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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Shoulder pain could sideline Schilling


Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling signed a one-year $8 million contract in November. Associated Press
 (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
From Wire Reports The Spokesman-Review

Curt Schilling has an undisclosed injury in his right shoulder, and the pitcher has been squabbling with the Boston Red Sox over whether he should have surgery that could cost him the season or try something less drastic.

Writing on his blog, 38pitches.com, Schilling said Thursday night that he has agreed to abide by the club’s request to rely on rest and rehabilitation.

“There have been disagreements these past few weeks in an effort to provide me with a solution that would allow me to pitch as much as possible during the 2008 season,” Schilling wrote. “At no time did I ever consider taking a course of action against the club’s wishes. In the end, regardless of who agreed with whom, I have chosen the club’s course of action and will vigorously pursue any and every option I can to be able to help this team to another World Series title in 2008.”

The Boston Herald first reported Schilling’s injury on its Web site, saying the injury was serious enough to consider surgery that could keep him out for the whole 2008 season. The Boston Globe reported later Thursday that even without surgery Schilling would be out until at least the All-Star break.

The dispute over Schilling’s treatment went far enough to lead Schilling to consult with the players’ union over his rights.

He agreed in November to a one-year, $8 million contract that allows him to earn an additional $5 million in performance and weight bonuses. The 41-year-old right-hander has said that this will be his last year.

Bedard starts physicals

Eric Bedard flew into Seattle and began a round of physical exams, and the testing is expected to continue today.

Bedard’s arrival in Seattle means the Baltimore Orioles have given their approval to the physicals taken by Mariners outfielder Adam Jones and relief pitcher George Sherrill, who underwent those exams Monday in Baltimore.

If Bedard’s exams go well, the Mariners could announce the trade today.

PETA calls out Martinez

A video of Pedro Martinez and Juan Marichal at a cockfight in the Dominican Republic was posted this week on YouTube and it showed the two laughing before releasing the roosters.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent letters to both pitchers, calling on them to publicly apologize. The Humane Society of the United States said “Major League Baseball should join us in condemning Martinez and Marichal for their shameful example.”

“I understand that people are upset, but this is part of our Dominican culture and is legal in the Dominican Republic,” Martinez said in a statement issued by the New York Mets. “I was invited by my idol, Juan Marichal, to attend the event as a spectator, not as a participant.”

McNamee presents case

Roger Clemens spent Thursday going door-to-door on Capitol Hill, lobbying congressmen investigating whether he used drugs. His accuser, Brian McNamee, gave a seven-hour deposition behind closed doors, and the trainer’s lawyers presented photographs of evidence they said prove the star pitcher was injected with steroids.

Gonzalez signs deal

Outfielder Luis Gonzalez finalized his $2 million, one-year contract with the Florida Marlins.