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Midway through the 2000 season, Curt Schilling was traded from Philadelphia to Arizona. In 2001, Curt Schilling put up marvelous numbers as a Diamondback. Schilling went 22-6, 256.7 IP, 293 K's, 39 BB's, 2.98 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.075. That season, Schilling finished 2nd behind Randy Johnson, his teammate, in the NL Cy Young voting. Also that season, the Arizona Diamondbacks made it to the World Series. In 7 games, the D-Backs beat out the New York Yankees, making them look like Little Leaguer's. Schilling put up an astounding 4-0 record with a 1.61 ERA in those playoffs. And he shared the World Series MVP Award with fellow teammate, Randy Johnson. Here are Schilling's combined Regular Season Statistics from 2000-2003 in Arizona.

Those are outstanding numbers. Those are numbers that a Hall of Fame pitcher is known for. In November of 2003, Theo Epstein and the Boston Red Sox came calling for the services of a pitcher that had finished 2nd in the Cy Young voting in back to back seasons. Schilling pitched incredibly in 2004. And then in the ALDS, Schilling injured his ankle. In Game 1 of the ALCS vs the Yankees, Schilling pitched dreadfully. His season was in doubt, and so was the Red Sox' season. They went down into an 0-3 hole to the Yanks. And then created a spark in Game 4. By Game 6, Schilling was able to return after surgery to his ankle, and pitched a game that he will never forget. The "Bloody Sock" game. And the Red Sox went on to win the series 4-3. Which is known as the single greatest choke in sports history, on the part of the New York Yankees. Of course, Boston went on to win the World Series over St. Louis in 4 games. Schilling in 2005 spent time on the DL and then time in the bullpen. His time in the bullpen didnt exactly work out to well.

It's 2007, Schilling has been on the DL some more, lost velocity in his pitches, added a few breaking balls, reached the age of 40 and is at the end of his contract with the Red Sox. Boston is on its way to winning the AL East for the first time in over a decade. Here are Schilling's combined Regular Season Statistics from 2004-2007 in Boston.

Schilling is not as dominant as he used to be. This season isn't over yet, he has a few starts left to be able to maybe shave off some points on his ERA and in other areas. But regardless of how he does at the end of this season, he still can be seen to be not nearly the pitcher he once was. "I Aint As Good As I Once Was". That should be on the calling card for Schilling. Schilling has lost velocity on his fastball. Early on in his career he was able to reach 95-97mph. Now he's consistently reaching 90-92mph. He has since added a changeup and/or a curveball. Both of which have at times graced Schilling with a way to get batters out. His splitter as always, is his out pitch. Schilling has shown this season that he indeed does have something left in the tank. He started off very well, right beside Beckett. His April ERA was 3.27. And then fell off. And then on June 7th against the Oakland Athletics, he nearly reached his first no-hitter. This season has been up and down for Curt. Recently, Schilling has stated that indeed he would like to use the remainder of the season to get back to his ace status, but is also looking ahead.

Schilling's contract is about to end at the end of this season with Boston, and Curt is scanning the field.

"I have a list. Obviously one of the things I will do at the end of the season is sit down and write to those teams on that list, explain my situation, and explain the situation that I want to go into. I'm not going to need anything special."

He shouldn't request anything special. He's 40, and isn't coming off an All Star quality year in 2007. He has stated that he has a 10 team list of possibilities. According to Schilling, Boston has done nothing to try and renegotiate a contract with him. Curt is wanting a 1 year deal, with a team that is an obvious World Series contender. And the only exception to that would be a young team like the Devil Rays. Honestly, I dont see why he would consider them. No shot at the post season, and I don't think he'd even be the ace of that staff. Scott Kazmir would. Scott Kazmir's 2007 Statistics:

Kazmir obviously has problems with walks. But of as you can see, he is a huge strikeout pitcher. He is still only 23 years old. Curt would definately be the #2 of that staff. Curt wants to win. He wants to be one of the aces of a staff. He wants a 1 year deal. He wants another World Series ring, even though he could possibly get one this season. He wouldnt get a shot in Tampa Bay.

So, where in the world will Curt be in 2008? Here are a few teams that I think could definately use Schilling for one season.

The Twins have one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball in Johan Santana. They have an incredible closer in Joe Nathan. What they need is another starter. The 2-5 spots of their rotation is anything but formidable. Starters 2-5 combined ERA is 4.15. Granted, Fransisco Liriano is due back next season. But there is no problem with having 3 big time pitchers. Liriano blew out his arm in 2006 because he was used way to much. He's young, and didnt need to be used like that. Adding Schilling would be perfect for this staff. He could take pressure off of Santana and Liriano. This team won the AL Central out of nowhere in 2006 and got the boot early on in the playoffs. Adding Schilling with the hopes that he can at least give them a 15 win season and a 3.0-3.5 ERA type of season could boost their chances.

The Mariners have come out of sky this season to lead the AL Wild Card chase and only be a game back of the Angels in the AL West. They are one of the better hitting teams in the majors. But as pointed out several times by my right hand man, Coletrain, they dont have much of a starting rotation. They've got a bullpen, thats for sure. The Mariners are 9th in ERA, 11th in BAA, and 9th in WHIP. And of course, 3rd in Saves. Schilling could come in and possibly take over the #1 spot, but young Felix Rodriguez looks to have that on lock down. Schilling could easily be the 2nd ace, and pay dividends for the Mariners. The 2-5 starters of the Mariner rotation have a combined ERA of 5.29. That is why they need help from a veteran in Schilling. This team like the Twins, can be World Series contenders.

I'd be willing to bet Curt would have no problem going back to the NL. The Mets have an aging ace in Tom Glavine that has not had the best year of his career. At 11-6, 4.15 ERA, and only has 76 K's. He's 41 also. Guys like Oliver Perez, Orlando Hernandez, and John Maine all have ERA's in the 3's. They are all practically carrying the rotation while the ace struggles. And if that isnt reason enough to say that the Mets dont need Curt, they do have Pedro Martinez coming back. Well, to me Pedro isnt nearly a guarantee to be succesful for this season or for much longer he is in New York. Glavine is seemingly on the back end of his career. And what's to say guys like Perez will continue their success in a Mets uniform? Schilling could be used as an insurance policy. This team is a World Series contender right now, and will be for years to come. They need to get younger in the pitching staff, but if they want to win NOW, Schilling would be great for 2008.

The Cubs are one of the best pitching teams in the MLB this season. They have gotten a lot from Zambrano, Lily, and Hill. They look great this season. But I dont think these same guys will get it done again. Ted Lily this season is 13-7 with a 3.85 ERA. This is in fact is his best season in a while. From 2003-2006 Lily's ERA average was 4.56. He doesnt seem like a guaranteed success for 2008. Schilling could come in and take over the #2 spot of the rotation. Then the Cubs would look like this...

1. Zambrano

2. Schilling

3. Lily

4. Marquis

5. Hill/Marshall

Not to bad.

10th in ERA, 10th in BAA, 9th in OPS, and 10th in WHIP. That's the Brewers pitching numbers this year in the NL. They have their ace in Ben Sheets, but the rest of the starters aren't any better than Scott Farnsworth. They already have the closer spot nailed down in Cordero, and a star studded bunch of young guns in the field and in the lineup. This season, they were at one point one of the hottest teams, leading the NL Central. And now they are 2.5 games back. And I'd be willing to bet they needed some starting pitching.

There are other teams as well. But then I'd have to do so much more for this blog and you'd have to read so much more.

Other Teams:

Chicago White Sox

Los Angeles Dodgers

St. Louis Cardinals

There are a lot of options for Curt Schilling to think about. He's his own agent at times. Boston really does need to try and lock him up. They have Beckett, Dice K, Lester, and Wakefield. They can of course find another young arm, but I think it would be right to try and keep one of more important members of their recent World Series winning team on the roster. I'd love to see Curt in a Red Sox uniform in 2008.

I dont think the New York Yankees would even be an option here. They for one don't need him. And of course, Curt has said he would NEVER play for the Yankees.

"That's not a place I think I could finish my career after what's happened here."

BOO-YAH!!!!