Quote:
Originally posted by pony_trekker
Schilling was obviously hurt. When was the last time he threw an 88 MPH fastball, high school?
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Something weird is going on over there.
1. Francona was supposedly thinking about pushing his start back a day because of the tendinitis in his ankle. He didn't, presumably because (a) lining up their starters so that Schilling was number 1 is of supreme importance, (b) supposedly all the doctors and trainers (and Schilling) said he was fine and ready to go and (c) he was very impressed with the way Schilling threw in the bullpen session between starts.
I understand there's pressure in Boston and great expectations for Schilling, the Yankee-killer, but do what's best for your team. If the guy will be stronger pitching in Game 2 (and I doubt now that he would have been, but before last night, you had to assume an extra day of rest would have done him some good), pitch him in Game 2.
How is it possible that no one knew the guy was hurting? Is Francona just covering his ass? I think he was hoping that 85% of Schilling would be better than 100% of any other starter not named Pedro and that Schilling would get him 5 or 6 innings and recover fully for his next start. Not so smart.
As for his performance between starts, Schilling supposedly had a cortisone shot
before his bullpen session because he was in so much pain. That's got to tell you something. And that something is: This guy ain't 100%.
2. Why the fuck do you leave him in the game against our lineup when Schilling is peaking at 90 mph and can't seem to find the strikezone? What did you think was going to happen? Were the Yankees going to just fold because we know we can't beat Schilling? Pull the guy. Clearly he's hurtin'.
I will say this, though: Matsui hit his first double off a really good pitch.
3. What does Francona do now? Does Schilling make another start? If he does, will it be in his normal slot in the rotation? Does he rest him and hope for a Game 7?
4. I still think it's going to be a good series. It's just too bad that when the Sox lose, the Sox fans will have another, "If only Schilling had been healthy" what-if.
5. Why didn't Schilling learn from Pedro? Pedro once said, "Wake the Babe up and I'll drill him in the ass." He then got injured and missed the rest of the season. Schilling said something like, "What could be better than making 55,000 New Yorkers shut up?" and then got spanked like a naughty little Catholic school girl. Take a page out of the Yankees' playbook when it comes to making statements. Respect the other team and don't give them locker room material.
6. Does Pedro step up and show some heart in Game 2 or does he fold like a wet napkin?
Thurgreed(I think the Babe tripped Schilling in Anaheim when no one was looking)Marshall
