Arizona Diamondbacks' pitcher Curt Schilling throws in a 2002 game against the Atlanta Braves.
All-Star pitcher Schilling could be headed to Boston
The Red Sox could be on the verge of adding All-Star pitcher Curt Schilling to their roster.
WFAN radio in New York and CBS Sportsline.com are reporting that the Red Sox have a tentative deal in place with the Arizona Diamondbacks that would bring pitcher Schilling to Boston in exchange for lefty Casey Fossum and prospects.
ESPN.com is reporting that the deal would send Fossum and prospects to the Milwaukee Brewers, which would then send slugger Richie Sexson to the Diamondbacks.
Schilling, who would have to waive his no-trade clause, has 72 hours to accept or reject the deal. He had said earlier this month that he would only accept a trade to the Yankees or the Phillies.
The 37-year-old Schilling began his career as a prospect in the Boston farm system but never played for the major league club. He was part of a 1988 deal with the Orioles that landed Mike Boddicker in Boston. He went just 8-9 with a 2.95 ERA in an injury-shortened 2003, but won 23 games in 2002 for Arizona. He has also pitched for Philadelphia and Houston.
Schilling is slated to make $12 million next year, the final year of his current contract. He reportedly is seeking a three-year extension.
With Schilling as a member of their starting staff, to go along with Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe, the Red Sox would indeed have one of the more formidable rotations in all of baseball. For his career, Schilling is 163-117 with a 3.33 ERA. He has been regarded as the top offseason trade target of the Yankees, who stepped back in their pursuit when the Diamondbacks asked for Alfonso Soriano and Nick Johnson in return.
Since the Phillies traded Schilling to Arizona in 2000, the fireballer was 58-28. The tandem of Schilling and Randy Johnson led the Diamondbacks to the World Series title in 2001.
