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DAN SHAUGHNESSY

Famous guest blogs in

Given 'invite,' Schilling issues direct answers

Curt Schilling isn't one to sit on an opportunity to get an unfiltered message to the fans. (FILE/BRIAN SNYDER/REUTERS)

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Getting a little tired and bored here in the final week of the Grapefruit League circuit so I thought I'd take the day off and let Curt Schilling do the work. Schill started writing his own blog a few weeks ago, so today he fills the space with his latest Q & A session with fellow bloggers.

(Note: This is an abridged text. Because of space limitations, we are unable to reprint the entire posting, which was approximately the same length as Doris Kearns Goodwin's "Team of Rivals.")

38 Pitches: Fire away guys. I've got a few hours of spare time before my next start and would be happy to answer questions about anything. Like I've been saying, the idea of this blog is that it allows me to communicate directly with my fans without any misrepresentations from those nitwits in the media.

Sycophant38: Hey, Curt. This blog is so cool. I can't believe you actually communicate with us directly. You will always be a god to me, Curt. You and the bloody sock. You honor me and my friends with this blog. So, let me ask you, do you think you would have won 25 last year if the umps weren't squeezing you?

38 Pitches: You'll never get me to say anything bad about the men in blue, Sycophant38. But thanks for joining the chat.

Lapdog38: Hey Curt. This blog is awesome. I mean, I can't believe it's really you. I'm nervous just typing, knowing you are there on the other end. Let me tell you a little about myself. I am 38 years old (pretty cool, huh, 38?) and I have your jersey in XXL (both home and away versions). I'm living at home, in the basement, rent free, and I've got cable and plasma TV. Domino's delivers. I guess you could say I'm living the dream. Anyway, I was wondering if you could tell us who's going to be on the final 25-man roster for the Sox this year?

38 Pitches: Whoa, there, Lapdog38. I know you guys first heard about Pap being our closer on this blog, but I've promised the owners, Theo, and Tito I'll try not to break any more news here. I'll leave that to the "sportswriters," if you know what I'm saying. Just don't believe everything you read, ha ha.

Suckup38: Curt, you are the best. Thank you for this blog. It completes me. You had me at hello. I have blood stains on all my white socks. I was wondering if you would please consider going back to the negotiating table with the Red Sox during the season. If you leave Boston, I'll be forced to leave, myself.

38 Pitches: Don't get carried away there, Suckup38. I know it's difficult, but try to remember that even though I am the ace of the staff and delivered a World Series to you after 86 years, and am serving my fellow man in every way imaginable, I am still only one man. And I will not negotiate through the media. I think I've been pretty clear on that in all of my news-breaking interviews with WEEI.

Fanboy38: God bless you, Schill. You are the greatest human being, ever. I'm glad you have this blog because I could never speak to you face-to-face. It's so much easier to communicate anonymously, without eye contact or using my real name. That's why blogs are better. Anyway, I was wondering if you'd consider running for Senate or perhaps President? The White House could use a guy like you, Schill.

38 Pitches: That's flattering, Fanboy38, but I just feel there is so much good I can do with my other ventures, saving the planet, saving mankind, etc. I wouldn't want to be stuck in a stuffy Oval Office all day, unable to speak my mind. I much prefer a forum like this where all of you can say whatever you like about me. No holds barred. Good spontaneous give-and-take. Just let it fly.

Loser38: I used to go to Star Trek conventions and comic book trade shows. No more. Now this blog is my life. My girlfriend says I'm spending too much time on this site. I say she's being ridiculous. I mean, what's six hours a day when you have a chance to communicate -- cyberspace to cyberspace -- with a legitimate Hall of Famer? Do you think I'm being reasonable, Schill?

38 Pitches: I've learned that greatness comes with a price. Only you can decide if you're willing to pay that price. Personally, I'm spending about eight hours a day with this site and that's not easy when you have as many responsibilities as I have. Whenever I begin to question things I just ask myself, "What would Gandhi do?" I mean, I never met the man, but I heard he was a really good guy. I think he would have been into 38 Studios.

LonelyHeartClub38: Any chance you can blog during games this year?

38 Pitches: Funny you should ask. I've been toying with the idea of blogging between innings. I mean, how cool would that be? I come into the dugout after punching out Vernon Wells, then I tap out some thoughts for all of you and return to the mound for the second inning.

CHB38: What do you say to those media morons who contend that you are a self-important blowhard with an ill-informed opinion about everything and an insatiable need to be worshipped by sheep-like fans and late-night blog boys who live in Ma's basement?

38 Pitches: I say bring 'em on. You think it's easy being player-manager/staff ace/media go-to guy/entrepreneur/candidate-in-waiting/savior of the universe? Walk a mile in my shoes, big guy. Meanwhile, I've got to call it a night. Thank you all for writing and keeping it real. Forever yours, 38 Pitches.

Dan Shaughnessy is a Globe columnist. His e-mail address is dshaughnessy@globe.com.

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