See the end of the post for the final update. Numerous reports are placing the Cleveland Indians as the front-runner to land former Expos, Yankees, and Marlins starting pitcher, Carl Pavano. Pavano would likely slide into the back-end of the Tribe's rotation alongside Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers, while Fausto Carmona and reigning Cy Young award winner Cliff Lee anchor it.
I don't believe there's much of a market for Pavano, so the Indians won't be overpaying for him. It's a good thing, too, because if you look at Pavano's track record, he's been a less than average pitcher with the exception of one season. In 2004, Pavano went 18-8 with a 3.00 ERA in 222 1/3 innings of work. This was following an average-ish 2003 season, though he was lights out in the postseason as the Marlins won it all.
In the wake of those performances, the Yankees signed Pavano to an absurd contract, which has now -- four years and $38 million later -- finally concluded. That's only $4.22 million per win, so I guess it was worth it.
For his career, which spans 10 seasons, Pavano has only started more than 30 games twice. He's only won more than eight twice. His ERA was only better than league average twice, and one of those instances was in 2000, when he only worked 97 innings.
On the flip side, he's only going to be 33 this season. If you sign him to a bargain basement contract -- or even an incentive-laden one -- and slot him as your fifth starter, it's a low-risk/high-reward deal. I guess it's possible -- far-fetched, but possible -- he all of a sudden pitches like it's 2004.
Update (4:10 EST): He has signed a one-year deal worth $1.5 million initially, but it could expand all the way to $6.8 million if he reaches several different incentive points, including starts and innings pitched. The bonus money starts to kick in with Pavano's 18th start this season. Considering he only made 26 in the past four years, that's a tall task.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
I say good riddance to Pavano. Not only is he a lousy pitcher, he is a lousy team player. He could not keep himself healthy even if he lived in a bubble. Good luck Cleveland if you think he is for you. Kinda reminds me of the movie Major league, only this will end badly.As a Yankee fan I could never understand why they went after this bum in the first place.
When did 5mm become a bargin basement price..?
Indians overpaid for this Fairy..
Clay Aiken is tougher him.
He has no heart and is self centered AHole...
Carl you stole money for the last 4 years
Carl should be in NMBLA not the MLB
I wrote the part above "UPDATE" before he signed. I had no idea what he would sign for. Of course, less than an hour after my post he signed, so I included the details.
No, $5 million is not a bargain for Pavano. However, in order for him to make that much money he'll have to be very productive.