Curt Schilling dogs Javier Vazquez

As if Yankees pitcher Javier Vazquez doesn't have enough detractors in the seats at Yankee Stadium, former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling today predicted a continued lack of success for Vazquez in the American League. Schilling made his comments on ESPN Radio in an interview with host Colin Cowherd.

Vazquez is 1-3 with a 9.00 ERA after getting shelled again Sunday by the Angels in Anaheim. "He's not a guy that I've ever felt was comfortable in the glow," Schilling said of Vazquez. "You're seeing what you're going to get from him consistently all year. Having said that, he could turn around next week and throw a one-hitter with his stuff. I just don't see him being a consistent winner in the American League."

Many Yankees fans were upset when the club signed Vazquez as a free agent following a stellar year in Atlanta, where he finished fourth in the voting for the National League Cy Young Award. The fans still haven't forgiven Vazquez for giving up the grand slam to Johnny Damon in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS when the Red Sox became the first team ever to win a playoff series after trailing 3-0.

"He's a phenomenal National League pitcher," Schilling said. "It's hard to say this without sounding disrespectful and I don't mean it that way -- the National League is an easier league to pitch in, period. Some guys aren't equipped to get those same outs in the American League, and he's one of those guys."

Actually, Vazquez's numbers argue the opposite. He's 90-93 in eight NL seasons with a 3.58 ERA versus a record of 53-49 with a 3.21 ERA in five AL seasons. But try telling that to Yankees fans.