Schmidt could fit if Sox can deal with it
By Tony Massarotti/ Covering All Bases
Sunday, July 24, 2005
With one week to go until the annual July 31 trading deadline, Jason Schmidt remains a member of the San Francisco Giants. And for as much attention as A.J. Burnett has received in recent weeks, Schmidt remains the most intriguing potential acquisition as the 2005 baseball season heads for its critical stages.
And that is true for the Red Sox as much as anyone.
According to baseball sources, the Giants have been among the most dedicated teams scouting the Red Sox' minor league system in recent days, which places Schmidt squarely on the radar approaching next Sunday's afternoon deadline. Publicly, at least, the Giants indicate they are not likely to deal the pitcher, who is 7-5 with a 4.74 ERA in what has heretofore been a disappointing season.
Since the All-Star break, however, Schmidt is 1-0 with a 2.12 ERA over two starts, during which he has struck out 17 in 13 innings. One scout said that the zip has returned to Schmidt's fastball, which was mysteriously devoid of life during the earlier parts of the season.
For the Red Sox, the question now becomes this: If Schmidt is indeed available -- and at this stage, that remains a very big if -- is he worth the gamble for a club that desperately needs a presence at the front end of its rotation in both the short and long term?
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