Indians Look Into Pavano

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Sources: Cleveland Indians making push for Carl Pavano - ESPN

The Cleveland Indians have emerged as a strong candidate to sign free-agent pitcher Carl Pavano, several baseball sources told ESPN.com.

Pavano, 32, is looking to rehabilitate his career after suffering numerous injuries in four seasons with the Yankees. He posted a 9-8 record in 26 starts after signing a four-year, $39.95 million contract with New York in December 2004.

It's believed that Pavano is looking for a contract with a low base salary and incentives based upon his workload. The deal could be similar to Mike Hampton's recent contract with the Houston Astros, which will pay Hampton a guaranteed $2 million and an additional $2 million in potential bonuses.

The article says the Marlins, Nationals and Blue Jays are also interested. The Indians giving a Hampton-like deal to Pavano would be a good move for them. They have already improved on the bullpen and this Indians team was the second best in all of baseball in the second half last year. This might just be worth a shot.

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Indians signed RHP Carl Pavano, who had been with the Yankees, to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
The Denver Post reports that Pavano can make an additional $5.3 million in incentives that begin to kick in with 18 starts and 130 innings pitched. Pavano figures to join Cliff Lee, Fausto Carmona and Anthony Reyes in Cleveland's rotation. That would leave one spot, with Scott Lewis and Aaron Laffey favored over Jeremy Sowers and Zach Jackson.

Decent pickup for the Indians for the money. He could pay off but it is doubtful. They might have to use him out of the bullpen.