The Bronx Stop: A Yankees Blog

By Nick Cafardo and Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe:

Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling will not be ready for the start of spring training because of shoulder issues, and is engaged in a dispute with the club over whether he needs surgery, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter. Furthermore, the sources said the Red Sox attempted to void his $8 million contract for 2008.

Schilling's shoulder woes are more serious than the ones that caused the club to shut him down for seven weeks last season. His availability for the start of the season is in question, and surgery would call into question whether he will pitch in 2008.

Schilling recently went to see Dr. Craig Morgan, who performed his shoulder surgery in 1995. Morgan, citing HIPAA regulations, referred all questions to Schilling, who when reached via e-mail by the Globe's Amalie Benjamin today wrote only "I cannot comment right now on any of this, sorry!". Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein e-mailed a "no comment" when asked about Schilling's condition. But it is believed Morgan is recommending Schilling have surgery, while the club is recommending another course.

This is kind of a bittersweet moment for Yankees fans. Although Schilling isn't exactly a great pitcher anymore, it still throws a wrench in the Red Sux plans.

However, the logical choice to replace Schilling in Boston's rotation is Clay Buchholz. Probably a better pitcher than Schilling-- but who knows.

We will see where this leads...I'll have more as it develops.