Should I play or should I go?

[jpalexa]

One of the sports radio jocks here in Atlanta had an interesting hypothetical situation the other day: If you, as a pitcher, have an opportunity to pitch Game 7 of a World Series, but you will, most likely, damage your arm forever (that is, you will not be able to pitch another game), do you go for the shot of winning the Series, or do you beg off and hope for another WS chance?

Things to consider: age of the pitcher, number of years having pitched in the Majors, likelihood of that pitcher/team making to another World Series, etc.

What if the pitcher was 35 years old, 14 seasons in the Bigs, team has a fair chance of making it back?

What if it were a rookie phenom pitcher on a power team (a la Yankees)? On a team unlikely to make it back (a la '97 Marlins)? Of course, this guy could probably get picked up by a good team....

What if it were a decent, but not great pitcher, just starting out -- and (for argument's sake) this guy wasn't likely to get another shot at the WS, but had 10+ years of MLB baseball left in him?

What would *you* do?

[BuzzBuzzard]

Given all the variables as you've desribed them, this is not such a simple question. However, in Schilling's case, I take the ball and throw caution to the wind.

[NetShrine]

Is my contract guaranteed? How's my portfolio? Need to know before I can answer.

[jpalexa]

Give me both scenarios for yourself. Money is an issue, and money is not an issue.

I am just interested in how people see the "glory" of (potentially) being the winner of a WS Game 7. How much is it "worth"?

[Skipper Steve]

If my career is just about over, and money is no issue, I'm probably starting - - - - 'tho, I think the question is flawed. How effective would I be if I'm in some sort of state that pitching would be career threatening? I would only pitch if I thought I could be effective.

Originally posted by Skipper Steve
If my career is just about over, and money is no issue, I'm probably starting - - - - 'tho, I think the question is flawed. How effective would I be if I'm in some sort of state that pitching would be career threatening? I would only pitch if I thought I could be effective.

If I'm a 19 y.o. Dr. K in my rook season, I don't pitch since there's way too much involved.

If I'm 40 or 41, my arm or shoulder wouldn't be otherwise bothered and I'm not in a sling for life or feeling pain for the next 20 years, I'm about to retire and this is the defining moment of my career, especially no pretty jewelry on my digits, yup, I'm out there giving it my all.

[jpalexa]

Yeah, I guess the question is kinda vague. Let's keep it to a sorta-semi-Schilling-esque situation then. Great pitcher but played a lot of years on bad clubs, still got six to eight years in your arm, this is likely (but not definitely) to be your one shot at a Game 7 start/win. Say that you own a Cy Young, and are likely to get another later in your career and probably 200+ wins. If you win this Game 7 however, you're done tomorrow.

I don't know. You're right. The question *is* flawed. It is hard for me to just "make up" the scenario. The spirit of the question is how much do you risk for what.

Ah, kill the thread. I'll come up with something else.

[Skipper Steve]

It was still a fun thread - no need to kill it. Let others register in if they want.