The doctor Curt Schilling says knows his shoulder the best has reportedly said that Schilling has no chance to pitch again unless he has surgery on his throwing shoulder. Schilling has developed a shoulder problem since the 2007 season ended.

Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox want Schilling to follow a course of treatment that includes rest and rehabilitation (including cortisone shots) and no operation. And if Schilling doesn't take that strong advice, his $8 million contract goes up in smoke, his own doctor says.

So Schilling is doing the financially prudent thing. He'll do the R&R; thing that the Red Sox want and hope to be back in action by the All-Star break.

Look, the guy is 41. He ought to be the one trying to avoid the scalpel.

Do what the team wants. If it works, fine. If it doesn't, collect the dough and then do what you have to do to make sure you can swing a golf club.