Friday, June 23 Schilling open to playing for contender ESPN.com news services |
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PHILADELPHIA -- Andy Ashby might not be the only right-hander looking for a way out of Philadelphia. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Curt Schilling wants to discuss with Phillies management the possibility of a trade to a contending team before the July 31 deadline.
"I would like to sit down with (general manager) Ed (Wade) and talk about it," Schilling told the newspaper. "I would be willing to discuss the possibility of a trade." When asked directly if he wanted to be traded, Schilling said: "I think it's more that I've been here nine years, and eight of them we've lost. I want to be on a championship team. If the situation presents itself, and the Phillies can get better by dealing me, I'd be receptive to it." Schilling has a no-trade clause, but would be open to a limited number of teams. There is certainly a market for starting pitching as the deadline approaches. According to the Inquirer, the Yankees and Mets are thought to be two teams Schilling would be willing to waive his no-trade clause. The Indians, Diamondbacks, Cardinals and Braves also are believed to be on his list. "Everyone is tradable. Everyone can be had," Schilling said. "Ultimately, the onus falls on me to be good enough to be worth something. Ed's going to have to get offered the right deal. For that to happen, I have to feel great and pitch well." Schilling, 33, is signed through next season at a very affordable $6.5 million. In 10 starts, Schilling has struggled overall with a 2-4 record and 5.43 ERA. He has allowed 77 hits in 64 2/3 innings. "Nobody is untouchable; that's true," Wade said. "But we already have one top-of-the-rotation pitcher (Andy Ashby) we're trying to move. Our preference is still to have Curt at the top of our rotation." Ashby, who could be a free agent at the end of the season, has said he and Wade have already talked about a potential trade. Ashby, a two-time All-Star, was acquired in the offseason from San Diego to complement Schilling and lead the Phillies into playoff contention. But he has had a rough start, going 2-7 with a 6.16 ERA in 13 starts.
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