News | Rays

Schilling awed by Carmona's season

By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer
Published October 13, 2007

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BOSTON - Indians RHP Fausto Carmona has done a lot of impressive things in a spectacular breakout season. He won 19 games, posted a 3.06 ERA that was second best in the league, threw 215 innings and went 5-0 down the stretch.

And Friday, in what might have been his greatest accomplishment, he got Red Sox starter Curt Schilling to sound humble.

"You know, it's been a long time, I think, since I've gone into a game being an underdog, but given the year he had and the way he's throwing, I can absolutely see why people think we're going to have a hard time winning that game," said Schilling, he of the 9-2, 1.93 career postseason marks.

"He's been phenomenal, he's been consistent, his stuff is electric, and he's been fun to watch. I'd rather be facing somebody else. But this is what it comes down to me in October is, you've got to outpitch the other team, much more so I think than in the regular season."

Carmona, who emerged this season after spending most of 2006 in the bullpen, including a highly flammable stint as closer, didn't buy Schilling's spiel. "I don't think Schilling is going to be the underdog," he said through an interpreter. "I don't believe that. I've got to pitch (tonight) and then we'll talk about it."

NO SWEAT: Indians starter C.C. Sabathia has had two rough playoff starts after pitching a major-league-high 241 innings, but manager Eric Wedge said he didn't think the big lefty was wearing down. "He's really strong," Wedge said. "I don't think fatigue is a factor. I think sometimes C.C., his heart gets in the way. He tries to do a little too much."

TAMPA TIES: Indians OF Jason Michaels hasn't played much, but that hasn't dulled the first playoff adventure for the Tampa Jesuit graduate and Carrollwood resident. "This is my sixth year in the big leagues, so I'm excited about going to the postseason," he said. "There's been some great players - I don't know who they are - that have never been to the postseason. I'm very fortunate and lucky to be a part of something like this."

IT TAKES A NATION: With a long list of options from franchise history, the Sox's choice to throw out the first pitch before Friday's game was the 17-year-old who had a brush with fame last week when he pulled a foul ball from the glove of Angels catcher Jeff Mathis to prolong a key Manny Ramirez at-bat.

Why? Danny Vinik happens to be the son of one of the team's limited partners, Jeff Vinik.

MISCELLANY: Game-time temperature was 54, with 21 mph winds. ... Sox reliever Mike Timlin, a Tarpon Springs resident, made his 21st LCS appearance, second most behind New York's Mariano Rivera (25). ... The Game 1 winner has won the ALCS 22 of 37 times.

ALCS

Red Sox lead Indians 1-0

All games Ch. 13, 1470-AM

TeamsDay/time1Red Sox 10, Indians 32at BostonToday, 8Cle.: Carmona (19-8, 3.06)

 

Bos.: Schilling (9-8, 3.87)

3at ClevelandMonday, 74at ClevelandTuesday, 85*at ClevelandThursday, 86*at BostonOct. 20, TBA7*at BostonOct. 21, TBA*If necessary

 

[Last modified October 13, 2007, 01:17:21]

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