Curt Schilling to the Cubs?

By Brett on March 1, 2009

Curt Schilling is old, broken, and kind of a jerk.

But he’s interested in pitching for the Chicago Cubs this year and that makes him all right. More intriguingly, the Cubs reportedly return his interest.

Schilling, 42, didn’t pitch at all last year due to shoulder problems. He’s been dominant when healthy – oh, and like, much younger.

No team is going to sign Schilling to a major league deal, but if he’s willing to accept a minor league contract (which, for him, would essentially just be an extended try out to make the major league club), the Cubs have nothing to lose.

This is likely one of those first-glance-interesting stories that not only doesn’t really have legs, but also wouldn’t be that great if it actually went down anyway.

All the mainstream media types cite Schilling’s excellent career record and even better post-season record in saying that he could help the Cubs.

Well, that’s all well and good. But his ERA is over 4.00 over the last four years – which, again, includes 2008, where he didn’t pitch at all.

Shrug. So again, if he wants to take a minor league deal to try and show he’s better than the 50 other fifth starter types the Cubs have, cool. Go for it. Otherwise, like I said, it’s just an interesting story.

Posted in Analysis and Commentary, Chicago Cubs Rumors | Tagged Chicago Cubs

Brett

Brett Taylor is the lead writer at Bleacher Nation, and can also be found as Bleacher Nation on Twitter and on Facebook.

Kenster Is that 3 straight lefties the Cubs are facing? Or is Gomez a righty? I wouldn't be able to handle seeing the lefty lineup... – May 21, 6:03 PM
baseballet I hope enough time has passed that the Pirates have forgotten that Garza gets the yips when the throws to first base. No bunting... – May 21, 5:58 PM
fromthemitten huh, so much for Castro as the leadoff hitter vs. lefties experiment – May 21, 5:57 PM
Timothy Scarbrough Is it just me, or does Wandy always kill the Cubs? – May 21, 5:55 PM
Dynastyin2017 What do you see when you watch him play? – May 21, 5:32 PM
5412 Hi, If it came to a tossup, there is good reason to keep Camp. It is not a bad thing for an organization to... – May 21, 5:28 PM
Cubs_Questions The velocity on Bowden's fastball is down for the second straight season, from 92.6 mph in 2011 to 89.9 mph now. That's not exactly... – May 21, 5:25 PM
Steve Ontiveros' Mustache The only way this makes sense is if Bowden clears waivers and goes to Iowa as a stash. But even then, I don't think... – May 21, 5:21 PM
DarthHater Sanchez is better than Bowden, so go ahead and be excited.. – May 21, 5:04 PM
Justin I really don't think the FO cares too much if Bowden clears waivers or not. What he has done this year is probably his... – May 21, 4:56 PM

As Expected, Cubs DFA Michael Bowden to Make Room For Matt Garza
21 May 2013

The Cubs now have 10 days to trade, waive, or release the 26-year-old righty.

(16 Comments)
Chicago Cubs Claim Reliever Eduardo Sanchez Off Waivers from Cardinals
21 May 2013

The 24-year-old righty was excellent in 2011 before falling off over the last two years.

(20 Comments)
Gentle, but Forceful, Reminder: Sign Up for the $300 BN Fantasy Contest
21 May 2013

Friends, Romans, countrymen. Lend me your 5 minutes to sign up and have some fun.

(4 Comments)
Telephone: Ian Stewart Says that Theo Epstein Says that Josh Vitters is the Future at Third Base
21 May 2013

Could it be that the organization still believes Vitters is the long-term answer at third base?

(63 Comments)
BN Podcast Episode 28: Garza’s Return, Price’s Injury, Castro’s Focus, and the Elephant in the Room
21 May 2013

What exactly are we looking for from Matt Garza over the next couple months? What's coming for Starlin Castro? And what's up with David Price's arm?

(1 Comment)
Keep Your Hand Off the Javier Baez Panic Button and Other Bullets
21 May 2013

There is still plenty of time, and plenty of good indicators, including the most important ones at this point in his development.

(25 Comments)
Cubs Minor League Daily: Gates of Time
21 May 2013

Albert Almora is coming back, and a number of prospects are heating up.

(28 Comments)

In addition to news, Bleacher Nation publishes both rumor and opinion, as well as information reported by other sources. Information on Bleacher Nation may contain errors or inaccuracies, though we try to avoid them. Links to content and the quotation of material from other news sources are not the responsibility of Bleacher Nation. Photos used either are the property of Bleacher Nation or are believed to be in the public domain. Legitimate requests to remove copyrighted photos not in the public domain will be honored promptly.

web analytics