How About Curt Schilling For One Year?

by Ian Casselberry on Oct 31, 2007 11:59 AM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

There's already a growing concern that the Detroit Tigers are skewing a little too far toward the old side after trading for Edgar Renteria. That's not going to change if - as expected - the team re-signs Kenny Rogers and Todd Jones in the off-season.

But I'm of the opinion that the Tigers could use another veteran starting pitcher in addition to Rogers. That doesn't necessarily mean I'd like to see another 40-year-old join Detroit's rotation. But there is one who might be interested.

Curt Schilling filed for free agency yesterday, and the Boston Globe is reporting that the Red Sox aren't expected to bring him back unless he's willing to accept a contract with a low base salary and heavy on incentive bonuses. After stating on the radio that he's only looking for a one-year deal, Schilling wrote a post about his free agency on his blog and listed 12 teams that meet his family's assorted criteria, including the ability to contend for a post-season spot.

Cleveland, Detroit, Anaheim, New York Mets, Philadelphia, Atlanta, L.A., S.D., Arizona, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis, Milwaukee

Schilling started 24 games for the Red Sox this past season, finishing with a 9-8 record and 3.87 ERA over 151 1/3 innings. He struck out 101 batters while issuing only 23 walks. During Boston's post-season run, Schilling had a 3-0 record and 3.00 ERA in five starts (24 innings). He allowed 25 hits, and 16 strikeouts with three walks.

But Schilling likely doesn't have the gas to pitch 200 innings and start 30+ games anymore. And it's been heavily discussed how he's tried to make the adjustment from power fireballer to finesse craftsman.

Knowing that it would only be for one year, holding a spot in the starting rotation until prospects such as Andrew Miller or Dallas Trahern are ready for prime time, is Schilling worth the Tigers' interest?

(via MLB Trade Rumors)

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Make the call...

The Tigers are in win now mode, and the payroll is going to be well north of 100 million anyway. If I'm Dave Dombrowski, I make the call to Schilling.

He's not what he once was, he's more of a 5-6 inning pitcher now. Without question, he's also an attention whore. But he can still pitch well, especially in big games, and would be a great 1 season stop gap, lessing the pressure on Miller, Vasquez, Trahern, Tata, et all. But do you want both Rogers and Schilling? I might be willing to risk it.

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by Big Al on Oct 31, 2007 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

I see no reason to not make an offer

I'd float a number out there (to Schilling) and I'd probably take a flyer on another guy with good stuff who hasn't been able to put it together. I am lifting that idea from Dave Cameron of USS Mariner, so I may as well lift one of the names he's mentioned, Rodrigo Lopez.

Maybe not necessarily Lopez, but somebody like that. A guy who won't cost much and has the potential to give a decent outing every fifth day.

What I'd like to see the Tigers do is get comfortable enough with their starters to where they're not looking to promote Miller the first time he gives up one run in eight innings.

by mattintoledo on Oct 31, 2007 2:14 PM EDT reply actions

Absolutely

Tigers can't pass this up. Make a strong offer fast so if Boston passes, we're up on his list. He's worth 8-10 wins during the season and he's going to last through the postseason, as we've seen. It's nice to develop what we have but why not shore it up if the front office is willing to pay?

by John Kmiecik on Oct 31, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

in an instant

He's Curts Schilling. I'd rather have him than Kenny, just on injury basis alone. But he's incredible. The mental side could help the young guys out, too.