Curt Schilling called into the Dennis & Callahan show this morning to discuss some topics in the sporting world, one of which was Billy Wagner’s recent decision to nix a trade to the Red Sox (CLICK HERE to listen to the entire interview):

On what Billy Wagner gains by staying in New York: I know that they’re probably not going to pick up his option, which I don’t think is the problem. I think arbitration is the problem here (in Boston).”

On Wagner’s alleged comments on “his desire to end the year healthy for the future” and that “he has a better chance lasting a month in a non-competitive environment”: I’ve known Billy Wagner a long time and I can absolutely believe that. I can believe that comment.

On Wagner being “nutty and a little strange”: No, not as much as you think. He’s left-handed, which makes him goofy to begin with.

On whether he and Papelbon could get along: They’d get along fine. Paps is Paps. There’s just not a whole lot of forethought there, and I’m one to talk. But if Billy Wagner if setting you up in the eighth, there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to get a few more save opportunities than you otherwise might. He’s always been a nightmare for left-handed hitters and when he was up around 100 (MPH) he was a nightmare for guys on both sides.

On whether he buys into the claim that Wagner was a righty at birth but broke his arm and switched to lefty, ultimately developing the ability to throw 100 MPH: I heard that story a long time ago. He says that it’s true, but I’m still calling it BS.

7 Comments for “Schilling talks Wagner on Dennis & Callahan”

1. empirelady Says:
   August 26th, 2009 at 2:35 am

   Being here in New York City,it is with sadness that I see the departure of Billy Wagner from the New York Mets,as he is an incredible asset to any team(I am a Mets fan,but absolutely NOT a Yankees fan). That said,I am also a tremendous supporter and “fan” of the Boston Red Sox,so if he had to go to another team,I am thrilled that it is to the Red Sox. To the Sox fans,I had an opportunity to see him pitch live,before he was injured,and you are getting one of the best there is. Assuming that he can remain healthy,he will do wonders for you,as you shall see. Enjoy the time that you have with him…I end on a very somber note. It is 3:30 in the morning here in New York City and I just learned of the death of the great,incredible,fabulous human being Senator Kennedy. I loved him a great deal and he shall be missed. I know that Republicans did not agree with him or like a great deal of his politics but he was fighting hard,always,to help fellow human beings,fought for the rights of others,understood that not everyone was as financially well off as he was,did a great deal for this country,showed a tremendous amount of caring for others,and in short,was a tremendous human being. He fought this horrendous disease of cancer but once again,as I have seen too many times,this damn disease won. There will probably never be another senator who will come close to what Senator Kennedy did and it is a great loss,to both Democrats and Republicans alike. My sympathy to his family and to all of you who loved him as I did. He had a great deal of pain and tragedy in his personal life,be it the deaths of family members or his young son losing a leg to cancer(his son in a letter told me that he considers himself physically challenged,not disabled)yet Senator Kennedy always pressed on,so we shall do the same,but there is a huge void that will never be filled.

2. John Says:
   August 26th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

   Hey Curt,

   Time to throw your hat in the ring at being the next Massachusetts US Senator. What do you think?

   Schill for Senator!!!!!

3. Darren Pare Says:
   August 26th, 2009 at 9:49 pm

   I think the Billy Wagner deal will work for Boston and if it doesn’t they can shut down the experiment and move on without losing out on much.

   Check out my new baseball novel, 33 Summers, at: http://www.amazon.com/33-Summers-Darren-Pare/dp/1608602605

4. Big John Says:
   August 27th, 2009 at 9:10 am

   Curt run for the Senate!

5. Bronx Bomber Says:
   August 27th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

   I just don’t understand what his role is going to be in Boston. Wagner is a closer, but the Sox already have Papelbon, and I can’t foresee Papelbon being relieved of his current duties. Where does he fit in???

6. Bill Says:
   August 27th, 2009 at 12:06 pm

   Phillies phan here. Wagner is a bum. He trashed the Phillies when he left cuase he didn’t get his way. Trashed management too.

7. JC Altman Says:
   September 2nd, 2009 at 10:06 pm

   Born in MA, don’t vote there now (military) – but will send money for your Senate campaign – PLEASE RUN!!!

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