Schilling an ideal comeback candidate

Veteran has bounced back strong from injury-riddled 2005.

In case it seems like a hazy memory, this is what Curt Schilling was thinking all those months ago after his final start of Spring Training:
"I want to believe that physically I can be where I was, if not better, because I feel like I've added some things, and mentally I'm better," said Schilling. "Until you go out there and it counts, you can think all you want. I'm human, so I want to see myself get it done, so that's probably where a lot of the nerves come from."
Needless to say, the nerves are gone and the swagger is back. The ongoing nightmare that was Schilling's 2005 season -- a disastrous comeback from right ankle surgery that included endless struggles as both a starter and a closer -- have virtually been erased from the record.
Schilling is an ace again, one of the best pitchers in baseball. And despite being snubbed in his quest to make the American League All-Star team, he has been the anchor of the Boston pitching staff.
And after going 8-8 with a 5.69 ERA last year, Schilling has set himself up nicely as a Comeback Player of the Year candidate.
Last year's winners of the Comeback Player of the Year Award, presented by Viagra and voted on by fans via MLB.com, were Jason Giambi of the Yankees and Ken Griffey Jr. of the Reds.
It became clear from the outset in 2006 that Schilling was back in prime form. He won his first four starts of the season and the Red Sox went 18-6 in his first 24 starts. Schilling had a 14-4 record as of Aug. 6.
In a year in which the Red Sox have had their fair share of injuries to key players, Schilling has enjoyed having such a heavy burden on his right shoulder.
"I know where I belong here," Schilling said. "I know what people expect when I go out there. Losing games or winning games can be momentum changers."
Schilling, even at this late stage of his career, can overpower teams with his fastball or perplex them with his mind.
"At times -- you know what it is -- it's his will," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "He just wills it to be good enough to win."
The big thing with Schilling has been his consistency. He has surrendered three earned runs or less in 16 of his first 24 starts. In that same span, he went at least seven innings 13 times.
If you're looking for a big-game pitcher who will keep his team in almost every game he pitches, that is Schilling.
"When Schilling is healthy, you've got one of the best pitchers in the game," said Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis. "He's throwing the ball good and has that swagger, and that's what you need from Schill."
Schilling is back indeed, making him the comeback kid at the age of 39.