Dr. Morgan's Harsh Words...Schilling's Career Is OVER!

Yes, you read that title correctly. Dr. Craig Morgan has spoken to the press about the possible career-ending injury to Curt Schilling's right shoulder. And he didn't mince his words. NOT ONE BIT. Read this, and I'll be back with some of my thoughts. This morning, I have plenty of 'em...

"I think his chance of coming back to pitching with rehab or a conservative approach is zero," Dr. Craig Morgan told The Associated Press Friday. "He might not come back after surgery, either. However, if the surgery is successful, he should be fully rehabbed by about the All-Star break."
The Red Sox disagree with Morgan's diagnosis, and the team has recommended rest, rehabilitation and cortisone shots.
The team indicated it would not approve surgery, suggesting it would void Schilling's $8 million contract if he followed Morgan's advice.
"On our conference call on Wednesday it was their strong recommendation that he go with the conservative approach," Morgan told the AP. "And, furthermore, it was their strong — how do I say this? — they would not approve him having surgery. Basically, according to the collective bargaining agreement, if they don't approve it, they don't have to pay him. His contract's null and void."
Schilling was limited to 24 starts last season, when he spent time on the disabled list with tendinitis in his shoulder. He then went 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA in four postseason starts. He signed a one-year contract in November and passed a physical, but the shoulder was not improving as the winter wore on.
Ask by the AP if Schilling's career will be over without surgery, Morgan was emphatic.
"Correct," he said. "I want to be very clear on that. Correct."

Peter here. You see? Dr. Morgan was frank and unsettlingly truthful. Schill is not a youngster. He hasn't been for a decade or so. The healing process will take longer, with rest OR with surgery. The two different paths lead to the same exact destination...the possible end of a wonderful career, filled with masterpieces each time he strode to the mound and took command of a game. ANY GAME. Curt Schilling will be missed. Bigtime. He is one of those guys who is irreplaceable. Clay Buchholz will step into his number four (?) slot in the Red Sox pitching rotation, but it won't be easy. Curt Schilling was and is a winner, and just his presence on the bench will be a huge boost to a Red Sox team that, in 2008, will be practically the same as it was last year. And THEY DID IT ALL in 2007...they went for the gold and came up with it all. Dreams became reality just a few short months ago. And now, it's less than a week until we hear those magic two words..."PLAY BALL!" The trucks are moving out today, and the Boston Red Sox will be prohibitive favorites to do it again. But the baseball season is a long one, and anything could and WILL happen. We already know that...it was a devastating blow to our souls. But Clay Buchholz will be willing to step into the shoes of a former ace, bloody sock and all. We must have faith...faith in a youngster who has amazing movement with every magic pitch he flings towards 'Tek. He baffled the Orioles, and he can do it again.

So, my Constant Readers, keep the faith. That's how we survive...blind faith and sheer love for that team from Boston. They play in a small park that I call a slice of the fabled Emerald City, better known as Fenway Park. It's the place where dreams are born, and every once in a while, they come true! Yes, dreams DO come true. Share the joy throughout this baseball season of 2008. We all will.

If you have time, click on the title of this post for a Boston Herald article, penned by Michael Silverman, that details Schill's plight. It seems like CATCH-22 all over again. Have a great weekend, but remember... I'll be back before you know it. Is that a good thing? I HOPE SO.