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Buczilla
03-01-2009, 03:22 PM
Free-agent SP Curt Schilling (Red Sox) said he would be interested in pitching for the Chicago Cubs or Tampa Bay Rays, if he decides to play this season, according to David Whitley of The Orlando Sentinel. He said money would not be a major issue, but he would like to pitch for a team that has championship potential and has never won a title (or hasn't won a title in a long time). Schilling claims his shoulder is in good condition.

http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=556900

Pitcher Schilling Eyes Return; Interested In Cubs, Rays
Kareem Shaker - AHN Sports Reporter

Orlando, FL (AHN) - When a pitcher with a long history of postseason success eyes a return to the majors, he'll likely look at teams with a good chance of making the postseason.

Former World Series MVP and three-time World Series Champion Curt Schilling may be looking to return for his 21st major-league season.

Schilling, 41, is recovering from shoulder surgery, which caused him to miss the entire 2008 season.

Although he hasn't made a decision, Schilling has pointed to the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays as viable options.

The Cubs owned the best record in the National League last season and the Rays were the American League East champs and represented the AL in the World Series.

Schilling put the chances of his return at 20 percent while attending ESPN The Weekend festivities at Walt Disney World Friday.

"I'm pretty sure I'm not going to, but I'm not positive," he said, speaking to ESPN Radio's Erik Kuselias on the "Tirico & Van Pelt" show. "I don't have to make a decision yet, and I'm just not sure if I want to."

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry discussed the Cubs interest in the six-time All-Star with the Chicago Tribune.

"We'll always keep our eye on anybody we think can help us," Hendry told the newspaper. "I have a lot of respect for him. Great pitcher. Great big-game pitcher."

Schilling has a 216-146 career record with a 3.46 ERA and 3,116 strikeouts in 20 seasons with the Orioles, Astros, Phillies, Diamondbacks and Red Sox.

He won the World Series Co-MVP with Randy Johnson in 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Schilling's most memorable performance came during Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees.

With the Red Sox eyeing the first ever comeback from a 3-0 deficit in MLB playoff history, Schilling took the mound with an injured ankle surgically pieced together.

The make-shift surgery caused blood to leak onto his sock, now notably referred to as the "bloody sock" by loyal Red Sox fans.

Schlling won the game with much fanfare and the Red Sox went on to break an 86-year World Series Championship drought.

Schilling went 9-8 with a respectable 3.87 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 2007, and may still have plenty to contribute for a contending team.

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7014259263

Buczilla
03-01-2009, 03:30 PM
From his blog....

This quote:

“I’m not sure if I am coming back or not, but yes, I’d definitely be interested the Cubs, and in Tampa if I did”

Became

“I’m definitely coming back and would play for the Cubs”.

I have said to no one, including myself, that I am definitely coming back, because it’s not true. However if I did, the Cubs, and Tampa, were they to need a starting pitcher for the 2nd half of the season and into October, would be 2 situations I’d be very interested in.

Little ‘misquotes’ lead to news that really isn’t news. First off a team has to want you to make anything of this sort work. I love Joe Maddon, always have, and I’d play for Lou Pinella in a heart beat.

So I’ll be clear here. If I do feel I can be better than I was in 2007, and I do decide to come back, AND either of those teams is in the market for a starting pitcher (because lets face it, both teams have what could be outstanding rotations) I would DEFINITELY be interested in both. The Cubs present as much of a cool challenge for me as the Red Sox did in 04, and Tampa has a roster of guys I’d love to play with.

Oh and for what it’s worth, that’s not an all inclusive list, those were the teams mentioned. People asking about the Sox should understand they are always a potential but this team is stacked with starting pitchers, in addition to having 2 of the better October arms in the history of the game in Josh and Smoltz (and soon to be Lester after another huge year)

....To a mod: Feel free to change the title of this thread. I used the KFFL headline, which after reading his blog entry you can see it is a bit misleading.

Ace Venom
03-01-2009, 05:45 PM
I'm not sure if Schilling would be a great fit for the Cubs, but he could be a good alternative to Jake Peavy. His postseason experience is a great bonus, something the Cubs could have used years ago. I'm not sure if it would help the Cubs now, but I wouldn't complain if the Cubs signed him.

Zagi-CRO
03-04-2009, 04:36 AM
If I were the Cubs CEO - I would not pick Schilling.
There are no reasons for Schilling's signings for the Cubs.

KevinWI
03-05-2009, 01:48 AM
If I were the Cubs CEO - I would not pick Schilling.
There are no reasons for Schilling's signings for the Cubs.

Well...

Schilling is the best post-season pitcher in the last 15 years, and we all know the recent Cubs have a problem performing in the post season (ZING! Little jab for ya north siders).

I wouldn't mind him coming to Milwaukee, though he's appearance not interested.