« Multimedia: Papelbon holds court
Main
Multimedia: More sights and sounds from spring training »
February 18, 2008
As he left the minor league complex this morning, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling spoke to a handful of reporters, his first public remarks since news that he and the team were at odds on the proper course of treatment for his arm injuries.
Schilling's specialist, Dr. Craig Morgan of Wilmington, Del., has recommended surgery and believes without it, Schilling won't be able to pitch again. Red Sox staff doctors, however, say that with rest and rehab, he could be back by mid-season.
``At the end of the day,'' said Schilling, ``this is not something I can control...It wasn't my decision to make.''
Asked if be believed the prescribed program will eventually succeed in getting him back on the mound, Schilling said: ``I have to -- I don't have any choice. If this course of action doesn't work, I won't pitch again this year.
``It's certainly not the best spot to be in. I'm disappointed that after 21 years, my career may end this way. The best-case scenario is that this works in short order and I can get back to throwing.''
If his rehab takes most of the year, or surgery is ultimately the only course of option, Schilling, who had inteneded to retire after this season, was asked if we be open to returning in 2009.
``I haven't even thought about it,'' he said.
More -- much more -- from Schilling soon.
-- SEAN McADAM
Posted by Mike McDermott 
at 10:41 AM | Permalink
