The fairytale has finally ended.
Since the team's inception in 1998, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been a blessing to the Phoenix area. It took the team just one season to make the playoffs and only two more after that to win a World Series, giving the Valley its first major sports championship.
That instant success brought jealousy upon the players and fans of almost every team in baseball as they watched an expansion team dominate the major leagues and saw its spoiled fans celebrate like some fans haven't been able to do in nearly 100 years.
But news of Curt Schilling's possible trade to Boston also brings news that the Diamondbacks joyride is over and that the team is finally coming down to earth.
If Schilling approves the proposed trade, the Diamondbacks will in return get Casey Fossum, Brandon Lyon and a bucket of baseballs (or prospects). The Red Sox roster is full of All-Stars, and the fact that Arizona went after two average pitchers and some minor leaguers in return demonstrates the team's goal is to rebuild with young players and cut salary.
Injuries hampered Schilling's pitching last season, but when healthy, he was the best right-hander in the National League. And combined with teammate Randy Johnson, the league's best lefty, the tandem can single-handedly be thanked for the 2001 World Series.
Just the fact Arizona is interested in shopping Schilling means the team is now officially part of baseball's lowly society. This includes just about every major league team not named the Braves or the Yankees that has had to go through some type of rebuilding process during the past 10 years. While the Marlins and Angels have shown that big stars don't equate to a World Series title, the odds are better that Arizona will be one of the teams that has to struggle just to keep a winning record.
Reports have suggested the Diamondbacks will pursue Brewers' first baseman Richie Sexson to make up for Schilling's loss. Sexson can hit for power, but he's a strikeout junky and his impact won't be nearly as significant as Schilling's.
There is a sign of optimism, however, for Arizona fans that the team may be trying to do more than just rebuild with youth. On Monday, the Diamondbacks signed 46-year-old Jesse Orosco to a minor league contract. Now there's a permanent solution if Schilling leaves.
Oh, I almost forgot. I hate to break it to Red Sox fans, but acquiring Schilling won't mean your team will win the World Series.
Reach the reporter at andrew.bernick@asu.edu.
