Curt Schilling Predicts Red Sox Will Lose Fascinating World Series Matchup

Curt Schilling is buying into the 2016 Boston Red Sox — to an extent.

Schilling said Wednesday on WEEI’s “Dennis and Callahan” that he believes the Red Sox are for real and that Boston can ride its red-hot offense all the way to the World Series. The former Red Sox pitcher has some doubts about whether Boston can finish the job in the Fall Classic, though, as a worthy National League adversary stands in the way.

“I’m saying right now Cubs-Red Sox World Series, with Theo (Epstein) breaking the Cubs’ curse,” Schilling predicted.

Epstein, of course, was hired as general manager of the Red Sox before the 2003 Major League Baseball season. He helped bring two World Series titles to Boston before leaving the organization in October 2011 to become Chicago’s president of baseball operations.

The Cubs still haven’t won a World Series since 1908, but Epstein has built what looks like a perennial contender in the Windy City. And several former Red Sox players, including Jon Lester, John Lackey and David Ross, are providing veteran leadership amid the Cubs’ 2016 success.

A World Series matchup between the Red Sox and Cubs certainly would carry plenty of intrigue for many of the reasons mentioned. Schilling, who was acquired by the Red Sox in November 2003 when Epstein still was at the helm, just isn’t sure whether Boston has the arms to win its fourth World Series title in 13 seasons.

“I think if (the Red Sox) want to win a World Series (they need another starting pitcher),” Schilling said. “Do you think on any day they can outpitch the Mets? Those are the teams you are going to see in October.

“I think the back of their bullpen is wonderful, but that is not a matchup you worry about before you worry about starters. … There is probably no team other than the Cubs better positioned to get that guy at the deadline.”

Either way, a Red Sox-Cubs World Series would be fascinating, don’t you think?