TAMPA - Derek Jeter thinks Curt Schilling's shoulder injury is a blow to the Red Sox. Jorge Posada believes Boston's likely replacements might be just as good. But both Yankees agree on one thing - even without Schilling, a postseason wiz and an anchor of Boston's pitching staff since 2004, the Red Sox are still a strong team.
"I'm sure they're better off with him, what he's done for that team," Jeter said Friday. "He's been as consistent as they come, especially when you're talking about postseason. Schilling's one of those guys who enjoys the big games, he doesn't shy away from them and he performs well.
Asked if he thought Schilling's shoulder woes could tilt the balance in the AL East, Posada said, "We'll see, you know? I don't know. They've got other pitchers, (Jon) Lester and (Clay) Buchholz. It really doesn't make a difference. They've got a good team, no matter what."
The news broke Thursday that Schilling has a shoulder problem that could keep him out until the All-Star break or even beyond. Dr. Craig Morgan, who has twice operated on Schilling's shoulder, recommended another procedure, but the Sox's medical director disagreed, recommending a conservative approach. Schilling agreed to treat the shoulder with rest and rehab after he saw a third doctor - Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek - who concurred with Red Sox physicians.
Yesterday, Morgan was quoted by The Associated Press as saying, "I think his chance of coming back to pitching with rehab or a conservative approach is zero. He might not come back after surgery, either. However, if the surgery is successful, he should be fully rehabbed by the All-Star break."
The Boston Globe reported yesterday on its Web site that there is a tear in Schilling's rotator cuff and degeneration in his biceps tendon. Morgan described "screaming pain" in the shoulder to the paper.
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"I'm sure they're better off with him, what he's done for that team," Jeter said Friday. "He's been as consistent as they come, especially when you're talking about postseason. Schilling's one of those guys who enjoys the big games, he doesn't shy away from them and he performs well.
Asked if he thought Schilling's shoulder woes could tilt the balance in the AL East, Posada said, "We'll see, you know? I don't know. They've got other pitchers, (Jon) Lester and (Clay) Buchholz. It really doesn't make a difference. They've got a good team, no matter what."
The news broke Thursday that Schilling has a shoulder problem that could keep him out until the All-Star break or even beyond. Dr. Craig Morgan, who has twice operated on Schilling's shoulder, recommended another procedure, but the Sox's medical director disagreed, recommending a conservative approach. Schilling agreed to treat the shoulder with rest and rehab after he saw a third doctor - Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek - who concurred with Red Sox physicians.
Yesterday, Morgan was quoted by The Associated Press as saying, "I think his chance of coming back to pitching with rehab or a conservative approach is zero. He might not come back after surgery, either. However, if the surgery is successful, he should be fully rehabbed by the All-Star break."
The Boston Globe reported yesterday on its Web site that there is a tear in Schilling's rotator cuff and degeneration in his biceps tendon. Morgan described "screaming pain" in the shoulder to the paper.
NY Daily News..
