Monday, March 13, 2006

Curt Schilling's a stand-up guy -- unless he's knocking you down

But since neither of those two teams was the Mets, the door is left open just a crack to criticize Schilling when he does something really stupid — like last week.

Sock Boy capped off an otherwise fine spring training appearance against the Pirates by skulling outfielder Mike Duffy. Hey, it happens. And we’ve been known to cheer headhunting, especially when the recipient plays most of his games in Atlanta or is named Jeter.

Duffy suffered a mild concussion, which I guess is impressive because I didn’t think Schill had enough gas left to inflict a bruise, especially in mid-March.

But then Schilling was quoted in news reports with this blast directed at his victim: "Bottom line is that ball should not have hit him. You've got to be able to get out of the way of that pitch."

Way to duck responsibility, Curt!

Let’s see. Ball was in Schilling’s hand. Schilling threw the ball. Thrown balls in such situations are expected to land in the general vicinity of the area directly above home plate. Duffy’s bean was somewhat northwest of home plate, outside the generally accepted located of pitches.

So it appears to me the responsibility should fall of Schilling, not Duffy.

Duffy, apparently before he caused Schilling to bean him.

However, Curt’s creativity opens a whole new approach to responsibility denial. Consider how it might apply to the following individuals:

Vince Coleman: "It’s not my fault that kids got hurt when I threw those firecrackers. When you see an idiot with an explosive device, you have to be able to get out of the way.

Barry Bonds: "It’s not my fault I (allegedly) took steroids. The people who were giving all that love to Mark McGwire instead of me are to blame."

Roger Clemens: "It’s not my fault I threw the bat. I thought it was the ball."

Oh wait, Clemens actually said that. Maybe Schilling was just trying to follow in Rocket’s footsteps.

If Schilling had said something like "Hey, I feel bad it happened. I hope he recovers." he'd be a hero, or at the very least a decent guy.

But we've seen Curt fold up before. He was outspoken on the steroid issue until he butt was hauled before Congress -- when he suddenly developed amnesia.

4 comments:

Talking Head said...

Very funny post Dave.
"Oh wait, Clemens actually said that. Maybe Schilling was just trying to follow in Rocket’s footsteps."
I think you are right.

Anonymous said...

Of all the guys who've done something for us (2001 and 2004 were definitely for us), Schilling is the hardest to root for. I tend to look past his Yankee-killing accomplishments and think back to that marvelous ninth inning on May 23, 1999 when the Mets scored five off him to beat the Phillies 5-4. When Cedeno slid home with the winning run, I shouted to no cat in particular, "GOOD! GOOD! I HATE THAT GUY!"

Schilling, I meant. Not Cedeno.

Not then, anyway.

Anonymous said...

I don't want to defend Shilling by any means, but his mentality is much that of those "old school" pitchers like Gibson, Marichal and yes even Seaver. You own the mound and if the opposition gets too comfortable, you make them uncomfortable. Back in the day, guys knew to expect to get out the way or fall down if a pitch came their way near their head. Maybe it's me, but I think the game of Baseball is too soft these days. One reason why it's no longer America's pastime anymore. As much as I hate Clemens his fire and competitiveness have lead him to where he is today.

Anonymous said...

Way to duck responsibility, Curt!

This is news, Dave? Schilling has ducked responsibility his entire career. During the '93 season, ol' towel-boy wouldn't even look when Mitchy-poo was on the mound. Granted, there was reason to be concerned, but it was never Schilling's fault for a loss.

The guy obviously is talented. I love the way he pitches. But I tired of his mouth early on.