Lou Piniella interested if Curt Schilling wants to be a Cub

Pitcher, though, still noncommittal about whether he will come back

March 2, 2009

PEORIA, Ariz. — Curt Schilling reminded visitors to his Web site Sunday that he had not decided whether to make a comeback.

Schilling created an uproar Saturday when he said he'd be interested in pitching for the Cubs or Tampa Bay if he decides to play.

The Cubs have not ruled out the possibility of signing Schilling to a low-base, one-year contract. He probably wouldn't be ready to pitch until June or July because he had shoulder surgery last summer.

Though some suggest Schilling is out of shape and over the hill, manager Lou Piniella appears intrigued.

"This guy, he's a pro," Piniella said. "I don't know how accurate [the reports] are, but if you get a pitcher with his credentials and his winning habits, it would be something to explore."

Crazy train: Milton Bradley took batting practice Sunday and told trainer Mark O'Neal his sore left quad was improving. But Piniella had no timetable for Bradley's return.

And what did Piniella think of Bradley's comment to Tribune columnist Rick Morrissey that "the media is crazy" for thinking he is crazy?

"No, I don't think [the media is] crazy, absolutely not," Piniella said. "But he was probably joking."

Bradley, however, was not laughing or smiling when he made the remark.

"I think in this business, everybody might be a little crazy," Piniella said.

Marmol time: Carlos Marmol will leave Tuesday to train with the Dominican team for the World Baseball Classic, ending a tug of war over whether he'd play.

"Basically, I could tell he wanted to go but he was concerned about going," Piniella said. "If Marmol had been our closer last year, I'm sure he would've gone without even thinking about it.

"It's an honor to represent your country. At the same time, he is competing for a job and he was a little concerned. I told him: 'Lay your fears to rest. We'll let you compete when you get back here.'

"No decision will be made without Marmol being here."

Under WBC guidelines, relievers can't pitch in back-to-back games if they've thrown 30 or more pitches in the first game. They also can't be used more than two days in a row.

Extra innings: Former Cub Sean Gallagher will face Sean Marshall on Tuesday when the Cubs play Oakland. ...

Despite not playing for two years, third baseman Corey Koskie, who signed a minor-league deal, will get a real chance to compete for a roster spot. "That's a long time, but if he does as well as Josh Hamilton, I think we can use him," Piniella said, laughing. ...

Rich Harden will throw his second batting-practice session Tuesday but is not yet scheduled to pitch in a game.