From the Hartford Courant’s David Heuschkel.
The news that Curt Schilling (above, right) will take over as closer raised some eyebrows in the Boston clubhouse.
“I don’t think he’s ready to be our closer,” Johnny Damon said before Wednesday’s victory in Texas, endorsing Bronson Arroyo and Timlin. “I think Bronson would be our best choice as a closer. That’s if Mike Timlin’s not it.
“Mike Timlin deserves to be it. All his years in the big leagues and the fact that he came in [Tuesday] night’s game and threw six pitches and we were done. That’s pretty good. He’s going to throw strikes. He’s going to make the plays. I think Mike Timlin definitely deserves that spot.”
Alan Embree retired one batter to save Matt Clement’s win Wednesday.
Asked about the closer’s job again after the game, Damon said, “You got a lot of upset people in here. You’ve got a lot of guys busting their butts in the bullpen all year.”
Another player, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it was a “slap in the face” to other relievers that Schilling is getting a chance to close.