YES Network.com

Former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling has long rubbed Yankees fans the wrong way with his oft-controversial opinions. But this time, the former New York nemesis has what could be good news for Yankees fans.

When news broke of Michael Pineda’s torn labrum earlier this week, a timetable of 12 months was given for his return. Schilling, now an ESPN baseball analyst, thinks the 23-year old pitcher could and should be back sooner.

"He can be back better than he has ever been in 10 months," said Schilling. "Maybe less, because he is younger. It is going to be 100 percent on him."

While Schilling is not a doctor, nor has he accessed Pineda’s medical files, he does speak from experience. Schilling had surgery on his torn labrum when he was 28 years old.

"I came back after my surgery, throwing four to six miles harder than I did before," said Schilling. "That is where the magic is. It is all about rehab. Most doctors can make you 100 percent well physically. I would tell you that it is 25 percent about the surgery and 75 percent about the rehab."

Schilling’s comments clearly put the onus on Pineda’s work ethic. If Yankees fans are to see their young hurler earlier than expected, it will be a result of Pineda’s hard work, according to Schilling.