01:00 AM EDT on Saturday, June 25, 2005

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA -- Curt Schilling threw 84 pitches in a five-inning simulated game early yesterday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park and has been cleared to begin a rehabilitation assignment.

Schilling will join the Pawtucket Red Sox for their game Wednesday in Charlotte.

The right-hander, who is rebounding from offseason right ankle surgery and then a bone bruise that derailed his 2005 season after three April starts, said yesterday he would need "more than one start" in the minors before rejoining Boston's staff.

That likely will mean that the Sox' ace would make his second rehab start at McCoy Stadium on July 4, if all goes well on Wednesday and if, as expected, he works on a normal four days' rest.

Schilling, who also had thrown a simulated game in Cleveland last Monday, pitched to Kevin Youkilis and Ramon Vazquez again yesterday. He faced a total of 22 "hitters" over the five innings, which included rests between "innings" to simulate game conditions. Schilling gave up only five hits, including a pair of homers by Youkilis. He struck out six.

The issue, though, wasn't the results. It was how his ankle and the rest of his body held up. And his performance, which included fielding drills after the simulated game, convinced the Sox he is ready for the next step on his comeback trail.

"He looked good. He looked real healthy. He's not ready to pitch up here (but) I thought he did a great job. I thought he was pitching great the other day, too, but he needed to repeat that (yesterday) so when we send him out, he can pitch (more than a couple of innings)," said manager Terry Francona, who added that Schilling likely would throw 75-80 pitches for the PawSox in Charlotte.

While it will be a bit like spring training for Schilling, the difference is that Schilling already has built up arm strength, agreed Francona and his 38-year-old ace.

"I felt great," said Schilling. "I expect to get better, but I used all my pitches. They've been getting sharper the last couple of days. I could have gone longer (yesterday). I need to pitch to get stronger, to stretch it out more for them than for me."

Schilling had said a week or so ago that he was shooting to come back before the All-Star break, which begins after the game on July 10. Yesterday, he refused to divulge his personal plan.

"It's going to take more than one (rehab) start. That's all I know now," said Schilling.

Remember when . . .

Francona was in demand from the local media. His first big-league managerial stint was here in the City of Brotherly Love, and the fans didn't show him much love by the time his four-year reign came to a close after the 2000 season.

His feelings of anger and frustration from losing games and ultimately being fired has faded somewhat, said Francona yesterday. He comes back with a World Series title now on his résumé after the Sox' championship last fall, but he said he doesn't consider it vindication for his often-rocky time in Philly.

"I'm glad we won (in 2004). That was our goal. But it's not like 'I told you so,' " said Francona yesterday. "That doesn't seem to make sense. When I left here it was time to get fired. Time heals a lot of stuff."

Time also has brought the Phillies a brand-new ballpark, with the old Veterans Stadium blown up after the 2003 season. Francona was impressed with the new digs.

"I haven't seen an animal yet," joked Francona, referring to the large rodents that resided at the maligned Vet. "And there's no garbage can in my office catching the water. That's different."

Two ex-Sox on hand

Former Boston pitcher and instructor "Broadway Charlie" Wagner, at 92 the oldest Red Sox alumnus, was on hand for last night's game. He lives in Reading, Pa.

Another former Sox player, catcher John Marzano, was at the ballpark, too, though in an official capacity. Marzano, who also played briefly for Seattle and Texas, does a postgame television show for the Phillies.

Around the bases

Johnny Damon's fifth-inning single extended his hitting streak to 11 games . . . Trot Nixon has had at least one hit in each of his last seven starts . . . Philadelphia pitcher Jon Lieber was 1 for 31 this season before lining a third-inning single to right-center off Tim Wakefield, the Phillies' first hit of the game . . . Left fielder Manny Ramirez made a sterling catch with a feet-first slide in foul territory in the fourth, somehow avoiding an ankle injury as he slammed into the wall while managing to hang onto the ball. One Sox fan handed Ramirez his cap, which he had lost in the process of retiring Jim Thome, after Ramirez threw the ball in to the infield. Sox fans in left field gave Ramirez an ovation, which he acknowledged by pointing both index fingers in their direction . . . Matt Clement will be making his ninth daytime start of the year today. He is 4-0 with a 2.45 earned-run average during the day. In his seven nighttime starts, he is 3-1 with a 4.67 E.R.A.

And finally . . .

Last night's win against Philadelphia was the first for Tim Wakefield since he blanked them, 5-0, on Sept. 30, 1993, when he was pitching for Pittsburgh. He fell one inning shy of his first shutout since July 29, 1997, when he beat Seattle, 4-0, for the Sox . . . Doug Mirabelli has three home runs, and he has yet to hit a solo shot. He has a grand slam, a three-run shot and two-run homer.