Boston pitcher Curt Schilling is considering returning for the 2009 season, but only to pitch for half the season, and only under the "right circumstances." For Schilling, the right circumstances mean being completely healthy up until his point of return and being picked up by a playoff bound team. Schilling did not pitch at all this season and admits that retirement is not out of the question.
Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell has been removed from the ALDS roster with complications from his hip injury. If Lowell is well enough to play again, he would be eligible to return for the World Series, that is of course if the Red Sox can make it that far. Lowell was replaced on the roster by Gil Velazquez.
Sources close to the team have made claims that Milwaukee will take a shot at keeping their All-Star pitcher, CC Sabathia. The earliest rumors dealing with Sabathia's projected salary report figures upwards of 100 million dollars. Johan Santana holds the record for a pitcher at $137.5 mil over 6 years, but if the Yankees get involved, that number could sky rocket.
Rays third baseman Evan Longoria continues to thrive on the big stage, showing no signs of slowing down from an already extraordinary rookie season. Thursday Longoria became the first rookie ever to homer in his first two postseason at-bats, and only the second player in MLB history to do so. At age 22, Longoria is quickly becoming one of the league's elite, and he knows it.
Boston Ace Josh Beckett is scheduled to start game 3 of the ALDS against the Angels on Sunday. Beckett threw a side session on Thursday, one that consisted of 67 pitches and ended with all positive feedback from the medical staff. Beckett has been out with a strained oblique, and the Red Sox know that getting him back in the postseason rotation would be huge. Daisuke will start game 2.
