovery, I’d have beaten out the Ricketts’ bid.
by Flatley on Feb 4, 2009 5:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt Schilling would take a nickel.........
………from a team if he didn’t feel he could contribute. He’s got all the money he’ll ever need, and he’s more concerned about tarnishing his image at this stage of his career than turning a buck.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Feb 4, 2009 6:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he might take a "schilling!"
oh, I am witty!
Erm, well if we are going to call Milton Bradley nicknames, mine is Fischer Price: yes, you heard it here first..
by Chanman25 on Feb 4, 2009 6:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
re: he might take a "schilling"
So are the Red Sox going on the cheap by replacing Schilling with Brad Penny?
by Jody Jody Davis on Feb 5, 2009 12:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
To coin a phrase, no.
We are a fever ... we are a fever ... we ain't born typical.
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 5, 2009 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad Kevin Cash can't catch them anymore!
That battery would be money, no?
by Hawkeye Hellraiser on Feb 5, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Took me a little while to get your joke,
but then the penny dropped.
by N Oakley on Feb 5, 2009 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Change
of attitude with Schilling on our staff and his WS experience would be fine by me
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 5, 2009 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
forgot
just my two cents
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 5, 2009 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not a fan of Schilling and
wanted to get my bias in the open early.
That said, I’m certain Schilling will come back if his shoulder allows. He appears to be a guy very attuned to his stats and legacy. He would know he is debatable for the HOF and may want the opportunity to add something to his legacy. A few more wins, one more good playoff start, etc.
If he’s healthy, he could help a club needing another starter late in the season.
As for the Cubs, chemistry seems as important as another starter, so I vote no to dropping clubhouse attention hog in the mix late in the season.
by N Oakley on Feb 5, 2009 8:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Schilling has over 3000 strikeouts.
That’s been a HoF ticket in the past — that and his WS heroics should have him in already.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 5, 2009 8:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Understood.
Those are the arguments I hear from people who think he’s in, others decry him as a good pitcher with a 20 year career.
I really don’t want to enter a debate on Schilling, I was just commenting he would be aware some say he’s no sure thing and I perceive him to be the type to keep going to resolve all debate.
by N Oakley on Feb 5, 2009 8:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's the wrong reason to keep pitching.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 5, 2009 9:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW............
………..Schilling himself does not believe he’s HOF material. That might just be an attempt at modesty, but he’s repeatedly said that he does not belong in Cooperstown.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Feb 5, 2009 9:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
False modesty, I suspect.
Kind of a way to say, “Oh, I don’t belong”, while saying that he hopes all the writers look at his career and say, “Sure he does.”
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 5, 2009 9:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Fully agree.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Feb 5, 2009 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Schilling is an A-hole...
but talk about veteran playoff experience (winning experience). Al, I believe you wanted Kevin Millar for purposes of attitude and the experience with the Bosox in ’04, well here is another guy from that team who certainly knows the ropes. He may not have a lot left in the tank, but neither does Millar.
by jbertram on Feb 5, 2009 8:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I gave up on the Millar thing long ago.
It was just an idea.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 5, 2009 8:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And not a bad one, all things considered.
I saw on MLBn that Millar has been offered a minor league deal with the Blue Jays.
We are a fever ... we are a fever ... we ain't born typical.
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 5, 2009 10:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you believe............
………..the Cubs’ clubhouse had very little fire last season, clearly Schilling is a guy who would bring in a tanker truck of gasoline and a flame thrower.
IMHO the Cubs’ locker room DOES lack character, and this is just the kind of player that might make a difference.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Feb 5, 2009 9:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Make him a coach, then.
I’m joking, of course. But if you think Curt Schilling will be better than 5 of the 7-8 Cubs we have ready to start…I don’t know what to tell you.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
by Bildo1805 on Feb 5, 2009 9:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If Curt Schilling says he's ready...........
…………..then there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s be superior to Marshall, Heilman, Guadin, et al.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Feb 5, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't that why the Cubs signed Milton?
He’s bringing the intensity to the clubhouse.
To add Schilling on top of that would be akin to smoking at the gas station.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Feb 5, 2009 10:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Totally open to hearing / seeing him out
Much later on than “in the now”. Ownership situation hopefully finalized. Hendry will have the payroll parameters. The team is 50, 60, 70 games into the season.
The Cubs would be silly not to have an open mind.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Feb 5, 2009 10:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm having a hard time formulating an opinion on this...
…because I don’t think Schilling will ever be a Cub. But if you put a gun to my head, I’d say no.
We are a fever ... we are a fever ... we ain't born typical.
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 5, 2009 10:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Depends on if I wanted you to say yes.
by N Oakley on Feb 5, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I meant...
…“No, please, don’t put that gun to my head!”
We are a fever ... we are a fever ... we ain't born typical.
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 5, 2009 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Assuming the BoSox...........
………..are in the hunt, then yes, I don’t think Schilling would wind up here. But if they are out of contention and the Cubs are near the front, I could see his ego suggesting he could break yet another “curse”.
And if he’s throwing the ball well and feeling healthy, I see very little downside to adding this guy.
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Feb 5, 2009 10:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I could see him coming in...
…the way Steve Trachsel did at the end of ’07. Of course, that would probably mean that one of the Cubs existing starters were down with an injury, which is obviously well within the realm of possibility.
In that case, Schilling could be just the kind of veteran clubhouse presence the Cubs need in the postseason. I know he’s got a big mouth, but I’m open to just about anything that breaks the status quo of the last two playoff runs trip-and-falls.
Then again, it’s hard to imagine the Red Sox being out of contention. But anything’s possible, I guess. IIRC, very few if any predicted the Indians would be raising the white flag midseason the way they did this past year.
We are a fever ... we are a fever ... we ain't born typical.
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 5, 2009 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
re I guess I could see him coming in...
…the way Steve Trachsel did at the end of ’07. Of course, that would probably mean that one of the Cubs existing starters were down with an injury, which is obviously well within the realm of possibility
Injury or fall to earth. It is always possible that Dempster or Lilly do not produce as they did last season, and one gets moved to the pen with Schilling taking their place.
I like the idea personally, he is winner, and has the competitive edge we lacked IMO.
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 5, 2009 1:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If he came in at the end of the season...
… let’s hope he’d be FAR better than Trachsel, who sucked.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 5, 2009 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess...
…but I find an injury far more likely than Dempster or Lilly getting so bad they’d have to be relegated to the pen.
We are a fever ... we are a fever ... we ain't born typical.
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 5, 2009 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
but anything is possible, so i was throwing it out there
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 5, 2009 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Unrestricted
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Feb 5, 2009 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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