Shilling Announces Retirement

Future Hall of Famer (???) Curt Shilling announced his retirement today, according to reports from the Associated Press and Shilling's blog; 38pitches.com:

Curt Schilling retired from baseball Monday after a career in which he won World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks and was one of the game's most dominant pitchers and grittiest competitors.

The 42-year-old right-hander said on his blog he's leaving after 23 years with "zero regrets." Schilling missed all of last season with a shoulder injury after signing a one-year, $8 million contract.

Shilling is most famous for the "Bloody Sock Incident", where he pitched through a ankle injury to win Game 2 of the 2004 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. His sock was eventually enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Schilling finished his career with 3,116 strikeouts, a 216-146 record, and a 3.46 ERA.

Spring Training Aches and Pains

Midway through the 2009 Spring Training season we're starting to see some significant bumps and bruises piling up around the league.

Whether its because of the World Baseball Classic, poor offseason conditioning, or players trying to work the winter kinks out of their system, some big names are starting to show up on the benches;

A-Rod; in case you missed it. Hip surgery. Out til May. Moving on.

Cole Hamels is experiencing tightness in his pitching elbow, and may not be the World F*cking Champs opening day starter this season.

Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman has been sidelined thanks to a strain in his right side.

Manny's hammy is barking, causing Joe Torre to relegate his dread locked slugger to the bench.

Aaron Boone is going to have open heart surgery to correct a valve disorder. Not sure when or if he'll ever return to baseball. We're wishing him good luck and a speedy recovery.

Star outfielder Ryan Braun was pulled from the WBC thanks to aggravating his right rib cage.

Mariano Rivera threw for the first time this season and looked good.

A's Land Cabrera

The Oakland Athletics found a replacement for oft-injured shortstop Bobby Crosby in the fleet footed Orlando Cabrera:

The A's deal with Cabrera is worth $4 million. He was said to be looking for about $9 million earlier in the offseason.

Bobby Crosby, Oakland's incumbent shortstop, is entering the final year of a deal that will pay him close to $5.25 million this year.

According to multiple published reports, the A's are also close to signing Nomar Garciaparra to a one year deal. Nomar would be expected to play a utility role, backing up at first and third base.

If the A's decide to trade Crosby, Nomar would likely fill in at shortstop as well.