Schilling's new on-air gig expands his role with the sports radio network. In November, he launched a blog on WEEI.com, home of his popular 38pitches .com site.

Schilling will also participate in game-day blogging for six Red Sox games during the 2009 season. He will contribute his observations with other members of WEEI.com's editorial staff.

``This is my first spring training without Baseball in my life,'' Schilling said in a statement. ``I am looking forward to continuing my involvement in the game and the connection to Red Sox Nation by contributing to `The Big Show.' ''

Last fall, Schilling joined WEEI.com for a live blog of Game 7 of the American League Championship Series between the Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. Schilling has also been a regular call-in guest on John Dennis and Gerry Callahan's show since 2005.

``The Big Show,'' which has been hosted by Ordway since its inception in 1995, has ranked No. 1 among men ages 25 to 54 in every ratings book but one since the spring of 2003, according to WEEI. The show airs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

``Curt has always been outspoken and very thoughtful in his comments about the Sox and Baseball in general,'' said Ordway. ``He speaks from the heart and is extremely passionate about the game. . . . I think he's perfect for the format of our show, but I wish he'd gain 40 or 50 pounds so he'd look a lot more like the group.''

Schilling pitched for the Boston Red Sox from 2004-08, helping the team win two World Series. He also has focused on video-game development with his Maynard-based company, 38 Studios, originally called Green Monster Games.