Curt

Schilling

He’s one of 11 new names on the ballot, which also includes (in alphabetical order) A.J. Burnett, Michael Cuddyer, Dan Haren, LaTroy Hawkins, Tim Hudson, Torii Hunter, Aramis Ramírez, Nick Swisher, Shane Victorino and Barry Zito. A number of these players had very good careers, but there’s not a no-doubter in the bunch, which should make for an interesting year in terms of voting. Curt Schilling (who received 70 percent of the vote last year) would appear in strong position to make it in his ninth year on the ballot. Roger Clemens (61.0 percent), Barry Bonds (60.7 percent) and Omar Vizquel (52.6 percent) were the only others to receive votes on at least 50 percent of ballots last year. Players must be on 75 percent of ballots to earn their place in Cooperstown.

Schilling threw 97 pitches, giving up three runs on six hits and striking out nine. He will be re-evaluated and could return for the weekend series against the Giants.

“He’s got a problem in a slightly different area of his ankle,” manager Terry Francona said. “It’s higher. I don’t know if you’d call it tendinitis. It’s a tendon problem.” Schilling won’t miss any starts with the injury.

No word yet on a diagnosis. Schilling was able to get through a bullpen session yesterday, but he didn’t seem all that pleased with the results. He will pitch through the ankle injury, probably with help from some pre-game shots. Our guess is that the problem has eliminated what slim chance there was of him going in Games 1, 4 and 7 in the ALDS.

This would make sense against any other team, but Wakefield has had so much success against the Yankees of late that it may be a mistake giving him only one start. At least he will be available out of the pen at the beginning and end of the series. Schilling was officially cleared to start Game 1 yesterday. He’ll probably receive an injection for his ankle prior to the game.

Schilling threw for approximately 10 minutes in the bullpen yesterday and was able to push off the rubber far better than in previous attempts. Following Schilling in the rotation likely would be Tim Wakefield, although Bronson Arroyo would also be available.

It was reported that Schilling could undergo surgery tomorrow, but that won’t happen. He’ll be reexamined on Friday.

Team physician Bill Morgan told The Associated Press the team might have to abandon their current tactics with Schilling’s ankle after the right-hander experienced increased pain today. “Honestly, we may not be able to do it a third time,” Morgan said. “It depends on what his tissues look like.” Assuming that tonight goes OK, we find it hard to believe that Schilling wouldn’t pitch in Game 6 if the series continues. He just might do it without the stitches in his ankle.

Schilling, who has a dislocated peroneal tendon in the ankle, was slated to be examined yesterday and undergo surgery Monday but both dates had to be pushed back a day. He will now be examined today.

Schilling, who received a contract extension as part of the deal that sent him to Boston last November, will make $12.5 million next year and $13 million in 2006.